We have a new Crusader (2011 model)and have only had a few weekends away so far. On the last outing there was a loud noise when towing but we can't see what's causing it. It sounds like the plastic creaking or groaning but we can't see where it is other than near to the tow bar. On a previous trip the jockey wheel had rubbed and caused a bit of noise but it's not the case this time. Any ideas?
Maybe tow ball a little rusty.Fine sand paper rubbed on the ball should be ok.I tow a caravan and i forgot to put the tow ball cover back on,had a little rain and it went slightly rusty,next time i towed got a lot of creaking noises,a little sand paper and all was ok.
When a creaking sound is described to me its generally a stabiliser noise. Not sure whether your fc has a stabiliser though? If it has use a bit of sand paper on the towball and the friction pads and make sure both are clean and grease free.
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We had this on our caravan, if your fc has got an alko hitch you may need to clean it, as above or wire wool the towball is what we used, we were told to clean it with brake cleaner(i think) as this gets it really clean as well, only used wire wool though, we even bought a metal scourer whilst away to use as a standby whilst away and this did the trick too. If i remember rightly you are not supposed to grease the ball on an alko hitch and if you tow a trailer at any other time you may need to clean the ball if it has got dirtyas this can cause the creaking sound.It really worried us when we heard it. Sorry for the ramble, hope you sort it.
I used to have this problem with the Alko hitch but have totally cured it. You need some fine grade wet and dry paper to firstly clean the towball to remove any rust and fine dirt particles then rub the surfaces of the internal friction pads inside the hitch with a medium grade paper. Clean the towball with a clean dry cloth then spray some brake and clutch cleaner up inside the hitch on the friction pads. The pads are manufactured from the same material as vehicle brake and clutch linings so this method thoroughly cleans the friction pad surfaces. I recommend the Holts brand as it will spray when used upside down which is exactly what you need. Each time I hitch up I always do the same process which has now eliminated the creaking for good.