Bad vibrations

When did you last have your caravan’s wheels balanced? Probably ‘never’ if you're like most caravanners.

But don’t feel too bad, many caravan manufacturers save money by not balancing the wheels in the first place!

This isn't such a critical problem on a small van with light wheels and skinny tyres, but when a large off-road tandem axle van is wearing chunky tyres on alloy wheels with a combined weight of up to 40kg apiece – a total of 160kg in unsprung weight – then the consequences of being out of balance are significant.

The problem is that from the isolated comfort of your tow vehicle with its sophisticated suspension, you're most likely oblivious to the vibrations that affect the life of every component in your caravan, from its brake magnets to its kitchen cupboard latches.

Recent issues with

gas leaks caused by poorly installed appliances working loose could in some cases be traced to continuous vibrations such as those caused by out-of-balance wheels too.

Major brake, chassis and component supplier Al-Ko drew my attention to the issue during a visit to its Dandenong South, Victoria manufacturing plant where Technical & Manufacturing Manager Rob Funder showed me a set of badly worn electric drum brake magnets. This was not uncommon, he assured me and pointed the blame to out-of-balance wheels and tyres.

Even if your caravan or camper trailer manufacturer does balance their wheels and tyres – as they should – yours may still be out of whack.

Kerbs, potholes, jagged road edges and corrugations can take their toll on vehicle weights and you may never know, as for aesthetic reasons many tyres fitted add the lead weights to the inside of the wheel rims.

But unlike your tow car, you will not feel this happening through your steering wheel.

The solution is not hard and should be part of your routine maintenance before taking your van or camper on or off the road after a long laid-up spell.

You need to jack it up, remove the wheels, inspect the inner walls of the tyres for cuts, bulges and other damage and take them to your local tyre retailer to have them balanced.

While you’re at it, you should look at the brakes, wheel bearings and the suspension system too for broken or damaged components.

Or tow the van to a specialist; pay the money and travel with a clear conscience!