Hi Vanners
A bone of contention here.......to adjust or not to adjust.......that`s the question?

I recently acquired a very well looked after Gypsey Regal and I am very happy with it.

On a recent trip down to the Drakensburg(Drakensville), I descended Oliviers Hoek Pass and to my dismay found that the van`s brakes didn`t work......A horrifying experience and after nursing the combo down the pass in 2/3rd gears trying to preserve the disc/brake pads we finally arrived at Drakensville. After a good few beers later ,I chatted to some of the fellows there and most of them said that they would leave such a task to the agents as they have special equipment to set the brakes???....lol..???
Good old "Google" brought me to websites where they describe the setting of the brakes on ALKO axles,fitted with appropriate brake drums. Would these adjustments be the same for the Regal (2000 model). The handbrake works fine and i have not taken off the drums to inspect the brake linings .

The original owner had it serviced at a well known Caravan Outlet here in Gauteng prior to the sale and I had scrutinised the invoice. No mention was made of "adjusting brakes". Surely this vital requirement is part of a checklist when a caravan is serviced.? I am in no position now to go back to the outlet to start an argument.....

Are there any vanners out there who have tackled this sort of maintenance requirement with success and willing to share their experience ,not just with me, but with the rest of the forum members!!!!
Many thanks

How did the caravan went through roadworthy without brakes if this was recently purchased?
Was it another vehicle at home roadworthy?

Pierre, I can imagine your horrifying experience. I had one like that when driving an Oskosh hauler with passenger semi-bus full passengers in the early 90's down Tafelkop near Grobblersdal. That time I confused myself with the gears and was free-running down, this was like a Chopper pilot where the rotor stopped turning.
To get back to your question: As you already followed the instructions via Google, I would suggest you also have a look at the brake linings. Also have a look at the topic regarding W/Bearings.
The adjustment for brakes according Google are the correct procedure.

Pierre I am not sure what you have checked. Have you tried to press the hitch inwards to see that it indeed is moving backwards to pull the braking rod.

Even if you cannot get it to move I will hook it and brake hard in a quiet street and then have a look it the hook has moved backwards. You can measure the distance  say between the jockey wheel handle and the hook you pull upwards to hook and unhook before pulling away. After stopping measure this again. Any other point can be used for the measument. If no movement may be some grease is required on the mechanism.

If this is all fine then the next will be to see inside the drum for a possible cause.

Due to the hand brake working it seems the brake linings and drums are fine.

I am sure others will also give some good pointers.

Thanks Guys. I will need to check what you suggested Danie.
The hitch is nice and tight and well lubricated although it is a battle to move it in .So the damper seems to be ok .
Will check and give feedback

If the handbrake works fine then in my opinion the problem is on the over run mechanism.

When I replaced my damper the sales person suggested I fit the heavy duty one. For my weight caravan (GVM 1500kg) I think this was the wrong decision. I also find the brakes will not engage on downhills unless I brake sharply so that the damper moves in.

 

Hi
I have a mechanic by the name of Albert he has a mechanical workshop in Centurion.
He services my towing vehicle and caravan and has been a keen camper himself for years that knows these kind of problems.
If needed I can forward you his details maybe he will be able to assist.
Regards

If you have the normal duty damper you should be able to move it in. If a heavy duty you will have to use the braking method but although well lubricated one must verify that it does move in.
Kobus could you perhaps send me an email to woonwaled at gmail then dot com.

Hi
Kan jy asb net weer jou e pos adres stuur asb die een wil nie deurgaan nie.
n Whatsup na 0837761660 is ook welkom dan stuur ek vir jou die besonderhede.

Ajusting of the brakes is realy not a big job to do.

I have the information you need to do the work yourself on PDF file and will forward it to any one that would need it.  It is a scanned copy of an article placed years ago in the Caravan and Outdoor Magazine.

I have used it eversince to service the brakes of my caravans. Now with the BPW axle on the Maia I still use it as the basics are the same just a bit of extras due to the different design.

Never had any trouble with my caravan brakes since I did the job myself. 

This will be a good reference for you even if you stand and watch while someone else is doing the work for you.

As this work is much related to wheels comming of while traveling and one can never be to carefull.

Thanks Leon , please send the file to: rotaryfan@lantic.net

Many thanks indeed, much appreciated

Pierre youv'e got mail! ! !

Dankie Leon, stuur asseblief aan my: johan.marais@messianic.co.za

Thanks Leon , well recd.
Will give feedback to all once I have checked.

Sal dit vroeg more vir jou stuur

Leon, is jou e-pos nog dieselfde?
Jammer oor die kaping, maar besigheids gewys moet ek iets by jou uitvind.

Het hom gestuur.

Jip al die pad nog dieselfde. Laat weet maar waarmee kan ek help.

 

Baie dankie, Leon.

Jy het e-pos in jou ''inbox''

 

If you want to do it yourself the information on this link from Venter Trailers will do the trick: http://www.ventertrailers.co.za/auto-reverse-brake.aspx

Here is the link for caravans with Alko Axles.

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/edit/files/handbooks/overrun-braking-system-handbook.pdf