Brake system manual

 http://ftp.alko-tech.com/manuals/Anhaengertechnik/Servicehandbuecher/4_Radbremsen/499800_b_Service_Guide_Radbremsen_EN.pdf

One of my readers found this. 

seems to have great detail.

Parts catalog

 This catalog pdf was sent by one of my readers.  Thanks, Jean!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kqabg0kto26m5a3/parts%20catalog%20ronbe%20sweeden.pdf?dl=0

Please let me know if you have success buying from them!

Repairing cracks in fiberglas

From the Brenderup Owners facebook page (with permission):

From a series of Q&A posts:

I've read elsewhere to use Gelcoat repair for fiberglass boats to repair spider cracks. Here's a link to directions. There are YouTube videos also

Oops, here's the link https://itstillruns.com/fix-spider-cracks-fiberglass-8002953.html

ITSTILLRUNS.COM

How to Fix Spider Cracks in Fiberglass

How to Fix Spider Cracks in Fiberglass

Yes, I talked to a boat person a while back. You can re-gelcoat a fiberglass surface.

I took mine to a car detail shop they wet-sanded and re-coated it. It looks amazing. The shop owner indicated the the next coat (after this one cures) they can incorporate ceramic into it it make it even more durable

do you mind saying how much that cost? Mine also has similar cracking to the OP. I bought it like that, so it must have spent most of its life outside. I store it in a barn so it hasn't gotten any worse at least.

It cost $630. It was expensive but the trailer looked brand new once it was finished. I immediately bought a trailer cover to maintain! The detail shop is having me come back in September to do another coat.

General update

May 19, 2020.  Just a note to update the blog.  This all started back in 2011 when my brakes locked up. Stupid mistake on my part. I did the repair myself and documented it. Since then I just post items that users email to me at Jeff@kurtzinpa.com.

Some of the links from back in the beginning aren't valid now.  If there is something you need to see just send an email and I'll see if I can find it for you. I still have most of my original repair manuals.

Happy Trails!  Jeff  717-620-9676

Misc Maintenance topics.

This information was sent in by one of my readers. 

 Trailer door weather stripping -$1.50  per foot.   "A" position is the one used around the trailer doors.     https://www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/Push-on-Trim-with-Bulb-Seal_c_238.htm

Trailer Covers – I've used this every winter & it fits the Baron TC well. Its made by Adco and sold various places .  It is the 12'-1" to 14' size.  I bought mine through Valleyvet.com   They last about 3 years.   https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=D5CEFCD4-4F5D-4A3E-ABD0-FDD229B98D26

Here's a recent video link with details of an inventive replacement for the top section of ramp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/126022580819462/permalink/2904266942994998/?d=null&vh=i

Floor replacement

One of my readers send this in to share.  Any time you do a trailer repair, please, don't hesitate to send photos or stories about your project.

Thanks, Judy!

https://www.facebook.com/scott.webb.5492/videos/10216295784572937

Flooring solution!

I visited my local all-purpose trailer dealer this morning and saw a sample of Blackwood Lumber's rubber infused planking product.  Pretty fascinating!

First thing I did was go to the company website and call customer service.  

they took a look at some Brenderup photos with me and agree that their product is perfect for this application... ( of course... what else would they say?)

The product is treated wood with an 8mm thick rubber coating in 2x6 and 2x8 widths on standard thickness planks.  You can buy any quantity direct from the factory but have to pay shipping.  Any PJ Trailer dealer can order the stuff with no shipping.  Using a local dealer helps get the stuff unloaded and they probably can work on the floor for you.

The standard version has exposed wood at the edges.  They recommend the Pro version which is complete coverage.  No More MATTS!

Links:  Blackwood Lumber <<<

PJ Trailer Sales <<<

PJ Trailer has dealers across the country.  There is probably a sample of the product on their check-out counter.

Let me know if you decide to use this product.  

