I'm new around here, moved from a tent to a caravan about a month ago, and love it! First run was without a stabiliser, and didn't like motorways, so got a Bulldog Stabiliser. Second run was great, handling on the motorways was entirely different, and I was really happy. I used it at the weekend, but took it off after half an hour, there was a lot of really loud creaking every time I turned that I really didn't like. Is this normal?
I had a snakemaster that did make this horrible creaking noise when turning. If you imagine its construction, it is basically 2 pieces of brake pad material bolted together at a certain torque setting to provide a resistance to turning or swivelling. To be safe check what the manufacturer says should be the max torque on the bolt. If its already in that limit turn your radio up.
I would suggest that it depends just how much "creaking" you're getting.
If it's a new stabiliser then I'd suggest you check the torque setting. If it's a used one then I suggest you check and possibly replace the friction pads.
It's brand new, it was fine on the first outing, and only started when I put it on at the weekend. Every time I changed direction, even just a little bit, there was this noise from behind me. Pretty scary when you've never towed before. I'll need to examine it in more detail. I just took it off and enjoyed the swaying from behind!
Well it's nearly 3 years since I last used a separate stabiliser, as I've currently got a stabiliser hitch, but although it's not uncommon to have blade stabilisers creaking, I'm pretty sure they aren't supposed to.
In other words, although it might still be working, I'm pretty sure it should be looked at.
I have my stabilizer serviced evry 12 months, after servicing it normally goes quiet for a couple of trips then starts 'groaning' again. The service engineer says that as the pads move a small ammount of dust is worn off and this causes the groaning - he said this was nothing to worry about so I don't.
I used to chuck some water over mine not sure whether it stopped it working correctly but it did stop it from creaking. After all they are used in the wet weather as well so try it. Now have a Alko hitch stabliser.......................Mick
Thinking about this I realised that if left for any time car brakes will build up rust between the pads/shoes and the discs/drums, resulting in a little squeaking and rubbing until they free up from use. If a sabiliser has got a little damp then the surface of the metal against the pad will surely get a little rusty and this could possibly lead to groaning. Solution when you take the stabiliser of after towing put it in a warm place where it can dry out if their is a chance it got wet in use. If the moisture is dryed out quickly no rust can form.
------------- Trunkles
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Why is there always something just where I can bang my head on it?
Thanks everyone, I've got a few things to think about there. I'll keep it dry and warm until I use it, check the torque, then soak it with a bucket of water! Or maybe I'll try them at different times to see if any one of them seems to work better.
This is what Bulldog say in their FAQ's regarding noise from their stabilisers:
" There is a noise from my Bulldog Stabiliser when towing.
Noise can be generated between the friction pads and the moving friction plate surfaces when driving. This is quite normal and this has no detrimental effect on the function of the stabiliser. If the noise is excessive check the tension on the end of the spring arm which should be 60lbs with a set of bathroom scales at the end of the spring arm (see our page on stabiliser service for further details if tension is wrong). If there is excessive dust around the friction discs the stabiliser will need to be stripped down cleaned and re-assembled. Whilst apart check the pivot plate is flat by placing a straight edge along its faces. Replace if it is distorted. The stabiliser friction pads should be dry in operation. If they have been inadvertently oiled or contaminated with oil they will need to be discarded and all metal surfaces thoroughly degreased then the stabiliser re-assembled with new friction discs. When carrying out any adjustments to the spring tension refer to the stabiliser service section of this web site to get the correct settings."
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Topic: Bulldog Stabiliser Creaking
