Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Is this tow ball Al-Ko compatible?
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
21/12/2012 at 9:45pm
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View iscacamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to iscacamper Reply   Quote iscacamper Quote  
Joined: 08/12/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   483

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi,

I recently bought a new tow car, and it has a tow ball fitted that looks like this:



Can anybody please advise whether this tow ball is compatible with an Al-Ko stabiliser? I have previously had a swan-neck, so never had to worry about this before.

Thanks!


21/12/2012 at 10:06pm
 Location: west country
 Outfit: None Entered
View millermicm's Profile View Profile   Reply to millermicm Reply   Quote millermicm Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4665

Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The length of the neck is the issue and a photo from this angle makes it impossible to tell. Needs a side view or better still the measurement from the bar to the ball.


21/12/2012 at 10:51pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
View michael's Profile View Profile   Reply to michael Reply   Quote michael Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   23517

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

you need the al-ko long neck type for the al-ko hitch. check year of car

http://shop.al-ko.co.uk/products/al-ko-extended-neck-towball-kit.html

 

http://www.westerntowing.co.uk/acatalog/Towballs.html



Post last edited on 21/12/2012 22:58:07

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


21/12/2012 at 10:53pm
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View iscacamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to iscacamper Reply   Quote iscacamper Quote  
Joined: 08/12/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   483

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Ok. I will look at getting an Alko towball, they don't cost that much. Thanks,


21/12/2012 at 11:34pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc
View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by millermicm on 21/12/2012
The length of the neck is the issue and a photo from this angle makes it impossible to tell. Needs a side view or better still the measurement from the bar to the ball.


The issue according to Alko is the height of the ball from the bottom to the top and the amount of undercut where the ball meets the stem. Looking at that ball it may be compatible but it is impossible to be sure. For the ost of a new Alko ball I would be sure and replace it.


-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


Advertisement



22/12/2012 at 12:43am
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9587

Site Reviews Total: 23
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 11
Site Nights 2021: 3
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 24
Site Nights 2018: 0

Here are two pictures, the first is an Alko towball and the second a standard towball. You can notice the difference between the two as the Alko towball has extra clearance underneath but from a side view the Alko type also has an extra length from the bolt flange to the ball centre by about another inch to allow clearance of the Alko hitch. Hope this helps to identify the two.

http://mondeoman.50webs.com/towballs.jpg



22/12/2012 at 7:36am
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

That towball looks like its been used to judge parking distances.

Looks manky anyway.

Dont forget to strip the paint off your new towball and never get any grease on it.

If you do make sure you have something to remove all traces before using a stabiliser hitch.



22/12/2012 at 8:00am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Post up a pic of side view of ball & then we can tell. If its an Al-Ko ball theres no need to change it.


22/12/2012 at 4:13pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc
View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 22/12/2012
Post up a pic of side view of ball & then we can tell. If its an Al-Ko ball theres no need to change it.


Side view will tell you nothing about an Alko ball.


-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


22/12/2012 at 5:05pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Yes it will, you will be able to see the shape which is obviously different from a standard one. It does actually look like Al-Ko compatible ball from rear but side view will confirm it.

Side view, notice its longer & deeper than standard. If op's towball is like this then it is ok.



Post last edited on 22/12/2012 17:21:56


Advertisement



23/12/2012 at 12:37am
 Location: chesterfield
 Outfit: Mazda CX 5 Auto Amara 520 4
View amara 520's Profile View Profile   Reply to amara 520 Reply   Quote amara 520 Quote  
Joined: 16/8/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   391

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I have a brand new Alko towball, but due to the weight it will be quite expensive to post it, not sure of the price of a new one, if you find out price of a new one can let you have it for 1/2 price + postage but this may work out the same as anew one from a local supplier


23/12/2012 at 11:59am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
View michael's Profile View Profile   Reply to michael Reply   Quote michael Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   23517

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

http://www.towsure.com/product/Extended_Towball_for_Alko_Type_Stabiliser_Hitches

£10.95 new



-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


23/12/2012 at 12:15pm
 Location: chesterfield
 Outfit: Mazda CX 5 Auto Amara 520 4
View amara 520's Profile View Profile   Reply to amara 520 Reply   Quote amara 520 Quote  
Joined: 16/8/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   391

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Postage will more than outweigh the saving if you buy mine at 1/2 price

Cheers

Amara 520



23/12/2012 at 8:54pm
 Location: Devon
 Outfit: Cabanon Malawi 2.0
View iscacamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to iscacamper Reply   Quote iscacamper Quote  
Joined: 08/12/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   483

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks all. I have now bought a new Al-ko ball for £19.


23/12/2012 at 9:44pm
 Location: Barry (Not quite the island)
 Outfit: Bailey Platinum 642
View katycymru's Profile View Profile   Reply to katycymru Reply   Quote katycymru Quote  
Joined: 26/5/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   366
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 9
Site Nights 2018: 0

I do not need an Alko Ball and never will, but two things have confused me immensely.

1) If the Alko tow ball is compatible with a standard hitch, why isn't this standard as it would cure any ambiguity

2) If the paint needs to be stripped to use with the stabiliser, why is it painted in the first place?

-------------
2019: Hurn Lane CAMC, Cirencester Park CAMC & Lytton Lawn

2020: Brecon Beacons CAMC, Bladon Chains CAMC, Brecon Beacons CAMC, Les Iles (Normandy), Easter Compton (BOC Rally), Deanwood (BOC Rally), Abbey Wood CAMC


24/12/2012 at 6:42am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by katycymru on 23/12/2012
I do not need an Alko Ball and never will, but two things have confused me immensely.

1) If the Alko tow ball is compatible with a standard hitch, why isn't this standard as it would cure any ambiguity

2) If the paint needs to be stripped to use with the stabiliser, why is it painted in the first place?


The standard towball was in use before the Al-Ko stabilizer hitch was developed. To accommodate the extra bulk of the hitch a longer deeper flange ball had to be developed. The only European hitch standard is the 50mm ball diameter, apart from that there is no standardised design.

The paint applied during manufacture is baked on for extra durability so it would be impractical to mask off ball to keep it paint free during the process.




In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














7799 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder