Hi folks,
I'm new to the forum and would appreciate your wisdom/knowledge/experience!
I have my Eriba Troll in for it's first service and I've been informed by the dealership (Lowdhams) that the brake drum and shoe on one side has worn probably "as a result of towing having left the brake on the van when towing" and needs replacing at a cost of £320! I'm an experienced caravaner and know that I would never do this or at worse notice within the first few yards of towing. Apparently the brakes are self adjusting and as only one side is affected can't help but think this is a faulty part and warrant issue. Any thoughts?
Also the brackets on the pull of bed have come loose but apparently, according to the dealer, this is due to "wear and tear of towing CARAVAN, and subsequently not covered under the warranty" Can this be true?
Help please!!!!!!!!

Noted, thank you.

I can't think why Lowdhams would claim neither item is repairable under warranty when all they have to do is claim from Hymer. Have they made a claim and had it rejected by Hymer or are they just avoiding making a claim? Our local WWB dealerships are only too happy to make warranty claims, though obvs not with Hymer.

Maybe Lowdhams would rather you paid them at their customer hourly rate, rather than Hymer at their discounted warranty rate. If so that's a very poor do.

Hi Mark

I see many cases of damaged brake components due to either the user towing with the handbrake applied, or towing with a faulty overrun damper - three cases this month alone, and all have caused damage to both sides.

The auto-adjust brake system is fairly new, and I haven't worked on them yet so can't comment on the mode of failure that would cause excessive wear to just one side, but I'm sure Al-Ko would want to investigate the problem.

I've attended courses at Al-Ko's factory, and they do encourage feedback from engineers and customers and if necessary would send an engineer for on-site investigation.

You can make contact with them here - follow the Help Centre link to find your local service centre.

Have a look at your paperwork, the warranty conditions should be on it, I bought my 2015 Familia from Lowdhams in Huddersfield and had no problems with warranty work.

1st year is comprehensive and includes all original fit components.
2nd year excludes tyres, glass, paint& brightwork, soft furnishings,carpets floor coverings,work surfaces, window catches, electrical connections,natural movement of internal doors and furniture, audio equipment.


The items below were replaced or repaired under warranty.

1st year:
Front hitch cover
bottom front sidelight moulding

2nd year
Two touch lights
Fridge element
Door lock repaired

Thanks, I'll make contact with Alko and let you know what they say.

Thanks, I've pushed it back to Lowdhams to make a claim under warranty, will keep you posted!