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Subject Topic: Rotating Hitch Need I change 4 Stabiliser
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26/6/2007 at 8:15am
 Location: Luxembourg
 Outfit: Esprit Panache Citroen C4 Grand Picass
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I have a removable Brinks towball on my Citroen C4 grand picasso 2.0HDI. I also have a 360° rotating hitch on my esprit caravan. We bought a AlKo triple pack 3004 AKS stabilser pack but thanks to advice here (ta ulti-mates/redz) AlKo link here  , we decided to check with them 1st. on their website they have a link which tells you the rotating hitch negates any benifit of having the stabiliser, and that you would not notice as it would act as a normal coupling hitch. I also got an e.mail from Alan Saunders at AlKo as follow's

For our AKS stabilisers to operate correctly, the coupling head must not rotate
more than 25° from side to side. If your coupling head rotates 360° then you
should not use our stabilisers.

Can any of you experts offer advice on the following 3 questions please (pretty please)

??? A) Can anyone reccommend a stabiliser that will work for my rig?

??? B) How I can find out about changing my hitch to a non rotating one anyone done it?

??? C) What is the point /benefit of having a rotating hitch please? (apart from worrying owners that their caravan is going to go AWOL.



26/6/2007 at 10:18am
 Location: NW of Glasgow
 Outfit: Sterling Searcher 2008 Volvo XC90
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A)  your only option would be a blade type.

B)  you would need to fit a new overrun  first then the Alko Coupling head can be used.  Info on this is on the Alko site.

C)  all hitches were like this once, though I don't know why.  I take it yours is a slightly older van?



-------------
Jennifer


27/6/2007 at 7:18am
 Location: Luxembourg
 Outfit: Esprit Panache Citroen C4 Grand Picass
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Thanks, my van (new to me) is 1992 which is pretty old. It's my first foray into caravanning and I've been really scared by 'friends' about towing and snaking. I grew up in the west country and it felt like daily that the M5 was blocked due to a caravan jack-knifing, though I'm sure it wasn't that bad.

I think I'll look first about changing the overrun (is that the end bit?), as the AlKo seemed to be the simplest. I think the blade type have to be fitted each time and I'm often going to be on my own with the girls rather than with my OH.



27/6/2007 at 11:00am
 Location: NW of Glasgow
 Outfit: Sterling Searcher 2008 Volvo XC90
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Yes, the overrun is the bit between the A-frame and the coupling head, it has the damper and stuff for the brakes in it I think, so it sounds like it could be expensive to change.  A good trailer specialist would be able to advise you on that.

The Alko is certainly much easier to use than the other type. Let us know how you get on, it could well help others who are in the same position.

A properly loaded van well matched to the car should tow OK without a stabiliser, but it is as well to use all the help available!

 Good Luck!



-------------
Jennifer


27/6/2007 at 3:07pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: http: www.arcsystems.biz
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I would imagine there are plenty of suitable secondhand hitches in breakers yards.

On your third question, if you do happen to loose control of the van and it turns on it's side, then if the hitch can fully rotate it has little chance of pulling the car over with it.

It's probable then it would lead to a smoother accident!!!



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27/6/2007 at 3:11pm
 Location: Luxembourg
 Outfit: Esprit Panache Citroen C4 Grand Picass
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RE "On your third question, if you do happen to loose control of the van and it turns on it's side, then if the hitch can fully rotate it has little chance of pulling the car over with it".

 

Thanks (I guess),  better not communicate that to the OH who is already convinced we are in mortal danger before we're off the drive! at least I know it is a safety feature.




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