Many customers ask: “How long will the caravan dampers last for?’. The answer isn’t straightforward and may depend on a myriad of variables. In general, dampers last between 50,000 and 100,000km, but this depends on factors like wear, terrain and installation.
First of all, it’s crucial to learn a little about dampers and the way they help keep your vehicle in the road.
Dampers could be the least understood component of any caravan’s vital system. Did you know that dampers can help keep your tyres on the ground?
Caravan leaf springs, or those on trailers, provide the majority of the damping, while dampers help improve the ride by reducing bounce.
Springs bounce with an unnatural frequency until their energy is dispersed. Thus, dampers are installed to reduce the force of this bouncing movement through an process known as dampening.
Worn dampers lose compression. It is usually caused by tiny holes within the shock absorber’s outer tube that result from striking rock at 100km or more in travel.
How long will caravan dampers last? is a good question as it allows for the possibility of comparing two kinds of owners of caravans.
The Two Kinds of Travellers
Reactive owners repair dampers, bearings and other parts when they break.
Owners who are proactive fix dampers, bearings, and other wearable components before they fail.
When your shock absorber has been secured in position by two bolts, it’s an easy removal procedure. To test the compression, simply pull the bolt open, then press it closed. If the shock absorber is pulled open quickly, it may need replacement.
The most evident sign of an old shock absorber is the amount of stones chips. The stones can break as mentioned previously, but they’re a great indicator of wear and tear on the shock absorber.
The top caravan dampers that are available are the Alko as well as Couplemate dampers. There are a variety of particular shock absorber manufacturers available that provide different height options.
Why do there exist different heights? The typical height for installation is around 300mm.
The height of the tyre is determined by its height and, more importantly, the tent’s height. If it is higher or lower than 300mm, then specially branded dampers are utilized.
Influencing Factors
Shock Absorber Installation
The longevity of your car’s shock absorber is dependent on its correct installation.
The specific installation guidelines can differ since the optimal location for mounting the shock absorber is dependent on the size of the wheel and the spring type. We recommend a trained service mechanic (either the caravan or vehicle) to install the dampers.
Travel Terrain
The type of terrain that the coupling dampers go through can affect the longevity that the shock absorber will last.
The use of only normal bitumen roads will reduce wear and tear on the caravan’s dampers and will extend their life. In contrast, prolonged durations on rocky and rough terrain could increase the stress on the dampers and being at risk of damage to the tube’s exterior due to stones and other debris off-road.
A lot of times, carrying large loads or driving off-track due to cracks, potholes and ridges can cause the same damage.
When do I need to replace my Dampers?
Couplemate advises against using the time or mileage as a sign that dampers are ready to be replaced. Instead, regularly checking your dampers for leaks or damages is the best option. Typically, you should examine dampers following the initial 40,000km in the first year, and each year after that.
There is a tendency to see an improvement in your ride when the dampers are in need of replacement. The most obvious signs that your dampers require some attention are excessive bouncing or swaying when towing the vehicle, and hearing a loud bang while you’re bottoming out on rough terrain.
Here’s a suggestion If your dampers appear old after the first inspection, purchase a new set for the next time you need to service them. If you intend to install them yourself, then you’re ready in case they do not pass once removed. If they are found to be safe after testing, you already have replacements on ready for the event that they fail.
Copyright Reseau Actu.