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Topic: Types of Hitch

JdDerek

27/5/2014 at 8:16pm
Location: Portsmouth
Outfit: Avondale Rialto 550 or Vango Orchy 600

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I will start of by apologising as I don't have a clue when it comes to attaching a Caravan to your car so some of these question might be very basic stuff.

Yesterday we purchased our first Caravan having been canvas campers for a few years.

In my mind I always thought that it was important to have a Al-Ko hitch attached to the caravan to prevent any snaking of the van and to safe guard the car should something go wrong ? ?

On purchasing our van I asked if it came with a Al-Ko stabiliser and the reply was that it would only come with the standard hitch that was already fitted and as the vans weight is only 1100 unladen it probably wouldn't need a stabiliser.,....

However should we experience any snaking or pitching there is a cheaper option (about £80) of something that goes between the car and the hitch to prevent it .....

I have tried to do some research on hitching and have searched this site but have confused myself more than ever.

Is there a difference between the Al-Ko hitch lock and the stabiliser or are they the same thing ? ?

Is it safe to tow a car just using a standard hitch without a stabiliser ?

Is there anyone here who has the patients to explain it all to me in idiots guide to style

Is it easy to change the hitch style of a caravan or will it require a visit to a workshop ?

Sorry for so many questions but am very confused

millermicm

27/5/2014 at 9:23pm
Location: west country
Outfit: None Entered

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Yes it is safe to tow with the standard hitch. Many people do with a correctly loaded caravan.

The Al-ko is not the same as the stabiliser but often the two are fitted. the Al-ko stabiliser applies friction on the tow ball to reduce the likelihood of snaking. The Al-ko stabiliser requires an Al-ko tow ball with a slightly longer neck to allow room for the stabiliser.

The lock simply fits over the handle to prevent it from being raised.

-------------
Steve

michell8

27/5/2014 at 9:40pm
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The cheaper option probably refers to older type blade stabiliser but advice was wrong. If caravan snakes/pitches, usually due to insufficient noseweight then this needs to be cured without a stabiliser. A stabiliser must not be used to prevent a caravan snaking during normal driving.

If you wish to fit an Al-Ko stabiliser hitch in place of existing standard hitch(also probably made by Al-Ko)then it is a simple diy job if you can use tools. Youtube vid here

You need to load caravan correctly to get noseweight, ie the weight pressing onto towbar correct for you car then give it a tow. Provided it runs straight & stable then you can consider fitting a stabiliser hitch or cheaper blade type if you wish but I wouldn't bother.

Increase car tyre pressures to fully laden figures & ensure caravan tyre pressures are correct as well. You will find towbar download or noseweight for your car in car handbook. Often around 70kg.

tango55

27/5/2014 at 11:35pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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Newbie to caravans with lots of unanswered questions. Yes, we've all been there when we started out including myself but what helped me tremendously was having a book that explains everything you need to know about Towing safely, stabilisers, tyres, awnings, water, gas, 12 volt power, 240 volt mains power, cassette toilets and just about everything else you need to know.
This can all be found in this valuable book which you can always keep at hand in the caravan too.

Caravanning Handbook

DaveS1

28/5/2014 at 10:00am
Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
Outfit: Ace Supreme Twinstar Disco 3

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As mentioned above, no stabiliser will stop snaking. Only correct loading of the caravan along with correct driving methods will so do.
However, many new caravans are now fitted with a stabiliser hitch which work by gripping the tow ball and do seem to reduce the caravan bouncing. It follows that the tow ball must be kept clean and completely grease free.
Older stabiliser systems used a large .eaf spring fitted between the car and caravan. Some people found these difficult to attach and you needed to store the unit somewhere when on site.
The Al-Ko type units are easier to use and seem to be becoming the norm.
Again, it is fairly simple to change the hitch with basic tools and diy skills but why not wait and see if you really feel you need a stabiliser.
New stabilisers are expensive and you might feel it better to spend your hard earned money on one of the towing courses on offer.
Enjoy your caravan -- Thousands of us do it and it is not as worrying as you think!
Daves1

JdDerek

28/5/2014 at 11:13am
Location: Portsmouth
Outfit: Avondale Rialto 550 or Vango Orchy 600

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Thank you all for some great advice. Yes now I know its safe I will wait and see how our first couple of experiences go.

Thank you tango55 as strange as it sounds but with all the wealth of information available on the web I didn't even consider a good old fashioned book

I am now awaiting Mr postman to bring me my copy.

tango55

29/5/2014 at 10:43am
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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You WILL find the book really useful and being newbies you will be amazed just how much knowledge you will gain in the first few days of reading it. Your knowledge and experience can be passed on to others in time but you will probably recall how you gained your own knowledge and offer the same advice. Happy reading and happy caravanning!

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