Tongue shock absorber

Rubyred

I recently purchased a 2006 Dutchman T@B and hitched it up   When I drive and then break I can feel the trailer coast into the hitch with a small thunk. 

I can see there is a spring shock absorber. 

Is this supposed to do that or may I need a new spring? 

Grumpy_G

The older Dutchmen T@bs have surge brakes so the trailer is supposed to move towards the tow vehicle under braking. The brakes might need adjustment to reduce the thunk, but it can also be noise from the trailer hitch moving in the receiver. 

Do you feel the brakes are working ? Or do you have to brake noticeably more in the tow vehicle ? 

Rubyred

I haven't towed the camper much. Just when I first got it back in March. I think I will check the brakes. It seems I may have to break harder than before. I know it's not the hitch cuz I checked that. How do I adjust the breaks?  Thank you! 

Rubyred

If I adjust the electric brakes, do you think that would help? 

Grumpy_G

The brakes are not electric, it's a fully mechanical design. Some good info here: https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/5833/2006-tab-clamshell-surge-brake-adjustment

Rubyred

Thank you so much. I appreciate your help!! 

The info in the link looks great. 

Marceline

You might try a hitch tightener to see if that makes the clunk go away.

Rubyred

Thanks. I will look into that. 

Jeffipoo

my 2005 does the same. It’s the surge brake piston dampening shaft. Make sure you grease it with molybdenum on the two grease nipples and you should be fine.  I figure if you hear it clunk it means it’s sliding and applying the brakes. I’ve floor jacked my t@b and manually pressed in the piston and my tires don’t spin so I believe it’s working great.