Stabiliser question

Jul 3, 2011
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Hi,
I have a Bulldog 200q stabiliser. Ideally I would prefer a hitch based stabiliser, but the one I have has been checked by a service centre, and it seemed silly to spend out on an already cheap van when I had something completely servicable!
When I had the stabiliser checked/serviced along with the van, it was noted that the saddle on the van (the plastic/composite part) had seen better days, so this was duly renewed. The stabiliser 'groans' when turning at this part, is there a way to stop this, or to quieten it down?, or will it go eventually. I didnt use the stabiliser before the saddle was replaced, so I dont have anything to compare it to. We have done approximately 4 trips with it, 3 on mostly rural roads with lots of turning, and one on the motorway, but it hasnt changed.
I should really direct this to the service centre, but I havent had time to visit recently due to work comitments, so thought I would ask on here. Provided nothing is wrong, its not a major issue, we have learned to cancel the noise out when travelling, and when on site, I remove it at check in point anyway, as I figured the van will be easier to maneuver without it, and I dont fancy inturrupting other peoples P and Q with me groaning through the paddock!
Thanks
Rob
 
Mar 14, 2005
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The creaking is often associated with this type of stabiliser, it is usually the reaction blade sliding in the bracket on the caravan, though the friction disks could also creak.

I'm sure its nothing to worry about.

The instruction manual for the stabiliser is available here:-

http://www.outdoorbits.com/Brochures/bulldog_stabiliser_200Q_manual.pdf
There is no mention in any of the Bulldog documents for lubricating the caravan bracket, but they emphatically warn about NOT lubricating the friction disks.
 
Oct 30, 2009
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hi Rob,
can I start by saying I use a scott blade type stabiliser which is similar to the bulldog, and yes at times they do creak usually after a period of rain when dried out, this is because a film of rust devolps on the steel parts of the stabiliser head and has the effect of grap release, grab release and this causes the creak,
it is not a fault and the stabiliser works just the same but it can get irritating at times, to aviod this as much as possible I strip down the stabiliser head after every trip and use 800/1000 wet and dry (used dry) to rub up the pads and all the friction surfaces, before use I also smear a little petroleum jelly on the blade saddle, please note the saddle should turn freely on the bracket but not be loose. a little petroleum jelly or copper grease under the saddles helps a lot.
it is important that the blade is adjusted regulary and the position of the blade to saddle is correct if the saddle is too high the spring blade will have exess pressure exerted on it and this can also cause a creak I know it was checked by the service centre but when fitted to car and van as under tow in the straight ahead position the blade should protrude at the back of the saddle by 100 to 125mm or 4 to 5ins this is to insure the blade does not become detatched on full lock.
it has been said on this and other forums that blade stabilisers can become detached in use but if adjusted correctly it will not
I think this just about covers it Rob.

colin
 
Jul 3, 2011
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Hi,
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated, and has put me at ease somewhat.
When I first had it fitted, I am lucky enough to be able to drive around in a field, so duly practiced reversing between horse jumps, and also did some tight turns, as tight as i dared to be honest, and the blade didnt become detached, so am happy with the 'front to back' placement of the saddle. When I retrieve the caravan again from storage, once ive got it on the straight and level, ill check the height, but if memory serves the height of the stabiliser blade is within the specified measurements. Either way, illl also check that the saddle moves on the clamp as prescribed, and Ill also take a set of bathroom scales with me to check the tension on the head etc.
Thanks again, and apologies for not replying sooner - work has been fairly manic recently. I never used to drink, then someone asked me to move a datacentre and I now take ethanol with my ceral!
Cheers
Rob
 

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