Trailer making a clunk sound

[Dwbarbie]

Hi all, first post here. After being boat less for 10 years we just got back in the action with a new to me 2005 200 Sundeck with factory Shoreland tandem trailer. When we towed it home the first time there was a noticeable clunk when we started out from a stop. I believe it is coming from the hitch or the brake mechanism in the trailer hitch.

Is this normal? When I started out slowly it was better but I am curious if this is normal or if I have a problem. My previous trailers never had brakes so the set up is new to me.

Thanks in advance for your help. I have already learned a lot from reading the forums.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Most likely the clunk you're hearing is the trailer hitch ball moving inside the coupler. Are you sure you have the right size trailer hitch ball? A "too-small" ball would be a major cause of this, but even with the correct size ball there's still some movement in there when it's properly fastened.

 

[MonacoMike]

If the surge brake actuator and cylinder is not correct it will cause this issue.

MM

 

[wyrman]

Definitely surge brake actuator, ours does it but I didn't know it wasn't supposed to. lol

 

[KC_Sundancer]

Probably the surge brake system like said. Does it feel like the brakes are working? - check the brake fluid in the reservoir. Being 10 years old broken or cracked brake lines are not uncommon, ours did draining the fluid and the clunking started.

 

[1990-270-da-lover]

Most likely surge brake system. When you stop or brake the hitch slides back to activate the master cylinder and apply the brakes, when you begin to move forward the hitch assembly moves forward taking pressure off the master cykinder plunger to release the brakes and stops when it hits the stop pins that hold it in place. It is very noticable from a dead stop, and not so much when just slowing in traffic or for a turn. Hope this helps

 

[islandhopper00]

Normal....don't take off so fast. Like you said it's not so bad if you take off slow. Let the hitch slide forward, then give it hell! haha That's what I do.

 

[jason78]

The trailer for my Boston Whaler clunked when I got it and when it stopped clunking from stops I could tell it was not working. Took the trailer to have the brake line replaced from where it had been damaged and now it works great again, and clunks when taking off from a medium to hard stop. I have drum brakes on mine.

 

[CliffA]

i use one of these to help with the clunking from the surge brake actuator....it is a cushioned ball mount hitch...works well to dampen the shock when you take off from a stop....

cliff

http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts...tml?feed=npn&gclid=CMGn5MO6_r4CFQIT7AodFwIAWA

 

[Lazy Daze]

Some brake actuators/couplers will clunk more than others. It also is somewhat dependent on the weight of the boat. Just be sure that everything is working properly and you have GOOD, full brake fluid. It will clunk drastically if there is no/low fluid, along with the brakes not working.

 

[Dwbarbie]

Thanks all for the feedback. Good to hear it is somewhat normal. I will check out the brake fluid and lines though.

I appreciate the guidance.

 

[hblock72]

If you have disk brakes (may not work well for drums) a good way to make sure they are working is to park headed downhill, unhook the wiring harness from you tow vehicle, and try to back up. You should get lots of resistance from the trailer brakes to the point it will be hard to move. I do this every spring in my driveway as part of my "getting ready for the season routine."