Could someone please tell me the correct way to hitch up using the AKS 1300 or any idea where I can get some instruction from... I cant see any on the Alko web site. The bit I'm unsure about is the tension wheel on the side how much tension should be on there... and when I un hitch do you have to release that tensionor just jack the hitch off the tow ball. Any help appreciated
You tighten the wheel till it clicks and then push the main handle down, on unhitching you lift up the handle then undo the wheel till it clicks ,don't turn it too far just till it clicks.
That's the Alko 3000 in the video that is being hitched up and not the Alko 1300. With the Alko 1300 you unwind the circular ratchet handle anti-clockwise to it's full capacity but down wind any further than necessary. You then wind down the hitch on to the towball fully till the indicator shows green on the top to show that the hitch is fully down. You then wind the circular ratchet clock-wise and continue till the ratchet comes on which is fully home then on the opposite side you push down the handle firmly which compresses the two internal friction pads on to the towball. To make sure it is hitched up correctly just wind down the jockey wheel and if it starts to lift the back of the car then this is proof that the hitch and ball are connected satisfactorily.
Yes to unhitch is in reverse order so it's lever first then circular ratchet handle second. Make sure you have a clean towball each time so that the internal pads apply maximum grip. I always use a 'Holts' brake and clutch cleaner to remove any contamination as this should also eleminate any creaking whilst in tow. I use this specific brand because it can be used upside down whereas the others can't so it's easier to spray up and inside the hitch. I have provided a link just to show which one I use.
Be careful with over tightening the twist section Mason, just a couple of clicks. I know the clutch is meant to mean you cant over tighten, but if you twist quickly with force, you can definitely over do it. If you do, it takes ages to release sometimes.
Just a couple of clicks seems to be about right, then down with the handle.
Again, don't tighten it right up when not hitched up.
Got one myself at the moment and it took a little getting used to. Should have kept the 3000 off of my old van.
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Topic: ALKO AKS 1300