Repair location(s)

This just in!! ::: This fellow in TX does trailer repairs (mechanical stuff like brakes and bearings) and will work on Brenderups!
Scott Webb
New Braunfels, TX 78132
Contact: Jesse Webb
Phone: (830) 708-3540

If you have a contact who works on Brenderups please email to me so I can add them to this post.

Thanks,  Jeff   Jeff@kurtzinpa.com

In NJ:  Sent in by a reader...

Winter Storage?

Today I had an inquiry about a cover for a Brenderup stored out-of-doors.

I don't have anything to recommend for a cover, but I also don't know it is really necessary.

I wipe down the entire trailer exterior with a product called 303 Marine Protection,

available at any boat store and probably Walmart.   I do that to all my outdoor toys including my winter coats.

If you do use a cover be certain that it's not so tight that things can stay ventilated to reduce rust and rot.  We just parked our trailer facing the prevailing wind and put a board or something under the mats so things can dry out.

People say that a carport is the best storage for vehicles.   They rust more in a garage than out where it's ventilated.

I had a cover for a car once that was really soft on the inside to avoid rubbing the finish.    You'll have to search online for something that might be suitable.

Have fun!

Let me know if you find something and send pics.  I'll put it on my blog.

Happy trails!

Jeff Kurtz

Alko Hitch Damper info

Somehow I had not run across any information about this item being in the Alko Trailer Hitch!  I hadn't seen it in any of the literature, but someone on the f/b page pointed it out this morning in a conversation about a "clunk" noise upon braking.

 "... the hitch damper? That's the part under the rubber boot, sometimes they get worn out. When yours is fully extended in the video, it doesn't stretch out as far as mine, which I find curious. Try and Google "ALKO hitch damper" there are videos to compare as well.

The damper is inside of the telescoping section of the hitch and cushions the impact of the trailer inertial brake system against the ball of the receiver.

Here's a video showing how to access and replace the damper:  VIDEO <<<

This appears to be the correct part available on ebay:  LINK <<<

In the video that the trailer owner posted you can see the rubber sleeve on the hitch collapsing quite quickly upon braking.  I also suspect that her brakes may be out of adjustment because I didn't expect the linkage to collapse so quickly.

My suggestion:  "Things appear to be working correctly, but your brake might not be adjusted correctly. I wouldn't expect the telescoping section to compress so quickly. Unfortunately I am nowhere near a trailer that I could compare.

Further conversation on a related topic:  While we are on the subject of the parking brake: is that like a vehicle in which I should use the parking brake every time I unhitch so it gets the proper amount of wear? Or do I have to be careful of “wearing it out”? I can easily secure the trailer by using my wheel chocks instead, which is what I’ve been used to doing with other trailers.

Response:  "Applying the parking brake does not cause any wear, as long as you release it before towing... we made that mistake once. Using the break is more secure than wheel standard chocks. There is a wheel locking device that goes between the wheels and expands to grip them, but that's more expensive.

IMPORTANT! Potential frame cracks!

Important : Check for broken/cracked sidewall Important : Check for broken/cracked sidewall support brackets! We just learned of this from one of our readers. The bracket (underneath the trailer) which supports the sidewall braces may crack causing the walls to flex and strain the joint between the wall and roof. See pics below. The brackets (one on each side of the trailer) can be removed and replacements made by your local machine shop or welding shop.

 The brackets (one on each side of the trailer) can be removed and replacements made by your local machine shop or welding shop.

Links to various manuals and instructions.

Click this LINK 

This should take you to a page with a number of documents and photos from my collection.  Feel free to distribute and forward to friends.

If you have other documents which you feel would be useful by the Brenderup community, please email them to me and I will post them.

Thanks

Jeff
email <

also, if you should ever email me and not hear back, please try this alternate address, or pick up the phone and give me a call.717 620 9676

Jeff@KurtzInPa.comJeff@KurtzInPa.com

Misc trailer parts supplier

https://www.nueratrailerparts.com/?___SID=U

NuEra Trailer Parts CO in TN had thousands of trailer compoents and may be a resource for many of your needs.

