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