 | Home > Camping, Caravanning and Holidays > Tow ball question? |
 
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| WelshGas Member Since: 01 Oct 2010 Location: Vale of Glamorgan Posts: 935   
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I have a factory fitted Land Rover tow bar fitted with a standard tow ball and hitch that I use to connect a tow rope to, when needed. Modern caravans use the Alko stabiliser system with a long neck tow ball. Does anyone know of a Alko type tow ball + hitch that I could fit that is compatible with with the Alko stabiliser system yet retain the hitch for safe connection of a tow rope?
 LANDYWATCH
Neighbourhood Watch for Land Rover Owners http://www.landywatch.co.uk/smf2/index.php |
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12th Apr 2013 5:07pm |
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| WelshGas Member Since: 01 Oct 2010 Location: Vale of Glamorgan Posts: 935
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Thanks Sonarmender. Further research shows that Dixon Bates make a combined Alko Tow ball and hitch. The Alko ball has a longer neck 60mm from base to mid ball to allow the deeper Alko hitch to articulate side to side without hitting the neck base. If it cannot do this then it can be forced off the tow ball and unhitch the caravan. This wouldn't normally be a problem on smooth road surfaces but with the state of our roads, nowadays, and using CL sites etc: which could have less smooth ground then it could be a problem. As my present tow hitch is also painted - a no go for the Alko system, I will get this Dixon Bates hitch.
http://www.bradleydoublelock.co.uk/shop/product.php?xProd=2816 LANDYWATCH
Neighbourhood Watch for Land Rover Owners http://www.landywatch.co.uk/smf2/index.php |
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13th Apr 2013 9:37am |
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| WarPig Member Since: 04 Dec 2009 Location: Sheffield Posts: 1748  
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^^^Thats the one im after, once I've saved up enough coins in the 1p jar
I currently use a standard alko tow ball on and adjustable slider. If you haven't got the adjustable tow assembly then check the Bradley alko hitch isnt going to be too high for your caravan to remain level as I guess the towball will be slightly higher than standard? Its worth getting the alko version so the friction plates can grip properly to the ball. Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated  |
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14th Apr 2013 4:10pm |
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| WelshGas Member Since: 01 Oct 2010 Location: Vale of Glamorgan Posts: 935
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Towing vehicle - floor to midpoint of tow ball head should be 385 mm +/- 35 mm according to EU regulations. But the regulations DO NOT state if these measurements are with a laden vehicle. I had no problems towing in the past with 110's, the rig was level when the vehicle was loaded and caravan connected. My measurements at present show the height from floor to mid point of ball is 445 mm with an unladen vehicle, so I think things should be OK when the 90 is loaded and a 100 kgm nose weight of the caravan.
 LANDYWATCH
Neighbourhood Watch for Land Rover Owners http://www.landywatch.co.uk/smf2/index.php |
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14th Apr 2013 6:22pm |
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| WarPig Member Since: 04 Dec 2009 Location: Sheffield Posts: 1748
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Lorryman has had a few different brands of alko tow balls, cant remember which one he preferred though.
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14th Apr 2013 7:24pm |
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| JSG Member Since: 12 Jul 2007 Location: Berkshire Posts: 2412  
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Dixon Bate hitches work well for fitting recovery straps to as well as towing.
The Alko hitch has a longer neck, the similar Winterhoff hitch works without needing the taller neck. http://www.bradleydoublelock.co.uk/shop/pr...58837c26c3 John http://www.hampshire4x4response.co.uk 2011 Tdci 110 CSW XS |
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14th Apr 2013 9:13pm |
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| Birdy Member Since: 07 Oct 2011 Location: Côte d'Azur Posts: 865  
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"My measurements at present show the height from floor to mid point of ball is 445 mm with an unladen vehicle"
Just popped outside to check mine, about the same, perhaps a little more; I tow a large boat on a twin-axle trailer, the rig ends up perfectly level, so that height can't be too far wrong. Peter |
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15th Apr 2013 3:27pm |
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| WelshGas Member Since: 01 Oct 2010 Location: Vale of Glamorgan Posts: 935
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Thanks all for your advice.
LANDYWATCH
Neighbourhood Watch for Land Rover Owners http://www.landywatch.co.uk/smf2/index.php |
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22nd Apr 2013 8:00pm |
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| roamingman Member Since: 15 Mar 2012 Location: nearly thier Posts: 152 
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I do not think it is a good idea to put a rope on to a tow ball. very easy to slip off.
Live Life Ti'l You Die
Teddys are out thier http://teddybearspicnic.webs.com http://130sasha.co.uk/ |
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23rd Apr 2013 9:16am |
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| J8GHX Member Since: 22 May 2012 Location: Hampshire Posts: 154 
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Are you aware that Dixon Bate make an Alko / Winterhoff compatible extended neck tow ball and jaw combination?
Surely that would be the answer? http://www.bradleydoublelock.co.uk/shop/pr...425967f3ee John Currently....... all gone...... pending delivery of a mid life crisis....... Previously..... Quite a few! I really am a sucker for them! |
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25th Apr 2013 10:33pm |
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| leeds Member Since: 28 Dec 2009 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 8581
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Tow balls are not designed for shock loading.
IF you are going to use a tow ball as a recovery point then use a bungee to keep rope on it. Brendan |
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25th Apr 2013 10:39pm |
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| JSG Member Since: 12 Jul 2007 Location: Berkshire Posts: 2412
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Indeed, as I posted above John
http://www.hampshire4x4response.co.uk 2011 Tdci 110 CSW XS |
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26th Apr 2013 10:31am |
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