Are you hearing a creaking noise when you’re towing a caravan? It can be a disconcerting sound to catch when you’re hitched up.
After all, your car is pulling a heavy object behind it, and you could, quite understandably, find yourself wondering if it is something you should be worried about, particularly if you’re new to caravanning. We’re sure we don’t need to mention that the prospect of towing a caravan as a beginner can feel daunting enough without hearing a creaking sound as you do so!
The next natural thought you are likely to have is whether it is something you can fix yourself, or if it is going to be a problem that requires taking the caravan to the workshop. Well, I do have some good news here: it could be a very simple fix, and if that is the case, one that you could actually sort yourself.
Let’s assume the caravan has a stabiliser hitch. Have you taken the paint off your tow ball?
Many tow balls have a layer of paint to protect against corrosion, but for pulling a caravan fitted with a stabiliser hitch, it is necessary to remove the paint from the ball. Failing to do so will result in the friction pads grinding away at the paint, making an awful noise and contaminating the pads.
If you haven’t taken off the paint, do so using sandpaper or an emery cloth. After removing the paint, wipe the ball down with white spirit or brake cleaner to remove any dusty residue.
This is going to be the most likely culprit behind the noise, and sorting that should put an end to that creaking sound when you’re towing your caravan.
But what if it doesn’t, or what if this is something you’ve already done?
If you have already cleaned away the paint and have checked that all the bolts for the towbar and hitch are correctly tightened, I would be inclined to ask a caravan technician to take a look.
They should not only be able to find the problem, but you also then get that extra peace of mind from knowing the caravan has been checked over by a professional, so you can tow with confidence.
Take a look at what we have to say about caravan towing electrics too, including the different types, maintenance, and how to connect your cable.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances and skill level. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects.
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