Whether you tow a caravan to the coast for a weekend away, take a box trailer to the tip or rely on a trailer for work, the mechanical components underneath it deserve regular attention.
Unlike a car, a caravan or trailer may sit unused for weeks or months at a time. That doesn't mean its mechanical components stop ageing. Wheel bearings can lose lubrication, brake components can deteriorate, tyres can age and suspension components can wear even when the trailer isn't being used regularly.
For caravan and trailer owners in South West Rocks and surrounding areas, Marshy's Tyre & Mechanical provides mechanical servicing, repairs and NSW safety inspections to help keep your trailer or caravan roadworthy and ready for its next journey.
There's much more to a caravan or trailer than its body, interior and storage space. Beneath it are several important mechanical components that work together whenever you're towing.
These include:
Regular inspection of these components can identify wear before it develops into a breakdown or potentially dangerous towing problem.
Wheel bearings allow the wheels to rotate smoothly around the axle. They're subjected to heat, weight and constant rotation whenever your caravan or trailer is moving.
Because caravans can spend long periods sitting stationary, their wheel bearings can be particularly easy to overlook.
A bearing that is worn, damaged or incorrectly lubricated can generate excessive heat and friction. In severe cases, a failed bearing can damage the hub, axle or wheel assembly.
Transport for NSW specifically recommends checking that caravan wheel bearings are correctly adjusted and lubricated before towing.
Don't wait for a wheel bearing to fail on the highway. Having the bearings inspected and serviced at appropriate intervals can help prevent an inconvenient and potentially expensive roadside problem.
A caravan or trailer can add significant weight behind your vehicle, so its braking system needs to operate correctly.
Depending on the trailer, braking components may include brake drums, shoes, magnets, cables, electric brake controllers, hydraulic components or breakaway systems.
Wear or faults can result in:
Brake adjustment is also important. A braking system that isn't operating correctly can place additional workload on the towing vehicle and make controlling the combination more difficult. We recommend checking that trailer brakes operate correctly on all applicable axles before towing.
Caravan and trailer suspension has a demanding job. It supports the load while helping the wheels remain in contact with the road.
Over time, components such as bushes, springs, shock absorbers and other suspension parts can wear or deteriorate.
This can contribute to:
A trailer that feels different to tow than it did previously shouldn't simply be written off as "just how caravans drive". Changes in handling can be an indication that the suspension, tyres, wheel alignment or another component needs attention.
One of the easiest caravan maintenance mistakes is assuming tyres are fine because they have plenty of tread.
Caravan and trailer tyres can spend considerable periods stationary, sometimes exposed to sunlight, weather and temperature changes. Rubber deteriorates with age, and damage isn't always obvious from the tread.
During a mechanical inspection, tyres should be checked for:
Don't forget the spare tyre. A perfectly maintained caravan isn't much use if the spare has been sitting underneath it for years and isn't suitable for use when you need it.
NSW roadworthiness requirements state that tyres must be in good condition, have at least 1.5 mm tread and be free from cracks, bumps and uneven wear.
Mechanical servicing isn't only about things that rotate.
The coupling, drawbar, chassis, suspension mounting points, safety chains and other towing components should be checked for damage, looseness, excessive wear or corrosion.
This becomes particularly important for caravans and trailers that regularly travel on rough roads, carry heavy loads or spend time in coastal environments.
A component can look perfectly acceptable from a distance while developing wear, cracking or corrosion where it matters most.
Transport for NSW recommends checking towing components for looseness, cracks or substantial dents and ensuring safety chains are correctly connected before towing.
In NSW, many caravans and trailers require a yearly safety inspection for registration renewal. Trailers and caravans with an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of up to 4.5 tonnes are included in the light-vehicle safety inspection system, although some exemptions apply.
A safety inspection is different from a comprehensive mechanical service. The inspection determines whether the vehicle meets the applicable safety requirements at the time of inspection, while regular servicing is about maintaining the mechanical condition of the caravan or trailer over time.
This distinction is important.
A caravan passing its registration inspection doesn't mean its wheel bearings, suspension and other mechanical components can be ignored until the next inspection.
As an Authorised Inspection Scheme (AIS) provider, Marshy's Tyre & Mechanical can perform applicable NSW safety inspections for caravans and trailers, helping local owners keep their registration requirements and mechanical maintenance on track.
For current NSW requirements, always check the registration information supplied by Transport for NSW or Service NSW, as inspection requirements can vary according to the vehicle and its circumstances.
A few simple habits can reduce the likelihood of problems:
How often should caravan wheel bearings be serviced?
There isn't one interval that suits every caravan or trailer. Usage, load, bearing type, storage conditions and travel distances all make a difference. A mechanical inspection can determine whether the bearings require adjustment, lubrication or replacement.
Can a caravan pass its NSW safety inspection but still need servicing?
Yes. A safety inspection assesses whether the caravan or trailer meets the applicable safety requirements at the time of inspection. Regular mechanical servicing is still important for maintaining components such as bearings, brakes, suspension and tyres between inspections.
Should I service my caravan if I only use it a few times a year?
Yes. Infrequent use doesn't prevent components from ageing or deteriorating. In fact, long periods of storage can contribute to problems with tyres, bearings, brakes and other components.
Why does my caravan pull or sway when towing?
There can be several causes, including tyre pressures, loading, suspension problems, wheel alignment or other mechanical issues. Towing behaviour that has recently changed should be investigated rather than simply accepted as normal.
Do caravan tyres need replacing if they still have plenty of tread?
Potentially. Tread depth is only one part of tyre condition. Ageing, cracking, bulging, damage and deterioration can make a tyre unsuitable for continued use.
Can you repair a caravan or trailer if it fails its safety inspection?
Where a mechanical fault is identified, Marshy's Tyre & Mechanical can discuss the required repair or replacement work. Once repairs have been completed, the vehicle may need to undergo the appropriate inspection again depending on the circumstances.
From wheel bearings, brakes, suspension and tyres to other mechanical components that can affect safe towing, Marshy's Tyre & Mechanical can help identify issues before they become holiday-ending problems.
Before your next big trip, let Marshy's Tyre & Mechanical check what's happening underneath your caravan or trailer – because the best towing story is the one that doesn't involve a roadside breakdown.
Contact Marshy's Tyre & Mechanical in South West Rocks to arrange a caravan or trailer inspection, mechanical service or NSW Safety Certificate inspection.
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