Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Contact Us

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Noise when towing with a stabliser bar
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
23/8/2017 at 11:33pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Notaclue11's Profile View Profile   Reply to Notaclue11 Reply   Quote Notaclue11 Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We are new to towing a caravan. Haven't went far. First 2 times no problem just nervous. But coming home the 3rd time. As soon as we started to pull the caravan the most horrendous creaking noise came from around the towbar/back of the car/front of the caravan. It happens when we go forward not just when we are turning. It's doesn't happen if we don't use the stabliser bar. So I assume it's the that. Why has it just started to make this noise. And how do we sort it as I don't feel safe towing without the stabliser bar. Thanks in advance.


24/8/2017 at 6:06am
 Location: The foot hills of no
 Outfit:  A full biohazard su
View moppetsdad's Profile View Profile   Reply to moppetsdad Reply   Quote moppetsdad Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1032
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I take it you are using a blade type of stabiliser in which case it is normal for them to creak,it shows you it's working.

They will creak at the slightest movement as when turning or when the car and van rock slightly as you go over uneven roads as they sort of hinge up and down.

Remember though are they are not meant to replace a badly loaded van so make sure you load correctly and also remember they are only an aid not a cure.

Happy times!

-------------
David

    

I've stood on Lego and didn't even cry!!


24/8/2017 at 9:18am
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636
View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1698

Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Can also be an indication your tow ball or stabiliser pads are dirty.

Check your towbar, is into clean? Rust free and did you remove the paint before using it?

If so then check your pads are clean. Best to use brake cleaner and a paper towel. You can clean your towbar with this too.


24/8/2017 at 9:34am
 Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
 Outfit: Ace Supreme Twinstar Disco 3
View DaveS1's Profile View Profile   Reply to DaveS1 Reply   Quote DaveS1 Quote  
Joined: 16/3/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1507

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

As you can see from the 2 very different answers you need to tell what type of stabiliser you are using before you get any difinite help.
Incidentally, using a stabiliser will not help with the safety aspect so you shouldn't worry whether you use one or not. Correct loading, nose weight, tyre pressure and driving method are far more important.
DaveS1


24/8/2017 at 10:07am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Notaclue11's Profile View Profile   Reply to Notaclue11 Reply   Quote Notaclue11 Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks for your replies. It's a bull dog blade stabliser. I would expect a little creaking but its loud enough to turn peoples heads. It sound horrendous. We hardly have anything in the caravan as we are new to this. Please can you tell me what the nose weight should be. We pack it like my mum and dad used to. It was there van for 10 years. They had no problem. It's only just started. Does the stabliser come apart to clean it ?


Advertisement



24/8/2017 at 1:25pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford
View birdman101's Profile View Profile   Reply to birdman101 Reply   Quote birdman101 Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2655

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The plate on your towbar should show the nose weight permitted for your car. You should not exceed this. It will usually be between 70 kg and 100 kg depending on the motor.


24/8/2017 at 1:39pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Notaclue11's Profile View Profile   Reply to Notaclue11 Reply   Quote Notaclue11 Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thankyou


24/8/2017 at 7:07pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

As your using a stabiliser bar i assume you do not have a stabiliser hitch so..

Have you greased the towball/caravan hitch?

The friction plates in the bar get dusty as they wear and that causes creaks and groans also. Its not normal for them to make a noise when clean. Its noise itself is not a problem though. Its not doing any damage.

Have you set the tension correctly?



24/8/2017 at 8:11pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Notaclue11's Profile View Profile   Reply to Notaclue11 Reply   Quote Notaclue11 Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We've cleaned the stabliser. We are going to try it again tomorrow. Fingers crossed.


24/8/2017 at 8:14pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75
View 664DaveS's Profile View Profile   Reply to 664DaveS Reply   Quote 664DaveS Quote  
Joined: 24/7/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4369

Site Reviews Total: 55
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 6  
Site Reviews 2021: 6  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 4  
Site Nights 2024: 16
Site Nights 2023: 55
Site Nights 2022: 54
Site Nights 2021: 56
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 20
Site Nights 2018: 41

We used Bulldog type for many years.They are good and do make a bit of noise.If excessive you may just need to replace the friction discs easy job.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


Advertisement



25/8/2017 at 10:48am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4
View Skoda Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Skoda Bob Reply   Quote Skoda Bob Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1837

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

just ditch it and get a hitch


26/8/2017 at 2:02pm
 Location: Bolton
 Outfit: Avondale Dart 510 5
View Geoff48's Profile View Profile   Reply to Geoff48 Reply   Quote Geoff48 Quote  
Joined: 06/9/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   649

Site Reviews Total: 38
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 5  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 4  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 28
Site Nights 2022: 19
Site Nights 2021: 19
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 16

If you continue with the bulldog stabiliser there are a couple types. Instructions for fitting and adjustment are here if you need them
100
200 300 See downloads.


26/8/2017 at 3:34pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Notaclue11's Profile View Profile   Reply to Notaclue11 Reply   Quote Notaclue11 Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Cleaning it worked a treat. Thanks everyone x


26/8/2017 at 9:54pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Have you greased the hitch and towball?



27/8/2017 at 12:13am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Notaclue11's Profile View Profile   Reply to Notaclue11 Reply   Quote Notaclue11 Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

No Grampian91. No sound of when just towing. Only when stabliser blade attached. Cleaned the stabliser pads. And now no sound :)


via mobile 30/5/2024 at 10:42pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered
View Susan Forster's Profile View Profile   Reply to Susan Forster Reply   Quote Susan Forster Quote  
Joined: 02/4/2021

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

How did you clean it? I can't find any instructions on how to clean or replace pads in a bulldog stabiliser bar



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














7234 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement



Advertisement



Advertisement