Complete DIY Caravan Service, Brakes, Wheel Bearings

If you can change a tyre you should be able to complete your own caravan service at home, in a caravan park or even on an outback track. I take you through how i service my full off road Highline caravan in a comprehensive DIY guide. If you have any doubt, or lack any kind of mechanical skills it's best to have your brakes and wheel bearings serviced by a mechanic. The rest is a breeze.

Пікірлер: 75

  • @anthonywills2403
    @anthonywills24033 ай бұрын

    Thanks Dennis. A very comprehensive video of all the preventative maintenance steps we should be doing more often than not. Really glad you showed the handbrake adjustment screw mechanism whilst the drum assembly was removed. Makes it a lot easier to understand what you're doing when adjusting it when it's been reassembled. I guess the only thing better than packing bearings by hand is refilling a grease gun! 🙂

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks Anthony. It’s amazing how much difference a brake adjustment makes, not to mention the safety benefits and reduced workload on the tow vehicle.

  • @bennybauer2269
    @bennybauer22692 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much .. your explanation of everything was so helpful for this first time caravan owner at 67 years young .. Bit nervous getting out there… cheers

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    2 ай бұрын

    Just do it Benny, you only live once mate :-)

  • @desparky
    @desparky Жыл бұрын

    Great comprehensive video. The only thing that I would add is to check the emergency breakaway switch for the brakes. This is often overlooked and I have had two fail to work when tested. Easy enough to check while the wheels are in the air by just pulling the emergency cable out then trying to turn the wheels. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    6 ай бұрын

    Great tip Desparky, thanks for sharing

  • @damiant5876
    @damiant58766 ай бұрын

    Best video I've seen on this. Great presentation. I just got our new (used) van service by a professional. Mobile service and he was only at our place for 45min. Reckons he did all the bearings and brake adjustments. $570. Not bad rates for a brain surgeon. Many years ago I used to do my own on all my old trailers and caravan and will go back to doing it so great to get tips from you.

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks Damian. Mmmmmm 45 minutes would hardly cover the time for a basic inspection let alone a complete service imo. I always carry spare bearings and seals when travelling as well as all all the tools for any situation. Cheers Denis

  • @Booma69
    @Booma692 жыл бұрын

    A very proffessional, comprehensive and thorough service. Well done and thank you for the hints and tips. One thing to note is that some vans have parrallel bearings and need to be replaced as a set. I had that on my last van and I was advised by the mechanic to do them all at once. Not sure if they were correct but did not have any problems. Thank you again for a great video.

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your kind worlds Garry. I also recommend changing all bearings at the the same same. Denis

  • @gandalf2256
    @gandalf225629 күн бұрын

    Mate, thanks for sharing this. You're a legend!

  • @andrewford80
    @andrewford80 Жыл бұрын

    You're a very good presenter. Thanks for the video!

  • @crpth1
    @crpth1 Жыл бұрын

    Regarding the high cost Tetford cleaner. One inexpensive tip. Use dishwasher tablet. Dissolve in slightly warm water apply as needed wait and flush. Done 🙂

  • @colinvernon5943
    @colinvernon5943 Жыл бұрын

    Unreal. Thanks for the vid. Best service vid I have seen.

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Col 👍

  • @ivanbuldo7676
    @ivanbuldo7676 Жыл бұрын

    You had me at … ‘Big Shed’ Mate 😃 great info, legendary stuff! 👍

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    Gotta love a big shed Ivan. Trying to talk the missus into another one. No luck so far 😂

  • @peterroebers191
    @peterroebers191 Жыл бұрын

    Cruisemaster suspension also have grease points on the swing arms. They need doing regularly. Very good clear video. Thank you

  • @Luke-lo4jx
    @Luke-lo4jx Жыл бұрын

    Just about to do my first service on our van, this video has made it so much easier. Thanks for the excellent video.

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Luke

  • @1000adstar
    @1000adstar9 ай бұрын

    Great video mate. Thanks. Regarding the Fire Extinguisher, just give them a shake each time as well as the powder settles on one side and if left can cause it not to work 👍

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    9 ай бұрын

    Thanks @1000adstar I’ll definitely be doing that and thanks for the tip 👍

  • @patrickmaher4909
    @patrickmaher49099 ай бұрын

    Well done, worth watching.

  • @RocketRod63
    @RocketRod6310 ай бұрын

    Great & informative video Mate I’m buying your van 👍👍

  • @robertdahl8779
    @robertdahl8779 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video, to the point and very factual.

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Robert 👍

  • @chervil20
    @chervil20 Жыл бұрын

    I'm just about to do the bearings on my van, your video will be a great help. Thanks. We are preparing for a 3 month trip which is starting in July, including Cape York. Looking forward to viewing your video on that. Cheers 👍

  • @mervwilliams6646
    @mervwilliams6646 Жыл бұрын

    Great video with a lot of deal. I have the same caravan, Highline Matrix but replaced the mud tyres with AT's that gives a better ride.

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    I love my Matrix Merv. Very well built is my opinion so far. We just took it right to the top of Cape York with no real dramas at all.

  • @placestosea
    @placestosea Жыл бұрын

    thanks for posting. very thorough.

  • @andrewcope7585
    @andrewcope7585 Жыл бұрын

    Great vid.....very informative, clear and concise. Easy enough to follow to do my own next service.....cheers 👍

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Andrew 👍

  • @notaperson3338
    @notaperson3338 Жыл бұрын

    Great video, well presented and comprehensive. I am sure you did it but I would do quick wheel hubs feel for any elevated temperature after having adjusted the brakes.

  • @matthewpriceless5157
    @matthewpriceless51572 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video !

