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Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: Towing with a trailer

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repeat

15/7/2016 at 6:45pm
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I'm hope you can help as I can't find a clear answer. I appreciate you need to emery polish a new tow bar ball (to remove the paint) for a caravan if the hitch has stabilisers. But, do you have to for a trailer with only an alko 160 which is greased? I assume not, but I want to ensure my family and I are safe! Apologies if my terminology is wrong still reading and learning lots, especially from this forum.

tonyv8power

15/7/2016 at 7:40pm
Location: Herts. UK
Outfit: Bailley Cartagena. Land Rover Discover

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Hello
Assuming it is a light weight trailer...not fitted with Alko electronic braking system......then a a small amount of lube I would not see a problem...how ever see below!

With modern caravans using Alko chassis/electronic braking and stablisor systems....the tow ball is clamped in a jaw of friction material (similar to a brake pad).......the ball must not be lubricated.

If however the Alko 160 you mention has the friction clamp....then the same would apply....no lube

LlaniDavis

15/7/2016 at 9:14pm
Location: Llanidloes Powys
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Alko 160 seems to a standard "greasable" unit:

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/pages/coupling-ak-160-version-b.html

repeat

15/7/2016 at 9:50pm
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Thanks. The trailer is a braked trailer but light weight. 750kg.
The brakes are mechanical so I guess grease is fine and I don't need to emery the tow ball?

freeatlast

16/7/2016 at 8:21pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Mitsubishi ASX4

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Don't bother, just clag it with grease, and watch your trousers on the towball thereafter.

repeat

16/7/2016 at 9:27pm
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Thanks!

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