We are in the process of looking to buy a caravan. Most vans available have Alko-Hitch Locks, can anyone state categorically is a standard tow ball on a tow bar suitable and safe, also is an Alko-tow ball different and safer? Any replies gratefully received.
The Alko Hitch needs more clearance between the towing vehicle and the towball than a standard ball allows.
This is very evident if you use a protector plate (stops the hitch striking the bumper when hitching up)
The Alko is a very "fat" hitch.
We had to change ours for the above reasons.
------------- I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left - Seasick Steve 2008
If the caravan has an Alko Hitch you need an Alko towball. If you have an Alko hitch and towball the towball needs to be clean. No paint or grease or any other contaminant on the ball otherwise the pads in the hitch will get dirty and reduce the stabilising action.
Remove any paint with very fine wet and dry, keep the ball clean with some form of degreasing agent that does not leave a residue behind. Alcohol or similar.
well why is a alko ball any different i ask ball is asame size just on a longer neck as far as i can see nothing else i have lots of clearence between ball and hitch so why ??????
The hitch fits a standard ball Simon, all balls are 50mm, at least all those balls with a little flat on the top, this often also has 50mm stamped onto it but the presence of the flat itself means 50mm.
No flat and that would be an old 2inch ball
The first problem with a standard ball is forward clearance as you turn a sharp corner, the widest point of the hitch as it comes round is 10mm wider than the distance to the towing bracket mounting plate, a 12mm spacer though cures that.
The main problem is below the ball as the hitch head comes over, this problem was first found on driving onto ferrys albeit there are other similar situation on the road.
If the loading ramp is steeply down and then steeply up, the car and van end up in a 'v' shape, the head of the hitch was found to bind on the flat part under the ball and the forces created try to push the hitch off.
The least this can do is strain the locking mechanism.
You will find the Alko ball has 10mm more clearance below the ball to prevent this admittedly fairly rare occurrence
Finally the Alko ball is plain steel, all standard balls are zinc plated, the reason is, the zinc is soft and the pads rip at it as you turn, the tiny bits then embed themselves into the pads and cause a heck of a lot of noise, I can personally testify to that!.
Check out the AKS1300 Handbook There is a section on Towball clearances on Pg2 and see Fig 3. It shows that a 60mm clearance is required to achieve the 25 degree rotation prescribed in the British Standard. I agree with the statements above so I use an ALKO towball on my van. They are currently half the price that I paid at a dealer a few years ago if you go to Towsure!
thanks gary i was a little drunk last night so i apoilogise now i have re read my post if i offended any one been at a wedding so was shall we say a little more than merry
No need to apologise Simon and I hope you enjoyed the wedding as much as I intend to? I'm giving the first of my three gals away in 4 weeks time and intend to enjoy it to the hilt....it's been a long time coming!
Only doubt in my mind is if I get some Dutch courage down me before or after I give the speech???
well i was best man yest and we had e few before certainley made the long day feel better but god a long heavy night of shandy with the lemonade on hold was had we had big plans but were all too sozzled to go further god knows why i even logged on here i couldnt see straight
No need to apologise Simon and I hope you enjoyed the wedding as much as I intend to? I'm giving the first of my three gals away in 4 weeks time and intend to enjoy it to the hilt....it's been a long time coming!
just proves you do not need AL-KO to get hitched,lol.have a good day.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
I have always been under the impression that the Alko towball with the extended neck is for the Alko stabiliser hitches. Swan neck towballs are also suitable for Alko stabiliser hitches.
However the standard alko non stabiliser hitch can be used with any 50mm towball.
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Topic: Tow Balls!