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Matthew 👍

  • @paulwary
    @paulwary Жыл бұрын

    Great video, thanks. Wear gloves when using solvent & grease!!

  • @MikeC-pp8ww
    @MikeC-pp8ww Жыл бұрын

    Very good video. Thank you

  • @ASCP67AUS
    @ASCP67AUS Жыл бұрын

    Great video, thanks mate, helped me a lot today.

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @Crawer101
    @Crawer1019 ай бұрын

    Thank you!!!

  • @garybeadle9163
    @garybeadle9163 Жыл бұрын

    Great video

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Gary 👍

  • @Susieandchris
    @Susieandchris Жыл бұрын

    Excellent Thankyou

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @stanarmstrong6072
    @stanarmstrong6072 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video Maybe could have included checking and replacing the the sacrificial rod in the water heater I watched another video servicing wheel bearing and the mechanic tightened up the hub and gave it a tap with the hammer to reseat the bearings then backed them off. Do you think this is required or over kill. Thanks

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    Funny you mention that Stan. My water heater needs it replaced now haha.

  • @user-ve6te4fp4w
    @user-ve6te4fp4w4 ай бұрын

    Great vid mate ... cheers👌 what do you use to protect your pvc pipework underneath? Gotta do the same on my van....

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi Mate, I used foam insulations that tradies use on water pipes. I've also seen pool noodles being used as well. Good idea if you want to colour code your van :-)

  • @michaelaotearoa3839
    @michaelaotearoa38398 ай бұрын

    Great info. Have you ever considered fitting a Oz Glide hitch? They are a bit pricey, but would be interested in your thoughts. Cheers

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    6 ай бұрын

    Hey Michael, i haven't used one but i will definitely do some research

  • @philyoung981
    @philyoung9813 ай бұрын

    Great vid. Just curious what you do with the dust bushes. Thanks.

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    2 ай бұрын

    Hi Phil, which dust bushes are you referring to?

  • @tonygersbach375
    @tonygersbach375 Жыл бұрын

    Just stumbled across your channel mate, I’m glad I did. Thank you for sharing, good too see an honest vid from someone in the know. Thanks again👍 one question what’s your opinion on greasing a ball coupling? Some say yes, some say no, what do you reckon?

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    9 ай бұрын

    Hi Tony, I always cover the hitch when not in use and if I suspect any grit I just wipe and reapply. I do this fairly often and when I’m not using the van for a while I wipe it all off. I use an adhesive lubricant and not grease

  • @tonygersbach375

    @tonygersbach375

    9 ай бұрын

    @@vanontheback4419 thanks mate

  • @troopy7834
    @troopy7834 Жыл бұрын

    Great Video and advise, very professional. When you adjust your handbrake do you adjust it right up. I've been told I should leave it quite loose as that way it won't apply over rough roads and corrugations. Is that true?

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey Troopy78 I agree, don’t adjust it too tight as the brakes may drag or worst case they may overheat to the point of destruction

  • @phillbrewer4880
    @phillbrewer4880 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks mate, very good video. Very comprehensive and will do my own bearings and brakes now. I watched another one and he completely disregarded the inner bearings, probably because he didn't realise they were also in there. the last place I took it to said that I needed a wheel alignment after doing the bearings. I was sceptical but do you know if that is correct? thanks again

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Phil, unless you play around with suspension geometry or your tyres are wearing unevenly you won’t need an alignment after doing the bearings

  • @baogenz
    @baogenz Жыл бұрын

    Very good, great explanation. What is your tire pressure?

  • @RocketRod63

    @RocketRod63

    10 ай бұрын

    He said 40psi I run mine at @ 48psi

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    9 ай бұрын

    I just started running them at 45psi

  • @philmeyer118
    @philmeyer118 Жыл бұрын

    what wheel nut tension do you use.

  • @thesaladtable4446

    @thesaladtable4446

    Жыл бұрын

    Your service book should state the correct wheel but you ensign or the manufacturer should know. TBH I go by feel after years of working in mechanical workshops haha

  • @klauscottonswab2322
    @klauscottonswab232211 ай бұрын

    Just use some nitrile gloves mate! 😆👍

  • @peterbest2434
    @peterbest24342 жыл бұрын

    Do you check & test the break away braking and battery?

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    2 жыл бұрын

    I sure do Peter and in fact I found the battery was low on my Brakesafe 6000 so I’ll do a video on replacing it. It’s recommended to be replaced every 2 yrs

  • @davidgay4713
    @davidgay47132 жыл бұрын

    P𝐫O𝕞O𝓢m 🤘

  • @robertstojcevski1098
    @robertstojcevski10983 ай бұрын

    Should've used brake cleaner or hot water to clean shoes and not air blower

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    2 ай бұрын

    I know Robert, it comes from my mechanical days back in the 80's and I should have learnt from then.... There was asbestos in the brake components and we had no idea of the implications.

  • @robertstojcevski1098

    @robertstojcevski1098

    2 ай бұрын

    @@vanontheback4419 I worked with a guy who instead of using hot water to pour over battery terminals to clean the acid he used the air blower, let's just say we all went running and he thought he wasn't doing anything wrong lol

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    2 ай бұрын

    @@robertstojcevski1098 imagine that smacking you in the eyes. OUCH

  • @robertstojcevski1098

    @robertstojcevski1098

    2 ай бұрын

    @@vanontheback4419 tell me bout it lol

  • @obs2746
    @obs2746 Жыл бұрын

    What’s your thoughts on carrying spare shocks if doing corrugated roads. I’ve heard they can heat up and fail. Probably also carry spare bearings?

  • @vanontheback4419

    @vanontheback4419

    9 ай бұрын

    Hi Obs, I carry spare bearings but not shocks. I have 2 on each wheel 😁