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Post by freevaner on Jan 5, 2008 23:04:23 GMT 10
My 1960's caravan needs brakes as I have just been informed about this new law for vans weighing over 740kgs. My caravan weighs 810kgs according to the rego papers but I have never had any problems with stopping. It's all original and I would like advise about what is the best type to install. It has a single drop axel with what appear to be holden wheels. Are their any exemptions if your in a vintage caravan club? Whats the cheapest way to go since I dont reckon it really needs them.
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Post by firefighter on Jan 6, 2008 6:58:34 GMT 10
  Hi freevaner your quote  810kgs according to the rego papers I would take it to the weigh bridge and weigh it my self to start with I dont think any state will give you a exemption for beeing a vintage vanner f/f ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Post by cobber on Jan 6, 2008 7:54:21 GMT 10
G’day Freevaner, Welcome to the forum. You say “810kgs according to the rego papers”....... if its registered and it hasn’t got brakes and it’s original.... your home and hosed. But I think 810 kg would normally require overrun brakes, as firefighter has suggested I’d pull the seat cushions & anything else you can out of the ‘van and take it to a weigh bridge to check the weight. What state do you live in, what do you tow the van with & what make of ‘van is it. Have a look at --- www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vib03.pdffor the regulations in NSW. Cobber. |
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Post by Ben the freevaner on Jan 6, 2008 12:31:15 GMT 10
Thanks heaps for your comments. I live in SA and I use a 2003 VW Transporter with a 2.5 litre deisel engine. It has excellent brakes and have never had a problem stopping. I have had trouble finding a web link to the regulations here in SA. Check out my pic of the axle.  |
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Post by hwyman on Jan 6, 2008 14:17:15 GMT 10
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Post by Ben the freevaner on Jan 6, 2008 22:28:28 GMT 10
I rang the seller of that Caravan and they reckon it would be cheaper to buy a set of new hydraulic brakes than to muck around with that old clunker.
I have been quoted wildly different prices to have brakes retro fitted. I'll need to make some more phone calls to confirm but it looks like I may be able to get electric brakes fitted for somewhere between $350 and $750.
Does anyone have a better idea? I hate finding out afterwards about the best way of doing things.
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Post by minicamper on Jan 8, 2008 6:33:16 GMT 10
Gents,
Our club mechanic made a (as it turned out) very valid point to me about car trailer brakes the other day and it seems true for all heavier vans/trailers really..
Unless you're driving a tow car with ABS, overrun brakes are not exactly ideal these days. if you need to stop in a hurry and the car starts to lock up, once the front wheels have done so, the caravan/trailer is not going to have as effective brakes once the car starts sliding and its pushing it along. Electric brakes, although not original will always brake no matter what the car is doing and the van won't be adding to the cars woes in an emergency....
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Post by fbmad on Jan 8, 2008 8:28:57 GMT 10
After towing a few vans with all sorts of brakes and some with none I can definately say that electric brakes are by far the best ones to fit if you can.The braking effect is adjustable via the brake controller to suit each vans towing characteristics.
Thats not saying the other types don't work but electric seem to work better again.
I will be going down the same path with trying to fit electric brakes to my 1953 Bondy with the Ford Pilot wheels and "I" beam axle.
Not sure whether its do-able but I'll have a go at it.
Probably wouldn't hurt to find a braking specialist or a trailer/van parts supply place local to you and test them with you plan.
Maybe they can come up with something.
Cheers,
Terry.
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Post by minicamper on Jan 9, 2008 6:38:02 GMT 10
Hi Terry,
I wouldn't mind keeping touch with you on your progress as I am going to do the exact same thing and posted a separate thread (hub swapping) for advice.
If ur interested PM me for a chat..
Oh and my earlier post was basically meant to say that once the car starts sliding, there's not enough resistance to keep mechanical/hydraulic brakes working at their best as the van keeps pushing the car along as it slides.. Did it come out right?...
Cheers
Chris
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Post by frankidownunder on Jan 9, 2008 21:47:43 GMT 10
Hi, Have a look at this site for info on axles, brakes etc. www.mastertrailerparts.com.au they are in tullamarine,melbourne. came across them as I was researching to re fit franki. Frankidownunder |
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