Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

ajlelectronics · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 168 Location: Gloucester

I have a Fernden Cheltenham Sable, built in 1980. I have noticed recently a clunk on takeup and slowing down, so checked the hitch. There is about an inch of free movement in and out before the damper restricts it. It takes little effort to fully compress the hitch although it will then extend again when released. This is accompanied by wheezing noises, but that may be grease in the slider being moved perhaps.

The hitch is a B and B Sigma II which I can't find much information on, nor a damper to suit it.

Would it be easy to change the whole hitch for an Alko type maybe? I will also need to sort the brake actuating rod as it seems to be bent at 45 degrees after it comes through the hole in the hitch.
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christine lowery · Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:37 pm Post subject: b&b dampers

hi
look in thompson caravan site for information
the dampers are still around as old stock£80 plus
but new ones are still made by the original manufacturers
and a lot cheeper
SGS Engineering UK Ltd
2 West Side Park,
Belmore Way, Raynesway,
Derby, DE21 7AZ.

Tel: 01332 576 850
Fax: 01332 753 068

sales@sgs-engineering.com

Opening Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am-5p
christine
royale caravan owners club

ajlelectronics · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 168 Location: Gloucester

Thanks Christine. Had a word with them but they only do gas struts. They say they can't help with oil filled dampers, so it looks like it might have to me an Ebay job.
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jonbott · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 187 Location: cornwall

I know we went down the Alko route on our old Sable,but it didn`t fit..so got a good used one from ebay
have you tried the Cheltenham owners club?found them very helpful
miss our Sable lovely caravans Cool

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2dogs:(
3 cats
1962 otten
1972 vw camper
1971 mini project
I must be mad!!

christine lowery · Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 2:30 pm Post subject: b&b dampers

try
http://www.caravanparts.co.uk/classic-caravan-couplings
not cheep
chris

christine lowery · Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 9:31 pm Post subject:

one on ebay

221198726465
Item number:
christine

ajlelectronics · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 168 Location: Gloucester

Well I have got the hitch off for inspection. Not convinced the damper is faulty. The gaiter is torn and the whole thing is filthy, so I will strip and overhaul it. I also found corrosion of the drawbars under the hitch. The brake operating rod is badly mangled too.

How do I take the head off to change the gaiter? Not seen any fixings yet.
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david_rachel · Joined: 26 Nov 2012 Posts: 144 Location: High Wycombe, UK

If it's like the older ones you have to remove the allen key in the collar at the other end of the drawbar shaft and then remove the hitch and shaft as one piece.....they don't separate
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David Rachel
1972 Triumph 2.5PI Est Royal Blue
1968 MG 1300 Sal Connaught Green
1978 Carlight Casetta
http://carlightrestoration.blogspot.co.uk
1995 Lada Riva 1.5 Est Red

christine lowery · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 1:00 pm Post subject:

Hi all
if you are only replacing the gator
remove the handle on the hitch (check the springs )
cut an old pop bottle to fit over the remainder of the hitch lubricate and slide the gator over and on to the shaft
its the same procedure as doing half shafts on a car
chris

Rolling Eyes

ajlelectronics · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 168 Location: Gloucester

To answer my own questions....

The hitch damper was faulty. Not worn out, but a bent shaft meant it would jam halfway. Ordered a replacement at vast expense. I couldn't find an original gaiter, do I measured it at 58mm and ordered a universal 50-60mm. I have spent today making a replacement brake pull rod and improving the design somewhat.

Taking the hitch head apart is straightforward.
Can't seem to upload a picture, but here is the diagram elsewhere...

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27913&d=1337537846

Remove the bolt (32) after bending away tag on lockwasher. Remove keeper (29) and move the shaft to expose one set of the collets (27 & 27) which are semicircular. A little screwdriver will push them out of the slot. Move the shaft and remove the other set of collets. Then a good pull and the head and shaft should seperate.
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david_rachel · Joined: 26 Nov 2012 Posts: 144 Location: High Wycombe, UK

I think we were using the words hitch & head to mean the same thing! Either way, they are permanently attached to the shaft....but you seem to have got there. I don't know where you can go for a gaiter but there must be some nos about somewhere, or you might match it up here:

http://www.trailertek.com/acatalog/Coupling_Belows.html

http://www.halltech.com/bellows/moulded-bellows.html

although surfing the net would suggest that many caravan repairers probably have new ones in stock - just a case of asking around.
_________________
David Rachel
1972 Triumph 2.5PI Est Royal Blue
1968 MG 1300 Sal Connaught Green
1978 Carlight Casetta
http://carlightrestoration.blogspot.co.uk
1995 Lada Riva 1.5 Est Red

Brian M · Posted: Wed Jul 03, 2013 7:27 am Post subject:

I have been looking for the original shaped gaiter (Bellows) for a couple of years and have emailed every potential supplier I have come across without success. I currently have an ALKO bellows that just about holds on with two cable ties.

If anyone does find the original please let me know.
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Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

ajlelectronics · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 168 Location: Gloucester

Well the one I have ordered claims it will fit 50-60mm and it looks similar to the Alko. Will let you know once it arrives, how well it fits. The hitch is being painted today, so may be a couple of days yet. The brake rod is a superb job, really pleased wih it. Instead of the nasty 90 degree bend at the compensator plate, I have fitted a proper clevis. Rod cleaned and painted and fitted with stainless steel nuts. I do have a spare piece of 5/16" rod if anyone else is in need.
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christine lowery · Posted: Wed Jul 03, 2013 10:13 pm Post subject:

if you have a problem dumfries caravans had a b&b hitch ie coupleing and the stem in stock under one of there shelves £35 i think
chris

ajlelectronics · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 168 Location: Gloucester

The gaiter has arrived and it totally unsuitable. The spec was advertised at 50 -60mm fit. I expected that to mean it is a nominal 50mm but will stretch. The one I have is 60mm nominal.

As the hitch is 52mm (2") in real money, I am going to see if I can get a 50mm Alko bellows locally.

I managed to drop the hitch and have split the plastic handle around the top of the handbrake now.
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