Reliable Small Caravan & Trailer Service

Towed Vehicle Maintenance in Nunawading

Owning a small caravan or trailer brings freedom and flexibility, whether it’s for weekend getaways, moving gear, or just enjoying life on the road. But even when your small caravan, camper or trailer isn’t being used often, neglecting its service can lead to serious safety, performance and cost issues. If you’re based in Nunawading and looking for dependable service for your small caravan or trailer, here’s what you need to know — and why regular maintenance matters, even when it feels like you haven’t driven or towed it in ages.

Only Small Caravans & Trailers Serviced

First and foremost, understand that not all workshops are equipped for larger caravans, motorhomes or big RVs. The service we offer is specifically tailored to small caravans and trailers only. If your vehicle is beyond certain weight, size or axle limits, or if it is a large RV, then it’s likely beyond our service scope. This focus allows us to provide attentive, specialised care for the smaller towed vehicles: better attention to detail, faster turnaround, more accurate checks and repairs. Knowing this helps you choose a workshop that is transparent and well suited to your vehicle’s size.

Please contact us to discuss the size of your towed vehicle before booking in for a service.

Why Lack of Use Isn’t Harmless

When your small caravan or trailer sits idle:

Components can deteriorate without warning
Rubber seals dry out, tyres degrade, wheel bearings can lose lubrication, and metal parts corrode - even if no load is placed

Brakes may seize or rust
Especially in damp conditions, brakes (if fitted) and associated components can deteriorate. A brake that hasn’t been used might feel good when you test it lightly, but under load on a slope or at speed it may fail or perform poorly

Electrical systems can age
Wiring, light fittings, trailer plug connectors can corrode, rattle loose or degrade from exposure, even without usage

Fuel economy & stopping distance can be affected
Poorly functioning running gear or brakes add drag, increase rolling resistance or cause misalignment—leading to higher fuel usage. Faulty brakes make your stopping distance longer, especially when towing weight

Because of these risks, even if your trailer or small caravan hasn’t been used recently, scheduling a check once per year is a smart move.

Key Areas to Inspect Annually

To keep your small caravan or trailer safe and reliable, these are some of the most common failure points, and what you should insist be checked:

Wheel bearings – make sure they are properly packed with grease, and that seals are intact. Worn bearings cause friction and heat, possibly leading to bearing failure which can damage hubs or even lead to wheel loss.
Brakes (if fitted) – inspect for wear, corrosion, responsiveness. Adjust or replace parts as needed. Even one weak or sticky caliper can compromise braking, especially under load.
Running gear – includes suspension, axles, spring packs, leaf springs. Look for rust, fatigue, alignment issues, loose bolts and mounting. Worn or broken parts here impact handling and safety.
Tyres and wheels – beyond correct pressure, tyres should be checked for cracking, dry rot, uneven wear; wheel alignment and balance should be checked. Tightening of lugs to proper torque.
Hitch, safety chains, coupling – ensure everything is secure, lubricated, not rusted or damaged. Sometimes these get overlooked but are critical for safe towing.
Lights & electrical connections – check all exterior lighting (indicator, brake, tail), reflector condition, plug connections. Even small faults here can be a legal risk.

Risks of Skipping Annual Checks

If you delay annual servicing or skip maintenance because you believe “nothing’s wrong”, remember:

Stopping distance increases. Faulty brakes or dragging components reduce your ability to slow quickly. This can increase risk of accidents

Fuel usage goes up. Friction from poor bearings, misaligned wheels or poorly inflated tyres forces your towing vehicle to work harder

Costlier repairs later. A small problem (like a seal leak or worn bearing) can grow into a much more expensive failure if left too long

Unexpected breakdowns. A component that fails while driving or towing can leave you stranded at worst, or cause further damage to trailer or towing vehicle at best

Why Annual Service Matters Even Without Use

Even if you only pull your trailer or small caravan a few times a year or not at all:

Seasonal changes (temperature, humidity, cold, moisture) accelerate wear on tyres, grease seals, exposed metals

UV exposure can degrade plastics, rubber hoses, wiring insulation

Slow leaks or seepage may remain unnoticed without inspection until they cause damage

Regulations or safety standards may require working lighting, brakes etc even during rare use, or in certain towing scenarios

If you own a small caravan or trailer in Nunawading, don’t wait until something fails. Regular servicing can preserve safety, maintain performance, reduce fuel usage, and avoid costly unexpected failures. Book in your small caravan or trailer inspection or maintenance now to ensure everything is operating correctly — even if it hasn’t moved much lately.

Whether you're preparing for towing season, planning a trip, or have had your trailer idle for months, it’s smart to get in touch. Bring your small caravan or trailer to us and rest assured that our service focuses on safety, performance, and reliability.