hello all.

I have a trailer that clunks forward and back as you set off, i think something in the braked coupling has given up. Is it some sort of shock damper, or a spring? Dont know if they brakes on it work as i tend to drive cautiously enough that the brakes dont engage.

Any thoughts?

You do get spring over-run couplings but most now have a big shock absorber/gas spring type thing.
It is possible there is a failed bush on the absorber or the absorber may be goosed.

One of the trailers i had had the same clunking, was bush on the absorber as minitici said.

Joel, It will either be a shagged damper or the bush in the end of it but more than likely the damper unit itself.

I trust you have checked the bolts that hold the hitch head onto the a frame and the hitch itself onto the drawbar to see they are not loose and wabbling about.

Sounds like the damper is shot. Caravan dealers usually have them in stock

quote:

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Originally posted by scotlad
Sounds like the damper is shot. Caravan dealers usually have them in stock

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Second what locoboy ^ says about checking all yer bolts etc. etc.
Also if it's old enough for the coupling to be worn out you will be checking the age of the tyres and dismantling, checking and re-packing the wheel bearings won't you?
(Says he with bitter experience of ignoring both and suffering the consequences!).
Cheers, Pewe

thanks peeps. It appears to be the newer type from the post above. Will have to have it apart sometime in daylight.

Pewe, its well on my mind that, as its second hand, it definately needs looking at by someone who knows more than me. I dont have a clue even what parts its made from! Just need to speak to a few mechanics i know and see if anyone fancies a look at it.

regarding the damper, is it just a case of finding the brand and getting a new part?

cheers!