Iv had some really good advice in setting up my van after returning to caravanning.
I wonder if someone can shed light on a problem iv had.
I purchased a Nemesis wheel lock before picking up van from dealer but the dealer very kindly gave me an alko wheel lock he had inherited with another van.
Iv tried to fit this today but it doesn’t appear to fit between the spokes of the alloy.
I’m confused as the van has the yellow socket on the chassis for the alko so why doesn’t it fit ?
Are there more than one sort ? The lock says Alko 33 on it but the spokes on my Bailey are too narrow for it.
It’s disappointing as I could have returned my Nemesis lock and saved myself £140.
Also the spare is missing from the bracket underneath, does it have to be another alloy I buy as a spare or can a steel wheel be used in an emergency.
Sadly, there are many different Alko locks to fit the many different wheels used by the different manufacturers. Look here to see which one you need for your caravan https://www.al-ko-secure.co.uk/will-it-fit/
As above you have to buy the correct number lozenge for the wheel fitted to caravan. You may find a second hand one for sale on EBay. Each time I change our caravan I have to buy another lozenge bur still use original lock in it. You only need a steel rim for the spare. Put your caravan details in the Alko site and find the correct lozenge number.
I don't think it really matters what one you use as they are only really a visual deterrent to the casual thief. A "professional" thief will come equipped with the right tools to get through any locks or gadgets that you might use. Nothing will stop them if it is your unit they are after.
As already pointed out, some parts of an Alko lock are common across many brands of van and styles of wheel (alloys only!), but the part (called a lozenge) that fits between the wheel spokes is unique to that wheel style. That's why you can buy lozenges alone, to be able to reuse the lock barrel etc. when changing vans. The number 33 Lozenge is for Bailey wheels, but may not be your particular wheels! Use the link to Alko above and check which one you need.
You will learn, but fitment is fiddly, you only have a degree or two latitude on wheel rotation, otherwise you can't get the locking bolt into the chassis receptacle! Not so much of a problem if you have a Motor Mover, but not so easy if shunting van by hand, or attached to car! The lozenge also won't usually fit the aperture where the tyre valves is!
The Alko lock is considered one of the most secure available, and usually gets a hefty discount on insurance premium, I have an inkling some insurers even insist you use one if your van has the chassis receptacle as standard fitment!
DO register (or re-register) the key code with Alko, as that's the only way you can get replacement keys. Should be a card with the kit with the key code on it.
Rare, if it happens at all, to have an alloy spare, usually a steel wheel. Beware, not all wheels are the same! Not only do you have to match the tyre size, but the hub offset as well, AND the nut/bolt cone seat! Steel wheels don't always use the same nut/bolt as the alloys, depends on the cone seat (I have a different set of bolts for my steel spare!), so ensure you have the right nuts/bolts to match the wheel!
I've always managed by counting the number of studs and measuring the distance between them. Then double check the tyre size to confirm the width.
Then it's a tri round various breakers websites trying to find one 🤔
Your assumption is correct in that Alko make different sizes of the red lock body to fit varying alloy wheel patterns (number cast into back). Look around when you are on a site for a caravan with similar / same alloy as yours and politely ask "do they have an Alko lock? Can I look at the number"? Cheeky approach perhaps but ask politely and most folks will help.
Our caravan has alloy wheels but a steel spare, look on your alloy wheel for rim specification and match that up with a similarly specified sreel rim. Seek advice re tyre though as perhaps a car tyre will not be suitable but I'm no expert.
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Topic: Alko wheel lock
via mobile 11/5/2024 at 8:30am
