When we bought our folding camper it was recommended that we buy an Alko stabiliser and hitch lock, and although the expense went against the grain, we went along with it. However, although it seems to help with towing and has security benefits, we find it a complete pain in the neck to hitch and unhitch - we're fiddling about for ages to unhitch - the wretched thing just lifts the car up, similarly when we're ready to go we just can't get the button to go green. We usually manage it in the end, by which time I'm sure we're the laughing stock of either neighbours or more capable campers, depending which end of the journey. Can anyone think of anything obvious we might be doing wrong? At the moment we're beginning to think the hassle outway the benefits.
Did you change the actual tow ball at the same time you fitted the hitch ??
Another one to check, make sure you have the hitch stabilsier wound fully OFF before hitching, when you get the "green tab" then wind the stabiliser up till it starts clicking and push the bar down
I did myself have a problem un hitching, the hitch seemed to stick tothe towball, but that turned out to be a knackered damper in the hitch head, since I replaced it I had no problems
Think you are doing it wrong! To unhitch with out lifting the car you need to unwind the knob takes us seconds. To hitch put the hitch on the ball with the lever up, wind the knob then put the lever down.
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Hi there, yes we had a new ball when it was fitted, and we are doing it all exactly as you say both for hitching and unhitching, we do up/undo several times in desperation, ease the car towards the camper, pull the camper towards the car, repeat the process with the pads, then up until now, suddenly the thing just does its stuff as if there had never been a problem. Just dreading the day when we can't get it to work ... destined to tow forever more, or stay on site forever more!!! Seriously, wonder whether we should go back to the dealer, but sod's law, it will work first time if we do.
The only time we had a 'problem' with ours was when we had pulled the trailer up both levelling ramps to level a serious side-to-side slope! ScampisOH then had to stand on the tow-bar to get the ball out of the hitch - other than that, we've never had a problem with either hitching or un-hitching, on any of the 3 vehicles we have towed the Pathfinder with (all 3 had the proper Alko tow-ball). Have your dealer check it out - it doesn't sound right to me.
I have had some problems but usually when on a slope and the camper is thus pulling back. Try putting on the camper brake and then reversing the car back about 1/2 inch
Do you need a stabiliser for a FC? We've been out twice with ours and reached speeds up to 70mph (overtaking HGV's and caravans) and never had any problems with snaking
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You don't 'need' one (especially on something the size of a Challenger), but they do make for more stable towing with the big models, and give added piece-of-mind. I used to tow a Cruiser without a stabiliser, and the Pathfinder is definitely more steady (it has one), especially on the motorway.
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Topic: Alki stabiliser hitch lock hitches!
