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   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Repairs, Servicing and Maintenance 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email
Subject Topic: Tow Hitch Banging When Braking
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PersonAdiep
11/2/2015 at 10:58am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Khyam Indianna 8 + Porch & Royal Ext View Adiep's Profile View Profile   Reply to Adiep Reply   Quote Adiep Quote  
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Hi all, I'm just doing some maintenance ready for the new season.

When braking, the tow hitch makes a clunking noise when the weight of the trailer comes forward, towards the tow car, on the tow hitch. It makes braking a little un-nerving.

It is difficult to push the hitch in by hand but it can be winched in and it returns to the normal position upon release.

Someone has suggested a new damper is required. What are your views? Can I repair this myself?

Thanks

Adrian


Personleon copa
11/2/2015 at 11:43am
 Location: seaham co durham
 Outfit: elddis hurricane astra sportstourer View leon copa's Profile View Profile   Reply to leon copa Reply   Quote leon copa Quote  
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sounds like your damper you can change this your self. but could be your brakes need adjusting .


Persontrog100
11/2/2015 at 11:43am
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a new damper is required.. i fitted one to my van.. they are not that expensive (£60-ish) and not difficult to fit.. all bangings and clunkings will magically disappear..

trog


PersonAdiep
11/2/2015 at 12:06pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Khyam Indianna 8 + Porch & Royal Ext View Adiep's Profile View Profile   Reply to Adiep Reply   Quote Adiep Quote  
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Brilliant news. I just need to figure out the manufacturer and the part number or are they universal? I might take it off and take it to the local caravan/trailer yard.

The brake pads are good, I have new cables to fit but the coupling from the cables to the rod are different and I need to get a new coupling that fits.

I could also do with replacing the rod just to make it all new.

Many thanks for the prompt advice.


Personbilly
11/2/2015 at 12:59pm
 Location: North Essex
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Hitch dampers are not universal, its better to take it to a suppliers & match up. If you need to mail order then you will have to take make & serial number off hitch to get correct part.


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Personnavver
11/2/2015 at 1:57pm
 Location: West country
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Remove the damper and it will have a number on it. Google it and you will get a replacement on line or give the number to a dealer.

This site will give a lot of help on how to change it. I did mine no problems.

http://www.bailey94.co.uk/overrun-damper.htm


PersonAdiep
11/2/2015 at 10:04pm
 Location: Shropshire
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Good resource Navver, thanks. That looks easy enough.


PersonMITIE1
19/2/2015 at 8:03pm
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hi i think your brake away cable is not conneted proply have a good look and pull it see if its working cheers tom


PersonsteveMc81
19/2/2015 at 8:50pm
 Location: Forest of Dean
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Just had the exact same symptoms and it was the hitch damper siezed. Once I removed it I found it was locked out fully extended, I managed to free it to find that it would immediately spring out after being placed under pressure rather than slowly extending as it should hence the banging noise when towing.


PersonAdiep
03/7/2015 at 12:31pm
 Location: Shropshire
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Thanks to all.

I replaced the damper, a piece of cake actually. New pads on the shoes cost £25 rather than £160 for the full shoe. New cables. £35 for a check over and calibration at the local towing center. The trailer is like new again. All for around £100. Another towing center wanted £1300 (inc VAT) to do it all.

Cheers.



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