I've only just started using mine and i was told to release the tension and lift clear from the cup support when reversing, only once have i forgot and like you it jumped off.
Ours sprung off if we turned a sharp corner going forwards - we cut our losses and bought an Alko because we didn't feel safe with the Bulldog after that.
Sounds like the end of the blade is pulling forward out of the shoe when on a sharp turn. Suggest the obvious solution would be to relocate the shoe on the A frame forwards by an inch or 2...Mick
Make sure the blade is placing enough downward pressure on the blade retainer that's fixed to the "A" frame . Click Here for setup instructions ( select your stabiliser from the list ) .
With car and van coupled, on level surface and both in straight line, there should be 100mm of the leaf spring protruding to the rear of the locating shoe.
If the stabiliser is mounted to the right of the towball, full lock to the left will pull the leaf forwards in the shoe, and full right will push it further into the shoe.
If reversing on full right lock, the retracting action of the hitch will push the spring still further into the shoe. Because of the arc in the spring, downward pressure will reduce, and it is likely that the spring will "hop" over the edge of the shoe. This is probably why disconnecting the stabilser for reversing is recommended.
If the stabiliser is mounted to the left of the towball, the situation is the same, but the opposite steering locks apply.
i have the same trouble with my "snakemaster" only mine comes off on steep brows on a corner, does anyone know if the setup instructions are the same for bulldog and snakemaster.
I fitted a CORGI stabiliser to my van and as yet have had no trouble.
Most Stabilisers based on the leaf spring design fit in the same way, to set them up connect the van to the towing vehicle ensuring that the van is level from back to front, connect whichever stabiliser you have chosen to the tow vehicle, move the spring parallel to the "A" frame. use some 2" masking tape along the side of the "A" frame so you can mark positions without drawing on "A" frame or covers etc.
mark the end position of the leaf spring on the "A" frame with a vertical mark
Measure 4" from this line towards the tow hitch and mark a new line, this is the furthest point back towards the van that the bracket should go.
Next make sure that the Quick release mechanism is locked, measure the distance from the ground to the underside of the leaf spring at its end point (lowest point to the ground)
Add 1.5 - 2.5" to the dimension you just took, I prefer to add 2.5" as this gives more tension
Place a block of wood or something similar under the end of the leaf spring so it is raised to the dimension you took + the 2.5"
Place the bracket under the spring so the slipper block is seated snugly, with the clamping holes in the bracket up against the "A" frame at the point of the vertical mark you made earlier. Maintaining the 4" spring protrusion from the bracket, mark through the holes onto the tape. this is the best position for the bracket to sit
Make sure that you check with the manufacturers as to weather drilling is allowed on your particular chassis, it is not recommended that you drill aluminium "A" frames as this may sevearly weaken the frame, in these cases a saddle bracket is fitted over the chassis beam so no drilling is required. It is also advisable that the stabilisers be disconnected when going up or down steep inclines i.e. on or off ferries etc.
------------- youth and exuberance is no match for age and cunning.
The Bulldog stabiliser has provision for height adjustment of the shoe which is fitted to the caravan a-frame. I would imagine that the Snakemaster is similar.
Although I now use a Winterhoff coupling, I still have the fitting instructions for the Bulldog, if anyone needs further help.
We have a bulldog & without being told I take it off when reversing as when on full look it looked like it would pop off, so I take it of all the time.
------------- I'm just a slave to the outdoor life!!!!!!!
Quote: Originally posted by stuwhittingham on 23/1/2007
i have the same trouble with my "snakemaster" only mine comes off on steep brows on a corner, does anyone know if the setup instructions are the same for bulldog and snakemaster.
stu
Hi Stu , if you need the instructions for the Snakemaster drop me an email and i'll send them to you .
Mine is actually a Snake Master. Only had it pop off he once as I said, that was when reversing. Never came off on a hill. I must say how impressed I was by it. I picked my van up from storage and forgot to put the stabiliser on. In strong winds, it was a s** to keep straight. Put the stabilizer on and it was beautiful. £50 well spent imho. No substitute for sensible loading and driving, but makes for a less stressful journey and gives the wife a false sense of security so she's not hassling me every 1/2 mile to get out and check everythings alright. Downside is if things do go wrong, will I know about it until it is too far gone to correct?
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Topic: stabiliser keeps coming off
