Which way round does damper go in trailer overrun brakes?

[rcx106]

I bought a new trailer. I found that no matter what I do I can't get the coupler extended enough to engage the lever that allows you to reverse the trailer. I took out the damper thinking that maybe it's the wrong length and now I can move the coupler easily and engage the reversing lever.

The damper has some spring to it and at rest it extends it's length. Extending the length of the dampler APPLIES the brakes on my trailer. Is this the way it should be? I would have thought that any spring in the damper should operate in a direction that resists the brakes being applied. So that each time the car decelerates the brakes don't switch on.

[rcx106]

I've looked on youtube and found a couple of vids. On both of them the hitch is pushed in towards the trailer and when you let go the damper the pushes it back out. Mine does the opposite! Tell me I'm insane or the damper is wrong

[paintman]

As its a new trailer your first action should be to speak to the seller & get them to put it right/show you how to use it. If you start taking things to bits you are going to affect your warranty.
As we have no idea what type of coupling you have it would be an idea to either post some pics or a link to pics & perhaps someone might be able to advise.

Edited by paintman on Tuesday 17th June 08:20

[rcx106]

Edit: "New to me". It's second hand.

[paintman]

OK. Post some pics of the coupling you've got & once we know what it is someone might be able to advise.
Still be an idea to speak with the seller.