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If you have an Alko hitch then you need a Class A50-X towball with a 'D' and 'S' Value greater than or equal to that of the towbar. A Class A50-X towball is an 'Alko-type' tow ball, but does not necessarily need to be manufactured by Alko. As far as I'm aware Alko only produce one type of Class A50-X towball. This has a rating of D = 17KN and S = 150kg. For most cars this should be sufficient but you would need to check the rating of your tow bar, which is normally on a little sticker on the side of the tow bar.
If you have a Discovery, or maybe other large cars, the towball rating may be higher. The Witter tow bar for my Discovery is D = 15.8KN, S = 250kg, so the S rating of the Alko manufactured tow ball is insufficient (being a lower rate than the tow bar). In this, and similar cases, one would need to have a non Alko Class A50-X. These Alko-type tow balls are available at most tow bar fitters or online from companies such as this here.
The S value of a tow ball/bar refers basically to the noseweight. Your caravan may only have a maximum noseweight of 100kg or less, but as far as I can work out, if your tow bar has a higher rating then your tow ball must be at least the same as the tow bar.
There should be no problem in using a non-Alko hitch on an Alko-type towball (i.e. your normal trailer), but an Alko hitch must not be used on a standard 50mm towball. Unfortunately you will need to grease the tow ball when using the trailer and completely remove the grease when towing the caravan with the alko hitch.
------------- David
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