Hi all,
Wondering if anyone can advise on this, whenever we have been away last year and on this years first run out (this weekend just gone) whilst towing We hear a real loud thud which sounds like someone throwing a gas bottle at a wheely bin. Seems to be over bumpy tarmac and normally within 1/2 a mike of setting off. I can only assume it is something to do with the front locker and it maybe flexing as when we arrive at our destination i notice that the front locker is not always closed.
I tried travelling with an empty locker as we though it was something inside it bashing against the door but still seems to happen.
Also noticed when testing for flex that if you lock the front locker then gently lift the door on the 2 locking points you can pull the door open!! not quite as secure as i thought. I have tried a length of wood front to back in the locker to stop the lower middle section around the frame from flexing but am still able to open the door without unlocking it.
Anyone else had this issue and have you managed to resolve it?
------------- What do you mean it's too cold to go camping? :)
Don't think so. Brakes are working fine. We have quite a slope to get up off the driveway so thnk we would notice if the brakes were seized. Always try a sharp brake before we get out of our road and always seemed fine. :(
------------- What do you mean it's too cold to go camping? :)
We had a service a few weeks back and mentioned it to the guys but they couldn't explain it either. As i said it sounds like something hitting the plastic locker front but even when there is nothing in there it still makes the banging sound. The fact that the door is open when i pull up leads me to thinking that something was flexing and causing it? Very odd
------------- What do you mean it's too cold to go camping? :)
Does the hitch slide in & out smoothly with plenty of resistance. Hitch dampers can fail slowly, they feel reasonable when pushed in but will bang as you describe when you brake.
Does your FC have an Alko Stabiliser fitted? if so the towing ball must be clean of paint grease etc so that the friction pads can grip properly.
If not the friction pads slip when towing and an almighty bang can be heard.
Yes, we do have an alko stabiliser I use an aerosol brake cleaner on the ball before hitching up normally but am wondering if the friction pads have become contaminated. Thanks for this. Mind you still in the dark as to the front locker being opened whilst travelling
------------- What do you mean it's too cold to go camping? :)
I have a Cruiser and the front locker is tight to open when both locks are shut. The little flat bar on the locks should be tight against the barrel mechanism.If there is any play it could slip back and release the locker cover. The flat bar that keeps the door closed, should extend far enough down to make it tight and secure. Also any type of slackness can allow to door to open due to the twisting of the chassis during travelling. The door should be tight fit at all times, and should not be able to be pulled open by hand. When travelling the front cover has low pressure air passing over it, and like a aircraft wing, it wants to be drawn upwards.