RV FEATURE
LOAD LEVELLERS
These are important devices, certainly, but they
are not a substitute for a properly loaded caravan.
As you’d know, load levellers work by
redistributing the weight that has come off the
front wheels when hitching up, spreading it more
evenly across all wheels, including the wheels of
the caravan, and returning traction and handling
to the vehicle’s front wheels.
“IF YOU EXPERIENCE CARAVAN
SWAY, REASSESS HOW IT HAS
BEEN LOADED.”
They can also have the happy side-effect of
reducing some sway, but it’s important to note
that this is not their primary purpose.
Oh, you’ve fitted heavy duty rear springs to your
tow tug? Great! Just remember: the weight is still
there and may still be having a detrimental affect
on the vehicle’s front end.
DRIVING AND BRAKING
It should go without saying, but drive/tow
according to the prevailing conditions and within
the limitations of your rig. Some caravan/vehicle
combinations perform well at highway speeds,
while to sit on 100km/h for others is a bit too
much to ask.
It’s good practice to periodically check the setting
of your electric brake controller at low speed on
a quite stretch of road. Over-adjust the van’s
brakes and you will chew through its brake pads in
no time. Under-adjusting will create a dangerous
over-reliance on the vehicle’s brakes (also leading
to premature wear of its brake pads).
Adjust the controller until both the van and the
vehicle brake together as a single ‘unit’, without
the van pulling or pushing the vehicle.
What about your rig’s tyre pressures? Are they
properly adjusted? Under or over-inflated tyres
are a recipe for disaster.
Under or over-inflated tyres are a recipe for disaster.
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