Tongue shock absorber

Rubyred
Rubyred Member Posts: 11
in Trailer & Towing
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? 

Comments

  • Grumpy_G
    Grumpy_G Member Posts: 750
    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
    Rubyred Member Posts: 11
    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
    Rubyred Member Posts: 11
    If I adjust the electric brakes, do you think that would help? 
  • Grumpy_G
    Grumpy_G Member Posts: 750
    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
    Rubyred Member Posts: 11
    Thank you so much. I appreciate your help!! 
    The info in the link looks great. 
  • Marceline
    Marceline Member Posts: 1,757
    You might try a hitch tightener to see if that makes the clunk go away.

    San Francisco Bay Area
    2013 CS-S us@gi
    2015 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab
  • Rubyred
    Rubyred Member Posts: 11
    Thanks. I will look into that. 
  • Jeffipoo
    Jeffipoo Member Posts: 2
    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.
    2005 T@b 320s 
    2020 Rav 4 Prime plug in hybrid 

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