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.