Customers frequently ask, “How long will the caravan dampers last and how long do they last?’. The answer isn’t easy and is contingent on a myriad of variables. The typical lifespan of dampers is between 50,000 and 100,000km, but this depends on the environment, like wear, terrain and installation.
First of all, it’s essential to know a bit about dampers and how they help keep your vehicle on the road.
Dampers may be the most under-appreciated component of any caravan’s vital system. Did you know that dampers can help keep your tyres from contacting the ground?
Leaf springs on trailers or caravans provide the majority of the damping, and dampers enhance the ride by reducing bounce.
Springs bounce with the natural rate until their energy is dispersed. Thus, dampers are installed to limit the intensity of this bouncing movement through the process of dampening.
Worn dampers lose compression. It is usually caused by tiny punctures in the shock absorber’s outer tube that result from striking rock at 100km or more in travel.
How long do caravan dampers last? is an important question since it can be used to draw the possibility of comparing two kinds of owners of caravans.
The Two Major Kinds of Travellers
Reactive owners replace dampers, bearings, and other components when they break.
Proactive owners repair dampers, bearings, and other wearable components before they fail.
In the event that your suspension is secured in position by two bolts, it’s a fairly simple removal procedure. To test the compression, simply pull the bolt open, then press it closed. If the shock absorber does not pull open quickly, it may need replacement.
The most evident sign of the wear of a shock absorber is its level of stones chips. The stones can break like we mentioned earlier, however they’re an excellent indicator of wear and tear on the shock absorber.
The top caravan coupling dampers that are available are the Alko as well as Couplemate dampers. There are a variety of specific manufacturers of shock absorbers available that provide various heights that are not standard.
Why do there exist different heights? The typical height for installation is about 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 shock absorber for your caravan is dependent on the correct installation.
Specific instructions for installation can vary since the optimal place to mount 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
logically, the kind of terrain that dampers move through will be a major factor in the lifespan that the shock absorber will last.
The use of only regular bitumen roads will minimize the wear on the dampers of your caravan and will extend their life. In contrast, prolonged time on rough and rocky terrain could increase the stress on the dampers while being at risk of damage to the tube’s external part due to the rocks and other off-road debris.
Sometimes, heavy loads are carried, or driving off-track due to cracks, potholes or 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, checking regularly your dampers for leaks or damage is the best option. Typically, you should examine dampers following the initial 40,000km of travel in the first year, and each year after that.
There is a tendency to see an improvement in performance when your dampers are in good shape and ready to be replaced. A good indicator that your dampers might need some attention are excessive bouncing or swaying in the tow vehicle, and hearing a loud bang while the vehicle is descending on rough terrain.
Here’s a suggestion If your dampers appear worn at first, purchase a new set for the next time you need to service them. If you intend to put them in ‘DIY’ then you’re prepared if they do not pass after being removed. If they are found to be safe in the test, then you already have replacements on in case they fail.
