The coupling damper has a shock-absorbent effect, reducing the ‘bouncing’ of the sprung drawbar. If the spring is too strong and the damper too stiff, the brakes could fail to operate with sufficient force to bring the caravan to a safe stop.
How do you test caravan dampers?
Try to push the coupling back into the A frame, a lot of resistance should be felt (if you can move it at all) and if you do manage to push it in, it should slowly return to its original position by itself. If it slides in and out very easily, or stays in when pushed in you need a new one.
What is a tow bar damper?
Andrew Burt’s tow-bar damper took second place in the simple category of the Farmers Weekly Inventions Competitions. His creation uses a short parallel linkage, which allows the hitch to move up and down, without pushing it too far from the back of the truck.
How do you grease a caravan overrun?
To reach it, fully apply the handbrake and chock the wheels for additional safety, and raise the rear steadies. Then wind the jockey wheel down to raise the front of the caravan so that you can reach the grease nipple with the grease gun and give it 2-3 pumps of grease.
How does Alko Stabiliser work?
What is this? The old Westfalia and the modern AL-KO/Winterhoff stabiliser hitch heads all work on the same principle. The tow ball clicks into the place and you then push down the clamp handle which forces friction pads against the tow ball. Typically, this will be two friction pads on either side of the tow ball.
How do you replace a Bradley damper?
Replacing a Damper-Bradley Coupling
- Step 1 – Remove the Bolt at the rear of the Coupling as shown in the diagram below.
- Step 2 – Then, remove the back bolt of the Coupling head.
- Step 3 – Pull the Damper out from the rear of the Coupling.
- Step 4 – Unscrew the Damper Extension and keep this to one side. (
How do you lubricate caravan corner steadies?
The best lube to use is Motorcycle Chain Oil in a spray can. Failing this, White Lithium Grease in a spray can. Dont put loads of any lube on, just a spray along the screw and wind the steadies up and down to distribute the lube.
What is the jockey wheel test on a caravan?
Before you set off, I suggest you use the jockey wheel test. This is where you try to lift the hitch off the tow ball using the jockey wheel. You should see the back of the car raise slightly.
What is the best caravan Stabiliser?
Caravan Stabiliser
- Maypole 5492C Stronghold Stabiliser with Carry Bag.
- Snakemaster Quick-Release Caravan Stabiliser for Swan-Neck Towbars.
- Bulldog 200Q Caravan Stabiliser.