I am getting in touch with them to see if they handle or can get ALKO brake parts or other Thule components. 

Will post update shortly.

US available ramp booster cylinders and ramp handles.

From a reader in Canada:

The contact I found for the Brenderup Ramp Shocks are as follows:  Bansbach EasyLift  50 West Drive Melbourne FLA 32904  Ph. 321-253-1999 or Fax 321-253-5546

The gas shock for  “lift- assist” on my Brenderup Trailer is two of the  A3A3F42-250-607/1200N ( $73.21 each )

The source for the Matching ramp handles are

Maple Lane Equestrian Trailers

4256 Lanark 43 W

Smiths Falls ON K7A 4S4

Contact: Marsha

613.284.0419

These are on the Bochmann trailers that come from Germany. From the measurements she sent, they should fit.

Used parts available?

Got a trailer that will never be repairable? I have a call from a fellow in Canada who needs the coupling assembly. It is market with ALKO # 251S. This might be a way to start piecing-out your unusable trailer. There's some labor involved, but I'm certain the brake drums and parts could be sold. Probably other parts. 

Please give me a call or email me at jeff@kurtzinpa.com

Intro about this blog

Welcome to my story and hints about maintaining a Brenderup Trailer.  This all started in 2011 when we forgot to release the brakes on our trailer and drove 200 miles to a show at the NJ Horse Park.   We realized the mistake, made it home, but by the time we arrived home there were screeching and grinding noises coming from the wheels on the trailer.

Local mechanics didn't want to touch the  "not-made-in-the-USA" trailer so I set about searching for parts and doing the repair myself.  In this blog you will find (if the links are still in place) various fixes that I and others have done.  If you have an issue to discuss please grab the phone and call.  717-620-9676.

I am not a dealer, just a retired engineer who's eventing daughter made this all possible.

Travel save!

Jeff Kurtz
Jeff@KurtzinPA.com -   If I don't respond within a couple hours you may be in my spam folder.  Don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call.

Keep scrolling down... it's a long blog.    or, try "Control f" to open a search window.

If you find links that don't work, please send me a note about it.  The internet is like everything else... links break, staples fall out,,, things come unglued or moved to a different shelf.  I'll try to replace things when they occur.

Also, checkout Brenderup Trailer Owners of America on fb.

Gas Springs available in SK Canada

REposting info about gas struts with an update from today:


From April R, 6/27/17:

"I wanted to give you an update on the Gas struts source.  I just ordered them from Andy, which was a mistake because he is marking them up over 30% to $95 each, so the better source is definitely LS Technologies, even if you have to pay a bit more in shipping."

Prior POST:  This just in from Kathy M in Alberta AB:
"I just wanted to let you know that the gas springs are available from LS Technologies in Saskatoon, SK Canada. 

The originals on my 2007 Prestige were Stabilus Lift-O-Mat 7907RV (1500N force, 607mm extended length, 245 mm stroke), and the Stabilus dealer in Calgary wanted $440.50 EACH (not a typo!), with a 17 week waiting period.  I attached the spec sheet, as an FYI.

LS Technologies was able to build and supply me the next day with a pair that had all the same specs for Cdn$140.00 for the pair  They will ship throughout Canada and the US, and are familiar with the Brenderup trailers, as they regularly supply customers in the US.  (Prices may have changed since I got them several months ago!)

I found out when I went to install the springs that the originals were installed under a slight load (i.e. compressed.)  What I ended up doing was putting the top of the spring on the trailer, and then used the scissor jack from my vehicle placed on a board on the ground to lift the bottom end of the spring until it was level with the ball attachment on the trailer, and then just tapped the board over so that the spring socket slipped on to the ball.

