Coupling dampener

Cluais · 06 May 2015, 15:55

I moved the trailer for the first time today since putting on new hubs,shoes and cables but when I brake and take of I'm getting a bang from the Trailer I'm guessing it's the coupling dampner..would I be right in thinking this..
Also it's a roller coaster 7 trailer year 2002 anyone know the part number or know where I can pick one up cheap

Nos4r2 · 06 May 2015, 16:41

Coupling damper would be favourite. You'll need to buy the damper to match your hitch, not your trailer.

I wouldn't be towing it as it is, it could knock you off the road if you have to emergency brake brake hard in a corner.

mick · 06 May 2015, 17:29

Did you set brakes up correctly

Johnscubanut · 06 May 2015, 17:47

It may well be the damper. But I would adjust the brakes up first to see if there is any difference? 'Trailerguy' on here would be the expert for you.

Cluais · 06 May 2015, 18:18

I think I set braked right,when hand brake is applied the handbrake leaver is at 90deg to hitch

Cluais · 06 May 2015, 18:20

The hitch is 1500kg-2000kg type v793b

mick · 06 May 2015, 18:35

I would check the brake set up 1 St

Ian M · 06 May 2015, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cluais

I think I set braked right,when hand brake is applied the handbrake leaver is at 90deg to hitch

This has almost nothing to do with setting the brakes up correctly.
Have you adjusted them up at the hub, and then set your cables correctly? Are all you brake linkages moving freely?

Cluais · 06 May 2015, 20:50

Ya adjusted at drum first till wheel won't turn then opposite way until wheel turned freely which was about 3/4 turn with ratchet
Then tightened up everything else
Everything is new incl cables,threaded bar
Previous owner had everthing disconnected and brakes taken out
It's the same knocking or bang I had before when I had no brakes that's why I think it's the damper but I will adjust the brakes again

Last Tango · 06 May 2015, 21:00

Depends on the type of hitch but the pivot that operates the rod sometimes seizes onto the shaft/bolt that the handbrake mounts on........gas burner and a 2lb hammer to separate them. strip, clean, grease and re-assy. Be careful with the sprung "energy store"

Nos4r2 · 06 May 2015, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cluais

Ya adjusted at drum first till wheel won't turn then opposite way until wheel turned freely which was about 3/4 turn with ratchet
Then tightened up everything else
Everything is new incl cables,threaded bar
Previous owner had everthing disconnected and brakes taken out
It's the same knocking or bang I had before when I had no brakes that's why I think it's the damper but I will adjust the brakes again

You've done it correctly. I did exactly the same job last year.

Look under the hitch for oil staining.

paintman · 07 May 2015, 00:54

This might be of help: How to check if the trailer or caravan coupling damper needs replacing

jyasaki · 07 May 2015, 14:49

Check that your tow ball is tight; mine makes a decent thump on acceleration and braking if it slips on the drawbar.

jky

Simon666 · 06 August 2015, 23:18

My trailer gave the same "thud" on braking.
Changed the damper in my Bradley braking hitch.
Only one type of damper was listed for the hitch. Took about an hour to change.
Nothing difficult just some very tight bolts to remove.
Dont forget to get new Nylock nuts when re-fitting.

Pikey Dave · 08 August 2015, 08:27

The damper is only to take the shock out of the braking system, it's to ensure the brakes come on smoothly. If the brakes don't work, the damper will bottom out & thud. The G forces on a tonne plus of trailer braking after tonking along at 60mph ain't going to be overcome by a piddly little gas spring that you can practically compress by hand. The damper isn't there to stop the "Thud", that's what the brakes are for. If the brakes aren't set up correctly, then no amount of new dampers will stop the thudding.

Simon666 · 08 August 2015, 08:44

Well I do a lot of towing and never had a thud before on braking.
Changed the damper and nice and smooth again.

Pikey Dave · 08 August 2015, 09:21

Are the brakes working ok? What usually happens, the brakes don't work, so the damper works overtime & eventually gives up. Fit a new damper without adjusting the brakes & the new damper appears to work for a while & then gives up.

.....sh1t happens.......

ribber · 08 August 2015, 10:49

I must admit I thought it was the damper movement that pushed the linkage to pull the brake cable that applies the brakes.

If the damper is not moving ie jammed/seized then the brakes won't apply and you'll get that thump when braking. Again I thought also the damper takes up the movement when pulling away, to soften the jolt.

Pikey Dave · 08 August 2015, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ribber

I must admit I thought it was the damper movement that pushed the linkage to pull the brake cable that applies the brakes.

If the damper is not moving ie jammed/seized then the brakes won't apply and you'll get that thump when braking. Again I thought also the damper takes up the movement when pulling away, to soften the jolt.

All of the above. My point is, if the brakes don't work, then you will still get a thud, regardless of the state of the damper. If the brakes don't work, the trailer compresses the damper, the damper bottoms out & the trailer runs into the tow all causing the thud. On a properly set up trailer, the brakes should retard the trailer before the damper bottoms. The brakes & damper work in tandem, one is no good without the other.

.....sh1t happens.......

mick · 08 August 2015, 12:37

Looks like your trying to knock a wall down with your head again Dave 😜
I've done my on brakes recently and I can feel the trailer slowing the motor down