Caravans are far too poorly maintained. One in three caravans turns out to be unsafe during an inspection. Especially the brakes show defects.
This is evident from new figures from the car industry organization Bovag. For the first time, Bovag has been able to analyze the inspection data of three thousand caravans. “The results are alarming. We are shocked. An inspection for the caravan is not mandatory. There is no MOT for it,” says Paul de Waal of Bovag. “People who have their caravan inspected have safety as a top priority. And if one in three does not pass that inspection, then that makes one think about the state of maintenance of caravans that are never inspected. With that in mind, it is justified to conclude that, looking at the entire fleet of caravans, the need for repair and maintenance is probably much higher.”
Never before have there been inspection data for so many caravans. With a new automation system, the technical condition of 50,000 caravans that are inspected must eventually be known at the Bovag. There are 417,000 caravans in the Netherlands.
More than four out of ten have something wrong
Caravans older than 20 years in particular appear to be in poor technical condition, more than four in ten have something wrong with them. Nearly half of the specimens between 30 and 40 years old are rejected. In particular, the braking system, essential for safe driving, often shows defects. According to the trade association, which recommends a biennial inspection, the shortcomings cause ‘significant safety risks’ for both the owner of the caravan and other road users.
“You don’t see the defects yourself,” says caravan inspector Taco Smit. The 21 year old Eriba caravan he has on the bridge is spic and span inside. No stains in the cream upholstery or curtains. A crystal clear refrigerator. “I see this often. You open the door of the caravan and it looks beautiful and well maintained, but technically they let it slip. Usually it is not unwillingness but pure ignorance. People don’t see the dangers.”
He pushes with a screwdriver between the brake shoe and the brake lining. “The brake lining is partly loose. One hard brake and it comes loose, slams between the drum and the other brake shoe and the wheel locks. You can guess what happens to a caravan of 1200 kilos or more.” The inspector of caravan maintenance company Buikema in Kampen is not surprised by Bovag’s results that one in three caravans does not pass the inspection. “That is consistent with my findings. I inspect three hundred caravans a year.”
blowout
There’s more to the old Eriba. The original breakaway cable broke once and was repaired by connecting a new breakaway cable to the eye of the previous one. “That is not allowed. If the caravan comes loose because it was not connected properly, the breakaway cable has to pull the brake, but with this one the cable will just come loose.”
The Eriba’s tires are from 2011, while Bovag states that 6 years is actually the maximum. Heat and sunlight have affected the rubber too much. ,, Hairline cracks can occur in a tire that you don’t see. Especially around the rim which can get very hot when driving and braking. People think: the profile is still good, so the tire is still good. It does not wear out so there is no danger, it is thought. Until you get a blowout.”
Big problem
The Eriba has another problem. The pressure regulator, which reduces the gas pressure, and the hose of the gas bottle are well past their expiration date. In fact, they should be replaced every five years. “If the membrane of the divider tears and you start cooking, you will lose a lot of hair in one go. Or worse your whole caravan burns out. I get them in who happened to that.” Tyres, brakes, breakaway cable and gas installation, the owner can look forward to a bill of 800 euros.
“The big problem is that this caravan can go on the road in this condition with defects. There is no mandatory inspection. I think there should actually be an obligation to have your caravan inspected every two years. For your own safety and that of other road users.
There is discussion within the EU about a mandatory inspection for caravans, but it is expected to take years before all member states agree.
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