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We are in the process of looking to buy a caravan.  Most vans available have Alko-Hitch Locks, can anyone state categorically is a standard tow ball on a tow bar suitable and safe, also is an Alko-tow ball different and safer? Any replies gratefully received.

Many thanks.

If the caravan has an Alko Hitch you need an Alko towball. If you have an Alko hitch and towball the towball needs to be clean. No paint or grease or any other contaminant on the ball otherwise the pads in the hitch will get dirty and reduce the stabilising action.

Remove any paint with very fine wet and dry, keep the ball clean with some form of degreasing agent that does not leave a residue behind. Alcohol or similar.

well why is a alko ball any different i ask ball is asame size just on  a longer neck as far as i can see nothing else  i have lots of clearence between ball and hitch so why ??????

this should be intersting???

Extra clearance is needed hence the longer neck. If in doubt read the following link.

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/edit/files/support/Proddata32.doc

Here is a picture of the AlKo towball.

David

well i was best man yest and we had e few before certainley made the long day feel better but god a long heavy night of shandy with the lemonade on hold was had we had big plans but were all too sozzled to go further god knows why i even logged on here i couldnt see straight

No need to apologise Simon and I hope you enjoyed the wedding as much as I intend to? I'm giving the first of my three gals away in 4 weeks time and intend to enjoy it to the hilt....it's been a long time coming!

just proves you do not need AL-KO to get hitched,lol.have a good day.

I have always been under the impression that the Alko towball with the extended neck is for the Alko stabiliser hitches. Swan neck towballs are also suitable for Alko stabiliser hitches.

However the standard alko non stabiliser hitch can be used with any 50mm towball.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Dave