You'll probably find a wire has come off the electro magnets. Try testing it out first to make sure there is a full circuit before you pull the hubs off. If they're working but not very well when you get someone to put their foot on the brake you should hear a slight hum from the magnets at the hubs.

Thanks, I think you could be spot on. I've just been peering under the van and I see at one wheel there's a couple of loose wires behind the hub. Going to jack the van up, put it on tripods and take a proper look.

The controller returns a code suggesting it's not connected to the van.

Yep, one wire off each brake.

Have you had time to do any of the DIY on the inside yet?

Do you have a picture of one of these? I think we may end up with something like this.

Not yet but I've done measurements of the length of the bed that is constructed from the drop down table, and worked out that if we could make the back cushions removable, the bed will be as long as the single beds. And I can see a way to add a slide out bit to make the bed a full double bed width. Another thing I have been able to determine is if I can create a removable support between the single beds, the mattresses can be rotated around to form a double bed. With a few minor tweaks, this van is very adaptable to accommodate one or two couples, or one couple and two or three singles.

I'll sort out some photos.

Ahh usual problem it fixes the problem. I just found this link to a good site with plenty of photos. It might steer you in the right direction & stop you, with a bit of luck lol

My mate tested the electro magnets and they're kaput which I guess is possibly why both were disconnected. I have to order a new set and replace them next weekend. Looks like a doddle to do and gives me an opportunity to check the condition of the shoes, etc. Thanks for your help.

Wow. Sounds like a challenge, but it'll be worth it though in the end.




Me and the hubby can't believe what the campers/motorhomes are like over here. They seem to be wayyy behind in time with them. I wonder why that is, I'm sure they must be more up to date ones about, but not seen any yet.

Nope, terribly dated and terribly expensive. Partner starts raving about another rip off every time he sees a van show advertised We spent over 4 hours in a Texas RV lot just gawping at the jaw dropping luxury and inclusions you get for a the price of a basic tin can here.

Only problem was the teen was waiting in the car, was right happy when we finally came out,

Well, the brake controller was fitted, the brake magnets replaced and they seemed to be working fine - all good on the face of things. Went for the roadworthy test yesterday morning and it failed again. This time because the brake on one side of the van works less strongly than the other. According to the gauge the one side was about 50% as effective than the other.

Going to take the brake drums off tomorrow and give them both a good clean, lubricate the pivot points and if applicable adjust the brakes (not sure if they have adjusters). Can anyone suggest anything else to look out for?

Check the earthing, most faults are earth related with regard to one side under performing. Also check for oil/grease on the shoes especially as you've been working on them. Check for correct adjustment as well.

Thanks. I jacked the van up and found that the brakes on the stronger side were quite a strong interferance fit when I tried to turn the wheel while the weaker side spun easily. The weaker side was also a bit dry and squeaky so I lubricated the pivot points, etc, adjusted the one side up and the other side down. Hopefully they'll brake evenly now.

So much for purchasing a leisure item, so far it's been more of a burden.

Yep vans & boats both holes in your pocket you pour money into

Indeed, it seems that way.

BTW, I've just returned from the vehicle testing centre and the brakes are now fine with just 2% variance between the two sides.

...As the tester said: Beauty!

Thanks for the tips.

Hello Campers

We've got a 2 year old 24ft retreat Daydream caravan that cost $64,000 new. We never looked at bringing one over from the UK at the time. I wished I'd looked into this option. We would have had a similar UK caravan imported and on the road here for about $45,000.

I've heard a lot about the European caravans falling apart over here but it's normally third hand say so. I've spoken to a few travellers now who imported over the last few years and they are all happy with them. My caravan has independent suspension but it never leaves the tarmac. I think a few Ozzies have overloaded imported caravans and this is what has caused the problems. My caravan allows for 450KG of extra weight (clothing water etc) but UK ones are normally about the 100KG.

But now I'm having doubts about being a caravan owner and I'm thinking of selling up and going with a motor home. The problem with having such a large caravan is it takes about an hour and a half to hitch up, wind the legs down, mirrors etc and the same when you get to the site. So this makes weekend trips away too bothersome.

I'm hoping to sell after our Christmas break in Esperance and put a bit extra cash in the kitty towards a motorhome from the UK. I'll be going back to Blighty in August so I can buy one then. I still havn't weighed up all the pro's and con's yet though.

Keel