Spring Damped Trailer Couplings

[Donald]

I think I'm just gonna have to bite the bullet, order the new head and then see what I can work out

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg2 ... QSSWxCsVfw

your favourite topic.

[wurlycorner]

[jjmartin349571]

My unit is bigger than yours (snigger), so a new hydraulic damped replacement should fit straight on to my A frame I'd assume. It's a same the A frame on your trailer was built around the older spring coupling as even with the use of an adapter plate you'd have problems as you said, basically having to re-size all the components in the brake rod system to accommodate the linkage on the hitch being further back.

Out of interest have you towed with a hydraulic damped trailer, and if so is there any noticeable difference in the way it tows compared to the spring damped one?

I failed at the first hurdle with my trailer, couldn't even figure out how to connect the brakes up - they used bare cables between the hubs previously to some kind of pivot, and contrary to everything I read online my drums engage when you push the arm in the hub as opposed to when you pull it which makes no sense at all I really need to sort it out

[wurlycorner]

Unless Phil's trailer was a hydraulic damped one (can't remember) then no, I've not towed with one. All the boat towing I've done has been with spring damped couplings as well.

I think the point of hydraulically damped ones is that the brakes apply and release more progressively while being towed? Not sure what all the fuss is about though tbh, because I can't say I 'feel' snatch or the car being pushed on with the current setup, tbh. You do hear thr muffled thud as the head takes up or releases the strain (moves from Brake to run etc) but big deal? And as said before, personally I hate the newer sprung hand brakes