Hi, as I've never towed before in my life, picking up our Puck L yesterday it clonked every time I pulled away. Is this normal, is it just the drawbar releasing the brakes? I've got nothing to compare it with so I'm just wondering if this is right? Thanks folks

Hi Pepe, thanks for the reply. I'm pretty sure it's the drawbar. As I pull away in the car there's a couple of inches movement of the car then the clonk then the Puck follows. Good advice about not running over Mrs Hillman, I don't think she'd like to stand on the drawbar listening for noises either as I'm going down the road LOL

Thanks for the reply Pepe, I will check that out later and report back my findings . If it is the damper, are these available , and where from ? .
Thanks again.

Here's what i've found..
I can push the drawbar inwards with one hand, theres a smooth resistance there. Then it gently returns on its own.
BUT.. once it's pressed inwards, I can also just clonk it out by hand with no resistance at all, so this seems to be the problem..?
I guess it needs taking in and looking at, I have a local caravan service unit nearby, is this a job they could fix or is it a specialist Eriba repair ?
I've no idea how to replace the damper, is it much of a procedure ?

.

Thanks for that. Looks a bit beyond me, think I shall take it in for the repair and checking over.

Update...........
Due to work commitments I haven't yet used the Puck, but today decided to investigate...
I removed the 2 bolts from the hitch and took that off,to find that the damper works fine, , then I realised what the problem was.
Somebody hadn't slid the rear bolt through the damper eyelet, but instead the eyelet was behind the bolt !!!.So the damper wasn't attached . Anyhow, I made a dowel to locate it , then reassembled it , tapping the bolt through the eyelet and it all works perfectly now .

Another thing,
When I push the drawbar in, this locks the brakes so the Puck doesnt roll forwards.. but it will still roll backwards.. Obviously for reversing ? how does this work ?

This might help page 32 onwards

The AL-KO Caravan Chassis Handbook

Quote: Hillman wrote in post #10

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Update...........

I removed the 2 bolts from the hitch and took that off,to find that the damper works fine, , then I realised what the problem was.
Somebody hadn't slid the rear bolt through the damper eyelet, but instead the eyelet was behind the bolt !!!.So the damper wasn't attached . Anyhow, I made a dowel to locate it , then reassembled it , tapping the bolt through the eyelet and it all works perfectly now .

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Thanks for the update Hillman, it's always good to hear a well diagnosed solution to a problem.

Hillman, this is a common problem with auto reversing brakes which can catch many people out including myself. The handbrake will work when the van is on a slope backwards but must be fully applied. It might take a short distance to engage. Therefore, it is best when disconnecting from the towing vehicle on a slope to chock the wheels. Perhaps good advice at any time :)