How Long Do Dampers Last?

Customers frequently ask, “How long will the caravan dampers last for?’. The answer isn’t easy and may depend on a myriad of variables. In general, dampers last between 50,000 and 100,000km, but it all depends on factors like wear, terrain and installation.

First of all, it’s crucial to learn a little about coupling dampers and the way they help keep your vehicle on the road.

Dampers may be the least understood component of any caravan’s crucial 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, while dampers help improve the ride by reducing bounce.

Springs bounce with the natural rate until their energy is dispersed. So, we put in dampers to limit the intensity of this bouncing movement through an process known as dampening.

Worn dampers lose compression. This can be caused by tiny holes in the shock absorber’s outer tube that result from striking rock with a distance of 100 km or more during travel.

How long do caravan dampers last? is a good question as 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.

Owners who are proactive fix dampers, bearings and other wearable components before they fail.

When your shock absorber has been held in position by two bolts, it’s an easy removal procedure. To test compression , pull the bolt open, then close the bolts. If the shock absorber is pulled open without difficulty, then it is in need of replacement.

The most evident sign of the wear of a shock absorber is the amount of stones chips. Stone chips are able to puncture as mentioned previously, but they’re an excellent indicator of wear on the shock absorber.

The top caravan dampers that are available are the Alko as well as Couplemate dampers. However, there are several specific manufacturers of shock absorbers that offer various heights that are not standard.

What is the reason for different heights? The typical height for installation is about 300mm.

The height of the tyre is determined by its height and more importantly, tent height. If it is higher or lower than 300mm, specially-branded dampers are utilized.

Influencing Factors

Shock Absorber Installation

The lifespan of your car’s shock absorber is also dependent on the correct installation.

The specific installation guidelines can differ because the best location for mounting the shock absorber is dependent on the size of the wheel and the spring type. We suggest a certified service mechanic (either the caravan or vehicle) to install the dampers.

Travel Terrain

The type of terrain that dampers move through can be a major factor in the longevity that the shock absorber will last.

If you are only traveling on regular bitumen roads will minimize the wear on the dampers of your caravan and will extend their life. In contrast, prolonged durations on rocky and rough terrain can put more stress on the dampers and they are also at risk of being damaged to the tube’s external part due to the rocks and other off-road debris.

Sometimes, heavy loads are carried, or driving off-track, cracks, potholes or ridges can cause the same damage.

When should I replace my Dampers?

Couplemate suggests not using the time or mileage to determine if dampers are ready to be replaced. Instead, checking regularly your dampers for leaks or damage is the best option. In general, you should check your dampers within the initial 40,000km each year after that, and then every 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 an overhaul include excessive bounce or swaying in the tow vehicle, and hearing a loud thud when you’re bottoming out on rough terrain.

Here’s a suggestion If your dampers appear worn at first, purchase a new set to replace them at the time of your next service. If you intend to put them in ‘DIY’ then you’re prepared if you fail to pass the tests after being removed. If they pass in the test, then you already have replacements on in case they fail.