 | Home > Maintenance & Modifications > Alko caravan towbar position? |
 
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| Laurie Member Since: 22 Feb 2008 Location: Sussex, England Posts: 2897   
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It's a standard 50mm ball with more neck clearance.
Will tow anything with a 50mm hitch. |
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15th Jan 2012 1:42pm |
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| WarPig Member Since: 04 Dec 2009 Location: Sheffield Posts: 1748 
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Thanks Laurie. Think I might end up upgrading to something like the Bradley hitch that Lorryman is using.
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15th Jan 2012 2:39pm |
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| WarPig Member Since: 04 Dec 2009 Location: Sheffield Posts: 1748
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Thanks Laurie. Think I might end up upgrading to something like the Bradley hitch that Lorryman is using.
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15th Jan 2012 2:41pm |
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| Lorryman100 Member Since: 01 Oct 2010 Location: Here Posts: 2686 |
If you use a Alko 3004 hitch stabiliser you will definitely need an Alko tow ball. The Alko tow ball will also allow the hitching of any trailer that uses the 50mm ball. However to use a stabiliser hitch the neck needs to be longer than a standard ball to allow for the bulk of the hitch clearing the tow ball mounts. I took my old van up to the dealers today in preparation of receiving my new van, so took the opportunity to snap some pics of the two types of hitch.
This first pic shows my set up with the Alko 3004 stabiliser and you can see just how far down the tow ball that the stabiliser sits when hitched.  Click image to enlarge This pic shows the biggest bug bear of 4x4 drivers, the spare wheel not allowing clearance for fully opening the stabiliser with out opening the rear door first. Click image to enlarge And with the door open you can see how high the stabiliser arm needs to be before the friction pads disengage from the ball. Click image to enlarge In this pic showing the hitch, note how far down it sits when hitched. Click image to enlarge And here it is unhitched and you can see just how much of the ball and neck the hitch needs to stop any fouling. Click image to enlarge This is the new version of the Alko 3004 stabiliser hitch and apart from some minor internal hitch confirmation indicators, it is mostly cosmetic and still retains the same amount of movement of the stabiliser arm as the old one. Click image to enlarge This is the Winterhoff stabiliser hitch that does the same thing as the Alko model as they both use friction pads to help stop snaking. Note the stabiliser arm is set further back than the Alko and does not seem to require the same elevation to disengage the friction pads so hopefully I can hitch up with the rear door closed saving me from being licked to death by my remaining two spaniels. Click image to enlarge And a couple of badly positioned pics of my new van as it is in the PDI waiting park. 
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k611/l...2Large.jpg http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k611/l...9Large.jpg http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k611/l...0Large.jpg Brian. |
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15th Jan 2012 5:45pm |
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| WarPig Member Since: 04 Dec 2009 Location: Sheffield Posts: 1748
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Brian, I really appreciate you going to the trouble of taking those photos and making that post, the photos explain everything perfectly
Think Im definately going to go for a Bradley towball like yours, seeing as it doubles up as a recovery point. And your new caravan looks fantastic, bet you cant wait to use it. I collect mine next Sunday, so that gives me time to buy some security devices and arrange some insurance. Are there any caravan locks/clamps that you use/recommend? Oh, and I know what you mean about getting licked to death by your dogs |
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15th Jan 2012 9:28pm |
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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013 
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Very nice bit of kit Brian, especially for your location, great way to make the most of it
Seat covers are doing a grand job |
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15th Jan 2012 9:52pm |
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| LandRoverAnorak Member Since: 17 Jul 2011 Location: Surrey Posts: 11324
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You should consider also the Dixon Bate ball and pin hitch. The nature of it's design means it has a longer neck than most other tow balls and, coupled with your adjustable tow bar, will probably mean you don't get the same problem as Brian with the spare wheel. You can buy an Alko compatible version and they're Land Rover OE too. Darren 110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak "You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia |
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15th Jan 2012 10:04pm |
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| Lorryman100 Member Since: 01 Oct 2010 Location: Here Posts: 2686 |
Steve, I use the Alko hitchlock which you see fitted in the pics as it stays on when towing giving some security against theft. Pity, I done a deal with the dealers to take my alko hitch lock and alko wheel lock and swap them for the Winterhoff locks, you could have had them instead of the dealer
 As far as wheel clamps/locks go, it is hobsons choice as they all do the same thing though some better than others. At a minimum go for sold secure gold rating but the diamond security rating is better in that it takes the scrotes a little longer to get it off before disappearing with your van. You are looking to spend about £200 on a hitch lock and wheel clamp and remember to get a receipt and keep it safe as you will need to prove you at least bought the security equipment in relation to an insurance claim for theft.
I use the Caravan club for insurance as they only stipulate that a hitch lock and wheel clamp are fitted before they pay out on a claim, and they replace like for like, though they are expensive it is worth it. These are good wheel clamps: http://www.milenco.com/products/wheelclamps/original-wheelclamp/ http://www.towsure.com/product/Nemesis_Sol...heel_Clamp http://shop.al-ko.co.uk/sections/secure-wheel-locks.html Hitch lock: http://shop.al-ko.co.uk/sections/security-devices.html http://www.waudbys.co.uk/products/details/49.html Brian. |
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15th Jan 2012 10:45pm |
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| Lorryman100 Member Since: 01 Oct 2010 Location: Here Posts: 2686 |
Chris, My outlook on life, is that you are a long time dead. May as well make the most of your time while you can.
Have you got the covers dirty yet?   Glad they are of use to you.
Brian Edit: Sorry I'm laughing at the thought of you reading this post and my imagined reaction of you to this being........DIRTY!!!!!!  |
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15th Jan 2012 10:49pm |
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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013
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DIRTY
Your covers are the best thing on the Landy, they are bespoke, handmade and tailor made don't you know   The kids were given a damn good hiding before they entered the car and told not to put their dirty feet on them and another hiding when they got out just to make sure The neighbours got a belt round the ear as well when I gave them a lift They are the business thanks again mate 
Did have to tell my neighbour not to slam the passenger door like an ordinary car, he was trying to knock the window motor out I think   and he scuffed my side runners  Spent half the day Zagging it ready for it's service today, she looks mint  and your covers Brian, look just fine |
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16th Jan 2012 8:26am |
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| WarPig Member Since: 04 Dec 2009 Location: Sheffield Posts: 1748
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Thanks for those links Brian, ill give them a 'good coat of looking at'
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17th Jan 2012 7:06am |
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| Lorryman100 Member Since: 01 Oct 2010 Location: Here Posts: 2686 |
Zag, where did you get the tow ball/jaw from? I am trying to source a Dixon bate one like yours just for the extra distance of the ball it gives over my Bradley one from the cross member :thumbsup: Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated |
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17th Jan 2012 4:29pm |
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| Zagato Site Supporter Member Since: 08 Jan 2011 Location: Billingshurst West Sussex Posts: 5013
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www.wilmond.co.uk
3.5 tonne Universal Combined Coupling 1" pin/50mm ball Alko Stabiliser compatible £96.60 + £6 shipping
I was just thinking you don't mess about do you Brian. My first caravan was about 3 feet long and it used to implode like a brown bag everytime you breathed in it |
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17th Jan 2012 4:35pm |
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| Lorryman100 Member Since: 01 Oct 2010 Location: Here Posts: 2686 |
Cheers Chris, order in
I do tend to jump in with both feet according to my long suffering wife  But hey, what's the point of just dipping your toes in? Much more fun to go all in or why bother |
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17th Jan 2012 4:59pm |
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