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Topic: Sanding down tow bar

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LlaniDavis

15/2/2016 at 9:40pm
Location: Llanidloes Powys
Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4

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Quote: Originally posted by cx5man on 15/2/2016

It's obvious you have not done any research on this issue but have a look at the facts in the link which comes direct from AL-KO. On the right are questions and answers and the very last question (I have a new AL-KO towball - do I need to take the paint off) confirms what the OP has asked.

AL-KO Link

That's not correct i do know about the advice and chose to ignore it, 3 years on and no problems, just clean up the pads.

I hope you will now follow the advice from the manufacturer and do it the PROPER way.

cx5man

16/2/2016 at 3:09pm
Location: yorkshire
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No i will just do the same with the next tow bar.

LlaniDavis

16/2/2016 at 7:16pm
Location: Llanidloes Powys
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Quote: Originally posted by cx5man on 16/2/2016
No i will just do the same with the next tow bar.

So despite being shown the manufacturers instructions you think you know better than them and are going to ignore the instructions?
We have a description in Welsh; twp!!

cliffbrown

16/2/2016 at 7:47pm
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Hi just wanted to join in, I have a steel ball at present and use on an alko hitch, I am looking at replacing my car and have seen a couple with towbars fitted already, they are the swan nect type and are black, will these types be suitable with an aalko hitch? thanks in advance

Bill Terry

16/2/2016 at 7:52pm
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Quote: Originally posted by cx5man on 16/2/2016
No i will just do the same with the next tow bar.

So you dont take note what is recommended by a manufacturer.

What is the point of being on a forum that helps and gives advise?

Plus members of ukcampsite advise that leaving paint on a towball is wrong,and still dont listen.

So who are you going to get advise in the future here if you ask for it?

-------------
Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!

nant mill.N/Wales
just dont go there.

Bill Terry

16/2/2016 at 7:54pm
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Quote: Originally posted by cliffbrown on 16/2/2016
Hi just wanted to join in, I have a steel ball at present and use on an alko hitch, I am looking at replacing my car and have seen a couple with towbars fitted already, they are the swan nect type and are black, will these types be suitable with an aalko hitch? thanks in advance

Yes they are fine.

But rub the paint off.

-------------
Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!

nant mill.N/Wales
just dont go there.

Alan Chilestone

17/2/2016 at 8:13am
Location: Suffolk
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Ok, so I had my first caravan last year, had towbar fitted to car, but was not made aware that I should remove the paint. Taking the advice from those on here that say I should have done, what do I need to do now, the paint has worn off, so I am guessing the pads are damaged or need cleaning? Helpful advice would be appreciated.

-------------
Alan

2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder

cx5man

17/2/2016 at 8:22am
Location: yorkshire
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You need only to clean the pads, use brake cleaner.

As you have found out NOT removing the paint does not mean you are doomed.

andyd99

17/2/2016 at 9:17am
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I think I will go with the majority answers on this one so took the layer of paint off the tow hitch. Cleaned it all off and dried it all. Picking the van up in half an hour to spend a few nights at Chester fairoaks 😜😜 never towed in this weather before though so steady slow drive is in order.

tango55

17/2/2016 at 12:25pm
Location: Lichfield
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Quote: Originally posted by andyd99 on 17/2/2016
I think I will go with the majority answers on this one so took the layer of paint off the tow hitch. Cleaned it all off and dried it all. Picking the van up in half an hour to spend a few nights at Chester fairoaks 😜😜 never towed in this weather before though so steady slow drive is in order.

Yes, on this thread the majority agree that the paint should be removed from the towball when using a stabiliser hitch but that's the reason why I posted the link as to what AL-KO confirmed. After all, you can't deviate away from what the manufacturer advises and this is what you should adhere to.
Happy caravanning and glad you took the correct advice.
Safe towing!

blueexpo97

17/2/2016 at 12:41pm
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Of course you can deviate from what the manufacturers have said, it's your decision at the end of the day.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.

cx5man

17/2/2016 at 12:56pm
Location: yorkshire
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Agreed.
And he already has with out the earth coming to a halt.
Its a simple towing hitch and ball, not rocket science.

I've even seen cars used for caravan towing tests that the ball paint hasn't been removed, just the area the pads contact. Unfortunaly i didn't bother to save the video so can't find it.

Hitch pads can get contaminated just from diesel fumes, so an annual clean up is always some thing i do, removing the paint i don't.

Oh and i also test the hitch using a spare ball bolted to a 3 foot piece of wood.

LlaniDavis

17/2/2016 at 10:52pm
Location: Llanidloes Powys
Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4

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Quote: Originally posted by cx5man on 17/2/2016
You need only to clean the pads, use brake cleaner.

As you have found out NOT removing the paint does not mean you are doomed.

And as has been shown on here, and as you have been told, that IS NOT what the manufacturers state.

Please do not give incorrect advice.

tango55

17/2/2016 at 11:37pm
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It's a blessing that some people are not employed as teachers because instead of teaching the facts they prefer to tell it in their own opinion disregards what the true facts may be. In the Geography lesson they would be stating that Truro is really in Somerset!

blueexpo97

18/2/2016 at 8:07am
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You mean it's not.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.

Grampian91

18/2/2016 at 8:24am
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Its close enough not to matter.

Roadworks look the same.

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