We have just brought a brand new Elddis Avante 556 which has a Winterhoff stabilizer. As well as a wheel clamp I have invested in a hitch lock as well for added piece of mind.
My question is can the hitch lock only be fitted when the outfit is stationary for example when taking a break at a service station or can it be fitted while the caravan is being towed?
To be honest it takes seconds to fit but I was curious as to whether it can be left on all the time.
As far as i am aware it is best not to have fitted whilst towing due to emergency services not being able to detach it quickly in the event of an accident.
The Winterhoff Coupling on my Compass came with the proper
Winterhoff Robostop hitch lock which can be fitted easily when hitched I did the dealer not give you one when you purchased the van? both the local Eldiss dealer and where I purchased mine Mendip supply them with the van.
I have a Winterhoff coupling. The hitchlock which came with mine is a U-shaped steel pressing which is passed up around the coupling. Another plate goes on top of the coupling, then a lockable rod goes through the U member to secure everything.
If your hitchlock is this type, you can use it on the hitched van when stationary. You cannot use it when travelling.
Winterhoff produce a Robostop which can be fitted when travelling, but it isn't cheap.
I acknowledge that the emergency services may not be able to remove the hitchlock quickly, but why would they have to? The only reason I can imagine is in case of a fire, and even then, the emergency services are not going to approach a burning car, no matter how quickly they are going to get away from it. The fire service will be more interested in putting it out and not want to risk going to the back of the car where the fuel tank is usually located to stop the caravan catching fire. They would just hose it down.
Quote: Originally posted by SoundsDigital on 18/7/2007
I acknowledge that the emergency services may not be able to remove the hitchlock quickly, but why would they have to? The only reason I can imagine is in case of a fire, and even then, the emergency services are not going to approach a burning car, no matter how quickly they are going to get away from it. The fire service will be more interested in putting it out and not want to risk going to the back of the car where the fuel tank is usually located to stop the caravan catching fire. They would just hose it down.
Only what i have heard in the past and sometimes read on here,never found any hard evidence to back it up but i will stick to airing on the side of caution . Whats the real need to have it on whilst travelling anyway as if you feel the need for a break it takes seconds to fit or am i missing something?
Hitchhiker's comments make sense. There isn't really any need for a hitchlock whilst actually towing. Self discipline in fitting it if the outfit is to be left unattended, and removal before continuing your journey satisfies all opinions.
It really is horses for courses on this matter. If you read the instructions that come with the Robstop, it specifically tells you that it is fine to have on when driving and can actually act as another safety device to prevent the hitch from coming off the ball (unlikely I would hope).
Quote: Originally posted by Mike Collier on 25/7/2007
It really is horses for courses on this matter. If you read the instructions that come with the Robstop, it specifically tells you that it is fine to have on when driving and can actually act as another safety device to prevent the hitch from coming off the ball (unlikely I would hope).
Mike
I do not use a Robstop with my Winterhoff coupling. And it will not release itself and come off the ball.
Quote: Originally posted by davegray on 26/7/2007
we`ve used ours whilst travelling, simply so that i don`t forget to pick it up again!!! no problems ever encountered with using it
Same here, saves the hassle of routing about in a very full car each time we stop.
I also use the Robstop quick and easy to fit or remove (with the key) and it is possible to use whilst towing if required, no doubt others are avaliable but the supplying dealer (Glossop caravans ) gave this as part of the deal after slight pursuation, I hope you get something as any protection is a deterant good luck Roy.
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Topic: Winterhoff Hitch Lock Advice