Here is the website:
 
http://lstechnologies.ca/contact/

The phone is 888-878-0837, and email is info@lstechnologies.ca

Contact – LST Gas Springs / Lift Supports - LS Technologies lstechnologies.ca LS Technologies specializes in the supply of Gas Springs, stainless steel gas springs, mounting hardware and linear actuators.

Here;s the drawing:  https://www.dropbGas 'strut Details  

Thanks!

KM
Calgary, AB

www.BrenderHelp.com

Update:  Years ago when I started this blog I use the url: www.BrenderHelp.com

Since this is not a monty making blog I didn't pay to renew the URL.  Otherwise people find this blog by searches or referrals from friends.  Please share the info with anyone you know who has a Brendrup!

Happy Trails,

Jeff Kurtz
717-620-9676

The blog goes back to 2011 when my trailer had issues.   Just keep scrolling down, or click on the archive list over in the right hand column to find more articles.  Here's a sample:

Blog Archive

• ► 

• ▼  2013 (15)
  • ▼  December (6)
    • Several questions from a reader:
    • Checking the brakes on Brenderup Trailers
    • Hauling large horses in Brenderup Trailers?
    • Other resources with information about Brenderup H...
    • A dealer's update on what happened to Brenderup an...
    • Question about interior lights on Brenderup Horse ...
  • ►

Tire recommendation

What manufacturer would you recommend for replacement tires for my 2006 Brenderup Royal TC?

Hey, thanks for asking!  I'm not a tire expert, so I suggest finding a trailer company or dealer near you and get their opinion.  Second best is to get to a quality tire store (other than Walmart) for an opinion.  We have tried passenger car tires and had no adverse affects.  If you do a lot of rough roads (like most TX two lane roads) you might want something with a higher rating.

Be sure to be armed with your trailer weight capacity so you get a tire with enough load carrying capacity. 

I don't think worring too much about tires is that trailer tires have a much easier life than cars and trucks... the surfaces do get used for braking, but that's the only time that they really mean any7thing in handling.  If properly inflated they should track well.  They aren't used for acceleration.  Load carrying is their primary use so check the ratings of your trailer and at least match that.   Keep them properly inflated.  They are more likely to suffer from age and ultraviolet light damage than anything else.

If you don't like spending $0.75 to use the air pumps at a quick mart, go throuth the DIESEL truck lanes at a truckstop and use the airlines there.  They are always free, have lots of pressure, it's a safe space even at night.  The air hose will be right at the fuel pumps (along with  hose for water.)

RV dealers recommend replacing tires in about 7 years, just due to age.  Here's how to find the year and month a tire was manufactured.

Sorry I don't have a more definitive answer.

Jeff

Paint and cracks?

Quesion:  I own a 2009 Solo and I would like to paint the exterior walls. Do you recommend painting the exterior body, (not the fiberglass top)? Can you recommend the type of paint I should use? 

Also, can you suggest what can be used to fill the cracks? I just noticed a rather large crack on the bottom of the ramp, above the licence plate. 

My thoughts...

I'm not sure about the best paint.  Some lowes stores have good paint people, but you might do better at Ace or True Value.  I've had good experiencew with Sherwin Williams, but that was mostly with house paint.

Maybe even a boat dealer or a body shop could help you.  Whover it is I would them to walk out to the trailer so they can see what the material is before they offer a suggestion.

Filling cracks is a good question.  I haven't had to do that on my trailer, but on other projects envolving plastic products I've had really good luck with JB Weld, sold at auto supply stores.  I have been using clear, but they may also make white.  It's epoxy so you have to do it in small batches because it cures quickly.

If you just want to get it sealed from water you could use any good silicone caulk.  You can get it in white or clear in tubes from something the size of a tube of toothpaste to something you would use in a caulking gun.  Ace or True Value always have that stuff.

Send pics of what your trailer looks like and then again when you're finished.

 You can always call most any time if you want to discuss something.

Happy Trails!

Jeff Kurtz

BrenderHelp

717-620-9676