EddyP Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Hi Guys, I'm finding that when I brake semi-hard the car van hitch is compressing with some force and then there's a bang on the back of the car as it compresses right the way up, is this normal or a sign that the hitch damper needs changing? I know when they do it more regularly they've definitely had it, but not sure what to expect when they're working properly. Thanks Ed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springtime Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Probably but it's also worth checking the bolts on your towbar are torqued up correctly. Quote Willerby Avonmore previous kit VW Splitty Camper,Ford Transit Camper, Commer Highwayman, Sprite Alpine Caravan, Rapids Export Folding Caravan, Fiat Autosleeper Harmony, Ci Granduca Motorhome, McLouis Glen 432 Motorhome, American RV Trail-Lite twin slide outs 8.2ltr petrol/lpg, Lunar Solaris Limited Edition Caravan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Kid Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 A bang on braking is more likely to be badly adjusted brakes . . If a damper has gone, when you pull away after braking you will get a thump Quote Roughing it . . but in comfort . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddyP Posted August 17, 2014 Author Share Posted August 17, 2014 (edited) The bar will be fine, I fitted it myself fairly recently, and with the design of bar it can't really move even if it had come loose a little. Will double check them anyway. Is there a guide anywhere on how to adjust alko brakes? EDIT - Don't worry, found one here http://www. al-ko. co. uk/edit/files/handbooks/overrun-braking-system-handbook. pdf Thanks Edited August 17, 2014 by EddyP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirkcaravanservice Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I agree with disco kid that the brakes probably require adjustment. Quote Colin Kirk chief executive of kirk caravan service www.kirkcaravanservice.co.uk Call: (07719 287 943) www.facebook.com/kirkcaravanservice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Pov Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Hi Guys, I'm finding that when I brake semi-hard the car van hitch is compressing with some force and then there's a bang on the back of the car as it compresses right the way up, is this normal or a sign that the hitch damper needs changing? I know when they do it more regularly they've definitely had it, but not sure what to expect when they're working properly. Thanks Ed. Had the same problem, needed a new hitch damper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macafee2 Posted August 31, 2014 Share Posted August 31, 2014 see if you can push the hitch back with your hand. if you can it is certainly has gone. I got the banging under both braking and pulling away. A trailer place was able to fit a new one while we went for breakfast on the way home. a new damper have have to be ordered macafee2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alistair4287 Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 see if you can push the hitch back with your hand. if you can it is certainly has gone. I got the banging under both braking and pulling away. A trailer place was able to fit a new one while we went for breakfast on the way home. a new damper have have to be ordered macafee2 Hi, sorry to nip into this tread but I seem to have the same issue, I have just come home from long journey to find oily residue coming from under tow hitch, and to think of it I have had the symptoms as above for a while now. Can anyone tell me how you find the correct damper for your van, mine is a Lunar LX 2000, I have a picture of the plate on A frame but struggling to upload it to this post Any help much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alistair4287 Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 Hi, have just managed to upload the picture of the plate on my A frame, does this give me any information on the over run damper model number Cheer Alistair Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blondchaser Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 If your damper is shot but brakes well adjusted, the van wheels will lock up on hard braking. Suspect you need a full brake service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaydug Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 The KF13 is the number you're looking for. See them here: http://www. tauntontrailers. co. uk/knott---avonride-750kg---1300kg-damper-12-p. asp Quote Citroen C5-X7 Tourer+Avondale Rialto 480/2 https://jondogoescaravanning.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommanderDave Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 (edited) Worth taking the damper out and checking the number on the side as they come in different lengths before ordering . Dave Edited July 27, 2015 by CommanderDave Quote Jeep Commander 3. 0 V6 CRD Isuzu D- Max Utah Auto Elddis Crusader Storm 2000 Kgs, Unipart Royal Atlas Mover . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leedslad Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 Hi, sorry to nip into this tread but I seem to have the same issue, I have just come home from long journey to find oily residue coming from under tow hitch, and to think of it I have had the symptoms as above for a while now. Can anyone tell me how you find the correct damper for your van, mine is a Lunar LX 2000, I have a picture of the plate on A frame but struggling to upload it to this post Any help much appreciated I don't think that anyone will mind you 'nipping into this thread' as it's nearly a year since it was posted. Why not start your own thread? John. Quote Never ask a man if he comes from Yorkshire. If he does, he'll tell you. If he doesn't, why humiliate him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alistair4287 Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 I don't think that anyone will mind you 'nipping into this thread' as it's nearly a year since it was posted. Why not start your own thread? John. Hi John, I was looking on how to start new thread but for life of me couldn't find the area to start one, lol. Think i have got info that i have required, I have only posted a couple of times but have found this site brilliant, thanks again If your damper is shot but brakes well adjusted, the van wheels will lock up on hard braking. Suspect you need a full brake service. Yeh, I will get them looked at after damper fitted, advice much appreciated, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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