Post by Mustang on Dec 3, 2016 7:46:49 GMT 10
Here is a thread I think needs to be re posted from 2010, but very relevant today, courtesy of "Atog" A touch of glass.
Hi Everyone
Al you have asked a really important question.
The reason to me why you should do up your running gear first is simple.
Safety
I took my newly renovated caravan to Bowen and then on to the Gold Coast, as many on the forum would know.
A round trip of in excess of 2000 klms.
Through both heavy and light traffic situations, in all kinds of weather.
What none of us knew was the axle was bent
The brakes on the van didn't work and one of the rims has a slow leak that still can't be found.
At the worst case scenario everything under the van was over 40 years old.
So the upshot of that is, it was unsafe to tow.
Mostly because of the brakes.
In an emergency braking situation I was relying solely on the panelvan to pull up the car and van.... probably close on 2 ton.
In my own defense I did take it easy all the way and am a cautious driver when towing.
But that doesn't stop the rig any faster in an emergency.
I'm just thankful nothing happened.
On the springs and U bolts.
The U bolts are held with spring washers and one nut.
To my way of thinking the double nut system, spring washer system or the nyloc nuts should all be OK to secure the springs.
My reasoning in taking it to a trailer mob was simple....
They should know what to do.
They alerted me to the springs nearly being reversed and needing retempering.
They also had it done in one day.
For the extra money, I now feel the van will have no issue with safety (with new rims).
It's a case of peace of mind that I'm not a danger on the road.....
Or at least minimal danger
;D ;D ;D ;D
In my previous trade of 30 years plus I was an expert for the simple reason of working it every day and knowing what could be done.
I reason the same with the trailer blokes.
Should there ever be an accident at least my conscience is clear about this safety aspect of the van.
My dear old Dad had a saying "Too strong never parted"
I also say "Preparation is vital"
Having ignored both of these sayings I got away with towing the van for awhile.
But now feel a little embarrassed about it.
Hence saying "Do up the running gear first."
Again Al thanks for the question it is a reality check for all of us.
We love our old vans but also need to be as safe as possible while using public roads.
Cheers
Atog
Sorry for the lecture everybody
But safety cannot be downplaye
Read more: ditzygypsy.proboards.com/thread/90/atogs-68-olympic?page=1#ixzz4RifJuviB
Hi Everyone
Al you have asked a really important question.
The reason to me why you should do up your running gear first is simple.
Safety
I took my newly renovated caravan to Bowen and then on to the Gold Coast, as many on the forum would know.
A round trip of in excess of 2000 klms.
Through both heavy and light traffic situations, in all kinds of weather.
What none of us knew was the axle was bent
The brakes on the van didn't work and one of the rims has a slow leak that still can't be found.
At the worst case scenario everything under the van was over 40 years old.
So the upshot of that is, it was unsafe to tow.
Mostly because of the brakes.
In an emergency braking situation I was relying solely on the panelvan to pull up the car and van.... probably close on 2 ton.
In my own defense I did take it easy all the way and am a cautious driver when towing.
But that doesn't stop the rig any faster in an emergency.
I'm just thankful nothing happened.
On the springs and U bolts.
The U bolts are held with spring washers and one nut.
To my way of thinking the double nut system, spring washer system or the nyloc nuts should all be OK to secure the springs.
My reasoning in taking it to a trailer mob was simple....
They should know what to do.
They alerted me to the springs nearly being reversed and needing retempering.
They also had it done in one day.
For the extra money, I now feel the van will have no issue with safety (with new rims).
It's a case of peace of mind that I'm not a danger on the road.....
Or at least minimal danger
;D ;D ;D ;DIn my previous trade of 30 years plus I was an expert for the simple reason of working it every day and knowing what could be done.
I reason the same with the trailer blokes.
Should there ever be an accident at least my conscience is clear about this safety aspect of the van.
My dear old Dad had a saying "Too strong never parted"
I also say "Preparation is vital"
Having ignored both of these sayings I got away with towing the van for awhile.
But now feel a little embarrassed about it.
Hence saying "Do up the running gear first."
Again Al thanks for the question it is a reality check for all of us.
We love our old vans but also need to be as safe as possible while using public roads.
Cheers
Atog
Sorry for the lecture everybody
But safety cannot be downplaye
Read more: ditzygypsy.proboards.com/thread/90/atogs-68-olympic?page=1#ixzz4RifJuviB