Message Forums

Paul we have the same problem!

Ours is a brand new van so the hitch is new, however like you it makes a groaning noise as we go over bumps etc, after unhitching I stood on the towball and as i moved found the groaning sound was coming for there am having it checked out this week by guy who fitted towbar.

Also is there anyone out there who can help me with the right towball for the alko hitch? I have a standard alko towball but have been advised that the alko works better with a swan neck.

If this is the case can I have a swan neck extension fitted or do I need to change the whole towbar? 

Quote: Originally posted by roryp on 03/6/2007

---

Also is there anyone out there who can help me with the right towball for the alko hitch? I have a standard alko towball but have been advised that the alko works better with a swan neck.

---

As long as your caravan hitch is not contacting your car/bumper at any stage when towing, your standard hitch should be grand.With some tow-bars, the ball does not allow sufficient clearance from the bumper, hence the reason that some people have to have the extended ball.Swan necks usually all offer sufficient clearance .

To fit a swan neck, you'd have to fit a complete new tow-bar, but at the end of the day, you'd only be wasteing your money, and wouldn't be any better off.

Thanks Eddie

You have probably saved me a good few quid!!!

Hi Paul,

  The noise you descibe  is a characteristic of alko hitches. It happens because the anti snake/pitch pads become dirty with use, and then you get the creaking noise like an old sailing ship. He He. I clean my tow ball and the pads inside the hitch with a solvent spray which does the trick. Short journies are ok, but anything over 100 miles and I get that noise.

Hope this helps.

Ps. It might be best to fit an Alko tow ball

Quote: Originally posted by roryp on 03/6/2007

---

 Also is there anyone out there who can help me with the right towball for the alko hitch? I have a standard alko towball but have been advised that the alko works better with a swan neck.

 

---

Juddah

What solvent spray do you use? Do you spray up into the hitch or do you remove the pads and clean them before re-fitting them?

Defender

Hi Defender,

  I use a cleaner designed for electronic components, but any quick evaporating cleaner that doesn't leave a residue should work. I use the green scouring pad (scotchbrite) and spray up into the hitch, and clean that way. I think  something like meths or industrial alcohol would work.

Juddah