It is advisable to have your caravan serviced every 10,000 kms or even 5000 kms depending on the roads and conditions or prior to embarking on any significant journey. For new caravans, the initial service should occur after 3 months or 1000 km. This first service primarily involves a comprehensive inspection to ensure the overall condition of your caravan is satisfactory and in working order and if any items need repair are reported early.
Frequently Asked Questions
A general up-keep servicing in our service centre, depending on the size and what’s in the unit, can take up to and around 6-7 hours however it is all dependent on the size of your vehicle. There are different schedules for different models, and suspensions and electronics and items fitted.
It is important for all caravans, even those unused for months, to undergo regular servicing. This maintenance routine ensures that the caravan remains in good condition and is always prepared for future road trips. While it may appear unnecessary when the caravan is not in use, taking care of it ensures longevity. Additionally, regular upkeep guarantees the safety of your caravan or motorhome on the roads and provides a secure environment for you and your family when you do decide to use it. Eg, gas leaks, tires failing, suspension failure, batteries faulting, water leaks and fatigue failure are all items that can be big safety issues. A big value of ours is safety so we want to ensure that you and your family are safe and we can do this by ensuring you have a safe vehicle.
At AllBrand, we adhere to a thorough caravan servicing checklist which we document and take photos of all items to ensure the safety and travel readiness of your caravan and motorhome. Our inspection covers a major checklist with some of the major items; bearings, brakes, suspension, couplings, tyres, wheels, springs, bushes, lights, jockey wheel, jacks, chassis, gas pressures, electronics and fatiguing chassis and outriggers. We carefully examine these parts for any indications of damage or wear and tear and report this to you to make sure you are mindful of any items that need attention.
The car will have no difficulty towing the caravan if the maximum mass of the caravan is 80% or less than the total kerb weight of the car. But as we know there are certified weights this is something that needs to be looked at to check everything is aligned with vehicles and items being towed. We do offer caravan weighing and advice in regards to weight for your vehicle and items that are towed eg caravans and trailers, give us a call for more information.
The most common problems are, electrical problems, water leaks, tire and wheel issues, appliance malfunctions, structural damage, awning or slide-outs, gas system problems, suspension & chassis and issues with the water systems. It sounds terrible when you read this as there are going to be problems all the time, but just remember we are towing our house on the toughest roads in the world and this is why we need to make sure we are looking after all our vehicles.
Here at AllBrand we are very hands-on with all the insurance and warranty companies, once we have looked over your vehicle, taken photos, and got all the details needed we will initiate the process and send the quote over to them. From there we do all the hard work for you as per communication with your insurance company and will keep you up to date. Warranties are something we need to work with each company differently as per their individual processes that they have set out, but with all the information we have been supplied over the years we have set this out in our systems electronically so we can make this as seamless of a process for all those involved. This being said, we are here to help but we can’t always say the same for all other companies and this is why we like to make sure we work closely and professionally with you to get a timely result for your repairs.
It is necessary to have a gas certification when transferring the documentation of a caravan or motorhome to another party’s name or when it’s first registered in a particular state or territory , so if you’re thinking of selling this is a must do! A gas certification ensures the system is in safe and legal operation from the regulatory bodies as per the state departments, It also provides peace of mind by ensuring optimal performance and condition of all products within the system and safety is paramount.
Gas Certifications last for 3 months in QLD, Australia. This is a necessary document to have when selling your Caravan or Motorhome.
At AllBrand it is $180 for Gas certification Test and Report and once this is performed we will advise our clients if there are any issues or all is certified.
Solar is all dependent on the UV for the day so lots of factors come into play as to how much direct sun your panels are getting. Remember the UV is stronger in summer than in winter therefore generating less power in those colder months. Also there are many issues that can occur within the system with the panels, cabling, connections and regulator types and performance of these regulators. These items should be checked and reported on to get the best available power that can be captured from the sun.
