Short answer: owners should routinely monitor tyre condition and pressure, changing wear patterns, wheel-fastener requirements, braking behaviour, warning systems, unusual heat, noise and vibration. Bearing adjustment, brake work and technical diagnosis should follow the component manufacturer’s instructions and be completed by a competent or qualified person.
This running-gear guide connects with the Caravan Maintenance & Ownership Australia hub and the detailed caravan tyre load and pressure guide.
Tyres: inspect condition and confirm the load
Read every tyre’s size, construction, load index or rating, speed symbol and date marking, then compare it with the caravan plate, wheel rating and actual loads. A tyre can look inflated yet still be unsuitable or overloaded.
- Inspect tread and both visible sidewalls before travel.
- Look for cuts, cracking, bulges, embedded objects and uneven wear.
- Check cold pressure with a reliable gauge and the correct specification.
- Keep valve caps fitted and inspect stems for damage.
- Include the spare in condition and pressure checks.
The free Caravan Tyre Load & Pressure Planner helps compare axle and per-tyre planning loads with ratings. Actual weighbridge results are more useful than assumptions.
Wheel fasteners: use the specified process
Wheel-fastener torque is not a universal number. Wheel material, stud size, nut type and manufacturer requirements matter. Use a suitable calibrated torque wrench and the caravan, axle or wheel manufacturer’s value and sequence. Follow any required recheck after wheel removal or a stated travel distance.
Stop if a fastener will not tighten correctly, a stud is damaged, a wheel has moved, or fretting and elongation are visible. Do not keep tightening to hide a fault.
Wheel bearings: monitor changes, not just dates
Bearings operate under high load and are affected by adjustment, lubrication, water, dust, heat and road impacts. Owners can watch for unusual noise, wheel movement, grease leakage, abnormal heat, vibration or a change after rough travel. Technical inspection, cleaning, adjustment and replacement must follow the fitted axle and hub instructions.
Never work beneath a caravan supported only by a jack. Use approved lifting and support points and equipment, or arrange professional service.
Brakes: notice behaviour early
- Test the brake controller and trailer response before entering traffic.
- Investigate pulling, grabbing, weak braking, delayed response or warning messages.
- Inspect accessible wiring and breakaway components for visible damage.
- Keep battery and charging arrangements for breakaway equipment within specification.
- Have linings, drums, magnets, cables, hydraulics or electronic systems serviced as required.
Brake systems differ, so diagnosis and adjustment cannot be reduced to one checklist. The Australian Government’s current Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 explains national construction requirements for light trailers; maintenance must still follow the components fitted to your caravan and applicable state or territory rules.
Record what changed
Write down pressures, tyre condition, wheel work, bearing service, brake reports and parts replaced. Keep invoices and photos. A developing pattern across several trips can reveal a load, alignment or component problem that a single glance misses.
For a structured ownership record, see Tyre, Bearing & Brake Care.
Make it part of the complete ownership plan
Return to the Caravan Maintenance & Ownership Australia hub to connect this job with pre-trip checks, running gear, leak inspection, storage and service records.
Safety note: This guide is general planning information. Follow the current instructions for your caravan and every fitted component. Use qualified service, electrical, gas, brake, tyre and structural professionals where required.