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Subject Topic: Alko AKS1300 Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonAndy 2480
11/2/2013 at 12:57pm
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Hi

Just a quick question im going to be using my caravan for the first time in March. I have done a caravan club reversing familiarisation course however the alko stabiliser system was different from my own. I have the Alko AKS1300 fitted it seems quite straight forward to use however how far to you turn the adjusting wheel is it until you hear the first ratchet noise??


Persontango55
11/2/2013 at 1:23pm
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You open the ratchet wheel anti-clockwise first as far as it will go but don't force it any further otherwise it will probably jam. To hitch the caravan up you lower the jockey wheel on to the tow ball and look for the green peg to raise to indicate that the towing hitch is fully down then wind the ratchet wheel clockwise as far as it will go and this is when you hear the ratchet noise and that's it. Pull down the lever afterwards on the opposite side to lock the stabiliser mechanism to finalise the connection. If you wind down the jockey wheel afterwards when the hitch is attached it should start to lift the rear of the car which is evident that the stabiliser is fully connected. Of course you need the Alko type towball fitted if you have a fixed towbar but if you have a detachable you don't.


PersonAndy 2480
11/2/2013 at 1:28pm
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thanks I thought as much so basically soon as I hear the first ratchet noise lever down and away to go.


Persontango55
11/2/2013 at 1:29pm
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Yes but even if you wind the ratchet round and round it won't lock any further and yes you've basically got the drift of it.


Persontango55
11/2/2013 at 1:33pm
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If you hear a creaking sound whilst in tow it's probably just dust particles on the internal locking friction pads so to cure this it's best to spray some brake and clutch cleaner onto the pads as this will remove any grease or dust particles and remember to have a clean towball too.


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PersonAndy 2480
11/2/2013 at 1:53pm
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yes will do thanks for the advice all I need to do know is hitch up and away to go, bit nervous I must admit.


Persontango55
11/2/2013 at 2:08pm
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It's just a lack of confidence that's all but we all start with exactly the same learning curve at the beginning. Just take it easy and take your time and try to enjoy the experience and you will find that as time goes by the more you tow the more confidence you gain which in time you can then pass your experience on to others.


PersonGCMS2012
11/2/2013 at 5:54pm
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We have thge same hitch fitted to our van.

I'd like to know, how do know when the friction pads are worn and need replacing?

Is there some kind of 'wear indicator on them?


Persontango55
11/2/2013 at 6:29pm
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When the pads are completely worn down in the AKS 1300 stabiliser, the lever won't lock down as there won't be any pressure there to lock the opposing internal friction pads on to the sides of the tow ball. Also, the way to undertake a test is if you have a spare towball (it doesn't have to be an Alko type) is to fix it into the hitch by hand. The pads should grip the tow ball and you shouldn't be able to spin it by hand. If you can then it's proof that the pads need replacing. This same test can also be done with any type of stabilser for checking the efficiency of the friction pads except for the leaf spring type as it performs differently to a towball stabiliser. 

Post last edited on 11/02/2013 18:36:21


Personmichael
12/2/2013 at 3:56pm
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may help

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/edit/files/handbooks/aks1300stabiliserlr.pdf

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/pages/handbooks---instruction-manuals.html



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



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