Travelling mechanic urges caravan owners to check three things before hitting the road

Mechanic Chris Morgan is travelling with his family while helping caravanners on the road. Source: Facebook/ 40acresto40feet & Chris Morgan

A mechanic who is travelling around Australia with his family, and tools in tow, is urging caravan owners to check three things before they hit the open road. 

Chris Morgan has been travelling and working on the road since the start of the year, and has helped countless caravanners who have found themselves broken down or in need of maintenance in some of the most remote areas of the country.

Chris, who is originally from Toogoolawah in Queensland, and is heading to Perth for Christmas, told Yahoo News there are three issues that come up time and time again when he helps caravanners. 

Wheel bearings often knackered by rough road conditions

Wheel bearings are the part of the tyre that connect them to the axles, allowing them to rotate. However, driving on rough roads – a common occurrence for those travelling through the outback – can put extra strain on the wheel bearings and make them more likely to loosen or become damaged. 

Overloading the caravan with weight or hitting potholes can also cause problems, and "having your wheel bearings checked" ahead of travel can decrease the likelihood of having to deal with the headache of getting them fixed or replaced in a remote location. 

Lights are a lifeline in remote locations 

Another common thing drivers need help with is their lights. Chris explained these are undoubtedly crucial when travelling long stretches of remote roads, not only for visibility but also to attract attention if you find yourself stuck and in need of assistance. 

"There's normally a wiring issue with lights that needs to be fixed," he told Yahoo. 

Chris explained there are three things he commonly helps caravanners with. Source: Facebook/ 40acresto40feet & Chris Morgan

Suspension is key to avoid swaying caravans

Caravan suspension is key for safe and stable towing, and without it the vehicle as a whole is unable to absorb any vibrations created by the motion of travel, or have any kind of a buffer against any rough road terrain. 

Suspension, as well as correct load management, ensures the caravan and motorised vehicle remain level and controlled as an overall unit. If not, swaying of the towed caravan can easily occur. 

Yahoo News has reported on multiple incidents involving swaying caravans on Aussie roads, like the incident in October where a truckie driving a 57-tonne vehicle had to swerve into the hard shoulder to dodge the caravan that lost control and spun in the middle of the road in front of him. 

Travelling mechanic's takeaway message for caravan drivers

Chris explained that while wheel bearings, lights and suspension work are three common issues found on travelling caravanners, there is a wide range of problems that can occur.

If caravanners can take away one key message, let it be this, Chris told Yahoo.

"Definitely make sure what you can have done, have done," he said. "Get your wheel bearings checked, yes, but have your caravan serviced by a professional before you leave for your trip. 

"Things happen, things break, but you can't see that in the near future, but you can do what you can, which is the preventive maintenance before you go."

This article originally appeared on Yahoo News Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/travelling-mechanic-urges-caravan-owners-to-check-three-things-before-hitting-the-road-064127101.html