Services

Caravan servicing in Colac

Maybe you're getting the van ready for a run up the coast and want the bearings and brakes checked before you hitch up. Or you're mid-trip on the Great Ocean Road, something's started making a noise it shouldn't, and you'd rather sort it in town than push on and hope. Either way, Callahan Vehicle Maintenance is a family-owned workshop at 44 Hugh Murray Drive in Colac, and Bernard Callahan has been in the trade for 37 years. We're a VACC member workshop, and we handle the mechanical and chassis side of caravan work properly.

What caravan servicing at Callahan covers

Caravan servicing splits into two halves: the chassis and running gear that keeps the van rolling safely down the road, and the "house" side you live in. We do the first. Here's what that covers:
  • Wheel bearings – inspect, pack, and replace. The most common cause of caravan grief on a long trip.
  • Brakes – electric, override, and mechanical, including brake controller integration with your tow vehicle.
  • Suspension and springs – shackles, bushes, leaf springs, and shockers.
  • Tow bar fitting and repair – ADR compliant, with the weight ratings done properly.
  • Caravan electrical – 12V chassis wiring, lights, and charging.
  • Chassis inspection and pre-trip / post-trip checks.

Tow bars, weight ratings, and trailer regulations

A tow bar has to meet ADR requirements and be matched to the right weight numbers, or the whole rig can end up non-compliant or unsafe. The terms that matter:
  • ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) – the fully loaded weight of the van when it's not coupled to the car.
  • GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) – the load carried by the van's own axles when it is coupled.
  • Tare – the empty weight of the van.
  • Ball weight – the download on the tow ball, often around 10% of ATM, though it varies by van.
  • GCM (Gross Combination Mass) – the most the car and van are rated to weigh together.
Victorian rules also require brakes on caravans over 750kg ATM, and breakaway brakes over 2,000kg ATM; we'll check what your van needs, and VicRoads has the detail on the regulations. Bernard works through the numbers with you so the tow bar, the van, and the tow vehicle all line up. As a Licensed Vehicle Tester (EX12159), the workshop also handles Victorian roadworthy work.

Caravan servicing in Colac for local owners and travellers

If you're based around Colac or anywhere in the Otway region, you don't need to drive to Geelong for chassis and running-gear servicing. It's here in town.

If you're passing through, Colac sits on the Princes Highway and is a natural stop on the Great Ocean Road run. If a bearing complains, a brake plays up, or a tow bar mount works loose, a planned stop here beats backtracking once you're further along.

Between Bernard and his technicians, there's 75-plus years of combined trade experience in the workshop, and because we service tow vehicles too, your whole rig can stay road-ready as one unit. As a guide, caravan wheel bearings are usually worth servicing once a year or every 10,000km, whichever comes first.

Call the office on 03 5234 1600 or Bernard on mobile 0419 871 591 to book your caravan servicing today!

Common Questions About Caravan Servicing

As a general guide, once a year or every 10,000km, whichever comes first. If you do a lot of dirt roads or beach driving, check sooner. Bearings are cheap; a seized hub on the highway is not.

Yes. We service electric, override, and mechanical caravan brakes, and we can sort out brake controller integration with your tow vehicle.

Yes. We fit and repair tow bars to ADR standards and work through the weight ratings with you so the van and tow vehicle are matched correctly. If you're not sure your current setup is right, bring it in and we'll check it.

No. We handle the mechanical and chassis side: brakes, bearings, suspension, electrical, and tow bar work. Gas appliances, fridges, awnings, and interior fit-out are best left to a caravan house-side specialist, and we'll point you in the right direction if that's what you need.

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