The first step if you would like is to get in contact with our team to help guide you and then your insurance company, if you have been in an accident let them know right away. Once you have let them know they will assign you a claim number. Your next step will be to contact our team for an assessment letting us know your claim number then we will be able to take it from there. Please look at our online 4 easy process to help you through this hard situation.
Regularly reviewing insurance policies is crucial to ensure protection, particularly for owners of second-hand RVs. Caravans and camper trailers purchased at a low cost and insured for only the purchase price often lack adequate coverage and can end up in a situation where the owner will be upset and lose monetary value. In the event of a hailstorm or accident, the insurance company may declare your beloved bargain as a write-off or total loss. It is recommended to investigate the selling prices of similar RVs, consult online price guides such as www.caravancampingsales.com.au and www.tradervs.com.au, and seek advice from insurance brokers, friends, and family. This diligent research will pay off and provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are fully covered for the true value of your caravan or RV. Please make sure you look into insuring your items as per an agreed value or market value as these can make a large difference if you would like to know your exact insured value as you move forward over the years.
Every insurance provider is different but you will definitely need your policy number and you usually need:
- Your vehicle rego, make and model
- Date and details of incident
- Police report number (if applicable)
- Residential address
- Details on any towing companies used
- Details of others involved or any witnesses
- Driver licence details of those involved
- If police attended a police report number
- Always nice to have a service history as well
Generally insurance companies take about 1-7 weeks to get back to us once we have sent off the details of the assessment. This can change depending on what has happened as per natural circumstances, or if the assessors are looking into engineer reports or secondary options, we are happy to advise we can help with all the above so we are always here to help.
Consider others at all times
Observe the rules of caravan park, recreational areas, National park and forestry areas.
Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards road safety.
Exercise extreme caution with fire:-
• Light campfires only in designated areas; never leave unattended; extinguish thoroughly.
• Ensure cigarettes and matches are thoroughly extinguished.
• Keep fire away from LP gas bottles.
• Extinguish pilot light flames when refuelling and travelling.
Offer help and the hand of friendship whenever possible because:-
Friendliness is catching.
Ensure permission is obtained to park on private property when other facilities are not available.
Travel with care:-
• Pull off the road periodically to allow other cars to pass.
• Drive in the left hand lane except when passing and allow extra room when overtaking.
• Be familiar with all traffic regulations, particularly those relating to recreational vehicles.
· When travelling in convoy, leave enough room for other vehicles to pass one van at a time.
• Check rear vision mirrors frequently.
• Keep within the legal towing speed limit.
Have fun when entertaining, but remember others nearby may be having an early night.
Instill good caravanning habits in younger family members.
Care for the environment:-
• Protect trees, shrubs and other natural beauty.
• Take litter home when no receptacles are available.
• Dispose of sewage and waste water in designated places only.
• Leave sites as clean or cleaner than they were found.
• Keep pets under control.
See that car and caravan are safe:-
• Ensure correct weight distribution of tow vehicle/caravan at all times.
• Regularly maintain tow vehicle and caravan.
• Use suitable rear vision mirrors and towing aids.
There are generally three types of solar panels – Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline & Amorphous.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels: These are considered the most efficient and expensive type of solar panels. They are made from a single crystal structure and have a uniform black appearance. Monocrystalline panels are known for their high power output and efficiency, making them suitable for caravans with limited roof space or those looking to maximise power generation in smaller setups.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Polycrystalline panels are less expensive than monocrystalline panels but slightly less efficient. They are made from multiple crystal structures and have a blue speckled appearance. While they may have a lower efficiency, they are still a popular choice for caravans due to their cost-effectiveness and decent power output.
Amorphous (Thin-Film) Solar Panels: Amorphous or thin-film solar panels are lightweight and flexible, making them suitable for curved or irregular caravan surfaces. They are less efficient than monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels and require more space to generate the same amount of power. However, their flexibility and ease of installation can be advantageous in certain caravan applications.
