GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #39 | Page 18

EARLY WARNNG SIGNS How would a caravanner know that any part of a coil suspension system has failed or needs to be serviced/replaced? According to Jibu, the following indicate that suspension components are degraded and require service or replacement: • Excessive swaying, or a rough, bumpy ride; • The caravan pulls left or right when driving straight; • A sudden momentum change during braking and acceleration makes the caravan ‘nosedive’ or lean backwards; A van that leans to one side should not automatically be attributed to suspension failure. There could be some fundamental flaws in the van’s weight distribution causing this. “It is always important to drive to conditions, especially when towing,” Cruisemaster’s Andrew Goddard said. “This, accompanied with a good understanding of the checks you can do while travelling and maintenance requirements set down by the manufacturer, puts you in the best position to avoid a system failure.” • Overheating brakes or squealing or grinding noises from the brakes; and • Uneven tyre wear.