Master Cylinder and Handbrake on Trailer

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 13:03
ThreadID: 59586 Views:4074 Replies:8 FollowUps:2
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We have a Prado and tow a Kimberly Kamper. We often find that when the camper is hitched to the vehicle, the master cylinder and the trailer handbrake handle prevent the rear door opening fully. If the vehicle and the camper are not aligned, either vertically or horizontally, it can be painful to access the rear of the car and the beer in the fridge!

I can can move the handbrake handle out of the way by cutting it off and re-weld it into a horizontal position. The problem of the door fouling on the master cylinder appears more problematic. BTW, I have already the hitch low rather than high and changing to a lower hitch will begin to mess with the trailers attitude and introduce ground clearance issues.

Has anyone else been confronted with a similar problem? Potentially any vehicle with a single swing rear door could be affected.

The only solution I can seem to think might work is to relocate the actual cylinder which holds the brake fluid to a remote location. A painful job, but provided that it remains at the same level or higher it should work? Anyone willing to comment? Perhaps someone has another option worth trying?

Gary
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Reply By: Member -Signman - Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 13:15

Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 13:15
I can't see any probs. in re-locating the master cylinder reservoir..

And yes- I had to modify the park-brake lever on my boat trailer-. Just cut it off and reweld so in the 'slack' position the lever sits level..

AnswerID: 314381

Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 13:25

Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 13:25
Gday,
A simple solution would be,
put the beer fridge in the front and the Missus in the back.
You wont need to get in the back as often and when you do the bride can pass it out for you?????

Simple Hey?

LOL
Cheers
AnswerID: 314384

Reply By: Gronk - Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 14:27

Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 14:27
Aahh, the problem of having side opening doors.....no such problem with a lift up one !!!

I believe KK have a modification to suit people just like you .....give them a ring ( or e mail )

AnswerID: 314390

Reply By: Hughd - Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 14:54

Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 14:54
We had exactly the same problem until we upgraded the suspension (OME with 50mm lift). Now, we use a different towing insert (can't think what they are called right now....?) and the door clears all except the brake handle. I put a foam cover on that, and now we can open most of the way without any drama.
Hugh
AnswerID: 314393

Follow Up By: Member - Bruce T (SA) - Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 15:06

Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 15:06
Our solution to the same problem. Cut the handbrake lever off to about 2.5 inches, and carry a pipe or tube to slip over the butt when you need the leverage.
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FollowupID: 580406

Reply By: Member - Graeme W (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 15:11

Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 15:11
I have the same problem with my Prado and KK. As Hugh has said, a 50mm lift allows the door to clear all but the park brake handle.

Opening the storage drawer on the drivers side is still a problem for me though.
Lake Eyre 2011

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AnswerID: 314394

Reply By: pjd - Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 15:46

Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 15:46
victorian camper trailers can make the bracket to move the cylinder & fix the problem 03 9744 4422
AnswerID: 314399

Reply By: Louie the fly - Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 19:30

Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 19:30
I got a remote reservoir from Power Brakes for my old Dodge as the master cylinder is under the floor and out of view. I'm sure you could do a similar thing.


AnswerID: 314436

Follow Up By: Louie the fly - Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 19:32

Tuesday, Jul 08, 2008 at 19:32
Meant to put this in.

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FollowupID: 580456

Reply By: gazand CJ - Wednesday, Jul 09, 2008 at 10:27

Wednesday, Jul 09, 2008 at 10:27
Great feedback everyone (as usual). Thanks heaps. Gary
AnswerID: 314511

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