When choosing solar panels for your caravan, consider factors like available roof space, power requirements, budget, and the type of camping you’ll be doing. If you are unsure as to what would suit you best or have any questions, feel free to give us a call.
Lithium and AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are two different types of batteries commonly used in caravans and other recreational vehicles. Lithium batteries offer higher energy density, longer lifespan, and lighter weight compared to AGM batteries, making them more efficient and low-maintenance. However, they are initially more expensive. AGM batteries are a budget-friendly option with simpler maintenance needs but have lower energy density and a shorter lifespan.
Japanese wheel bearings are often preferred over Chinese wheel bearings due to their reputation for higher quality, precision manufacturing, and better materials. They are typically more reliable, durable, and have undergone strict quality control measures. While Chinese bearings can be more affordable, they may be associated with inconsistencies in quality and reliability, making Japanese bearings a safer choice for critical components like wheel bearings in vehicles.
While doing little tips and tricks like ensuring all windows are sealed and driving at lower speed on dusty roads can really only do so much. We recommend installing a dust suppression system like the “CaraFan Sahara” . This product creates positive pressure inside your van while driving therefore keeping the dust out. This is a roof mounted fan and filters the air keeping your van dust-free.
These are the weight acronyms commonly used for vehicles:
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): The total weight of a fully-loaded trailer, including it’s own weight and the weight of any load or cargo it is carrying.
GTM (Gross Trailer Mass): The actual weight supported by the wheels of a trailer when it is fully loaded, excluding the weight carried by the tow vehicle.
TARE: The unladen weight of a vehicle or trailer, which includes the weight of the vehicle or trailer without any load, passengers, or additional items.
GCM (Gross Combined Mass): The total permissible weight of a fully loaded tow vehicle and trailer combined. It includes the weight of both the tow vehicle and the trailer, along with all passengers, cargo, and fuel.
Understanding these weight acronyms is crucial for safe towing and complying with legal weight limits on roads. It helps ensure that vehicles and trailers are not overloaded, which can impact handling, braking, and overall safety.
There is no one better than the other one. It all depends on your situation and what you need them for. Gas heaters are known for their high energy efficiency, instant heat, and lower emissions. They need to be connected to your original gas pipeline within the RV and this needs to be to a gas standard. This is to ensure the correct amount of gas is distributed to the separate gas-using items and also fitting can be unviable on some applications because of exhaust flue fitment. This is a great option, it just needs to be fitted by a certified gas fitter.
Diesel heaters can be used in most applications but also have some small downturns as per the marketplace. They may have higher fuel consumption and emissions whilst in use, but they do provide flexibility where natural gas infrastructure is unavailable.
Consider factors such as efficiency, cost, safety, mobility, and environmental impact when choosing between gas and diesel heaters for your heating needs.If you are unsure as to what would suit you best or have any questions, feel free to give us a call.
Storing your caravan properly during the off-season is essential to protect it from the elements and keep it in good condition for next season. When you are storing your caravan in a hot climate, be sure to ventilate it regularly to prevent the build-up of heat and moisture.
Here are some tips:
- Empty the van. Remove all furniture, bedding, cushions, and other belongings. This will help to prevent mould and mildew growth.
- Clean the inside of the van. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean all surfaces. Be sure to dry everything thoroughly.
- Do some general maintenance. Check the tires for wear and tear, and inflate them to the correct pressure. Inspect the seals and caulking for any cracks or leaks.
- Remove the batteries. This will help to prevent them from draining and freezing.
- Check under the van. Look for any signs of rust or damage. If you find any, repair them immediately.
- Clean the outside of the van. Use a car wash or pressure washer to clean the exterior of the van. Be sure to dry it thoroughly.
- Store the van under cover. This will help to protect it from the sun, rain, and snow. If you don’t have a covered storage space, you can use a tarp or canopy.
- Take care of the water tanks. If your caravan has water tanks, empty them and flush them with fresh water. This will help to prevent bacteria growth.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your caravan stays in good condition during the off-season. This will make it easier to get back on the road for your next trip and enjoy all that Australia has to offer.
The date of manufacture, speed rating, and weight rating of a tyre are all listed on the tyre’s sidewall. The date of manufacture is usually a four-digit code that starts with the letters “DOT”. The first two digits are the week of the year, and the last two digits are the year. For example, a code of “DOT1319” means that the tyre was manufactured in the 13th week of 2019.
The speed rating is a letter that indicates the maximum safe speed for the tyre. The speed ratings range from A (lowest) to Z (highest). For example, a tyre with a speed rating of “V” can safely be driven at speeds up to 240 kilometres per hour.
The weight rating is a number that indicates the maximum weight that the tyre can safely carry. The weight ratings are assigned by the tyre manufacturer and are based on the tyre’s size, construction, and materials. For example, a tyre with a weight rating of “100” can safely carry a load of 800 kilograms.
Here is a table of the tyre date of manufacture, speed rating, and weight rating codes:
| Code | Date of Manufacture | Speed Rating | Weight Rating |
| DOT1319 | 13th week of 2019 | V | 100 |
| DOT0820 | 8th week of 2020 | W | 112 |
| DOT0123 | 1st week of 2023 | Y | 120 |
The recommended tyre pressure for your car is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. This is the pressure that the tyres should be inflated to when they are cold. If you don’t have a sticker, you can find the recommended tyre pressure in your car’s owner’s manual.
In general, most passenger cars will recommend 32 to 35 psi in the tyres when they’re cold. However, the exact pressure may vary depending on the make, model, and year of your car. It’s also important to consider the load rating of your tyres. If you are carrying a heavy load, you may need to inflate your tyres to a higher pressure.
Some of the factors that can affect the recommended tyre pressure are: the weight of your car, the type of tyres you have, the climate you live in, the load you are carrying and the speed you are driving.
It is important to check your tyre pressure regularly and adjust it as needed. Low tyre pressure can cause the tyres to wear unevenly, reduce fuel economy, and make the car handle poorly. Overinflated tyres can also be dangerous, as they can make the car unstable and increase the risk of a blowout.
Yes, if you are looking to buy a motorhome, caravan or RV we do pre purchase inspections. Getting a professional opinion when buying a van is highly recommended, there is a lot of money going into buying one so you want to make sure there isn’t anything hidden. We cover overall wear and tear, check appliances, wheels breaks bearings like we would in a service but we also check big things like water leaks, mould growth, water & moisture damage.
An anti-sway device is a safety device that helps to prevent a trailer from swaying while it is being towed. Sway is a dangerous condition that can cause the trailer to fishtail or jackknife, which can lead to a crash. If you are towing a trailer, it is a good idea to invest in an anti-sway device. It is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the safety and security of your towing experience and benefits include, helping to prevent swaying, make towing more comfortable and less stressful and help to extend the life of your trailer and tow vehicle.
There are a number of different anti-sway devices available, including:
- AL-KO ESC: This is an electronic stability control system that uses sensors to monitor the trailer’s movement and apply the brakes if necessary to correct sway.
- Dexter Sway Control: This is a mechanical system that uses a sway bar to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. The sway bar resists side-to-side movement of the trailer, helping to prevent sway.
- BM PRO Sway Control: This is an electronic system that uses sensors to monitor the trailer’s movement and apply the brakes if necessary to correct sway. It is similar to the AL-KO ESC, but it is not as sophisticated.
- Tuson Sway Control: This is a mechanical system that uses a sway bar to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. The sway bar resists side-to-side movement of the trailer, helping to prevent sway. It is similar to the Dexter Sway Control, but it is not as sophisticated.
The best anti-sway device for you will depend on the type of trailer you have, your towing habits, and your budget. If you are considering which one would suit you best give us a call and we can advise which is the right one to choose.
Do you provide mobile repair services, or do I need to bring my caravan to your workshop.