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Topic: Sanding down tow bar

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andyd99

12/2/2016 at 9:44pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: 1998 elddis ex select 450 4

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A family member has told me to sand down the ball of my Towbar before I tow the caravan, because the coating on the Towbar makes the stabiliser pads on the alko/winterhoff/ bpw hitches inefective???

Is this correct? Would rather get another opinion before messing with something that was only fitted 2 weeks ago!!!

diesel steve

12/2/2016 at 9:55pm
Location: fife
Outfit: vw t5 adria isonzo

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you need to take paint off the ball so it is shinny bare metal

Octavia4x4

12/2/2016 at 10:12pm
Location: Harrogate Yorkshire.
Outfit: Skoda Octavia 4x4 & Compass Omega 482

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Yep. Use fine emrey paper and finish off with spray brake cleaner and clean cloth. Then every so often do the same again, stops any squeaking from the stabiliser pads.

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Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4 (2012) towing a Compass Omega 482 (2014)

andyd99

12/2/2016 at 10:12pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: 1998 elddis ex select 450 4

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Many thanks, just wanted another opinion that's all before i let loose.

tango55

12/2/2016 at 10:13pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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The tow bar is the part that is bolted to the vehicle chassis but the part you are referring to is the tow ball which if your caravan has a stabiliser hitch then yes the towball needs to be completely free of paint, grease and any other particles for the internal friction pads to work effectively. However, when you talk about sanding down it doesn't require a rough grade sandpaper but the smoothest you can find.
Another tip is to spray the inside of the hitch with a brake and clutch cleaner spray which is specifically designed to clean brake shoes, brake pads and clutch linings etc. which is the same material as the hitch friction pads. The brand I prefer to is Holts as the can can be used upside down which is ideal for this type of application.

Holts Brake & Clutch Cleaner Spray

cx5man

13/2/2016 at 8:58am
Location: yorkshire
Outfit: Mazda CX-5 & Unicorn Valencia

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I don't bother to remove the paint, just clean up the pads afterwards, not had any issues doing this.

tango55

13/2/2016 at 1:33pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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Quote: Originally posted by cx5man on 13/2/2016I don't bother to remove the paint, just clean up the pads afterwards, not had any issues doing this.

It's obvious you have not done any research on this issue but have a look at the facts in the link which comes direct from AL-KO. On the right are questions and answers and the very last question (I have a new AL-KO towball - do I need to take the paint off) confirms what the OP has asked.

AL-KO Link

peter1474

13/2/2016 at 1:49pm
Location: ML9
Outfit: Pageant Champagne 2002 Honda CRV 2008

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Quote: Originally posted by cx5man on 13/2/2016
I don't bother to remove the paint, just clean up the pads afterwards, not had any issues doing this.

You have not had any issues YET.

There is a reason Alko tell you to remove the paint from the towball and it isn't because they have shares in wire wool. Do hope you only tug with you in the car.

-------------
Peter and CofSD (Anne)

Grampian91

13/2/2016 at 10:12pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

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After removing the paint I use the green washing up pads sold at ASDA etc.

A quick wipe over with one of those to remove any dirt or surface rust does the trick.

Never use any oil or WD40 etc on the ball.

Pickled Onion

13/2/2016 at 10:43pm
Location: Near Alton Towers
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Once the protective paint is removed use a tow ball cover to keep the ball clean and as dry as possible because it will now rust. You will need to wipe this surface rust off before each use, the same fine emery or wire wool will suffice.

Dave

-------------
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day,
Teach a man to fish and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend.

Alfacamper

14/2/2016 at 10:02pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: kalahari 10 Mojave 5 Coachman mirage

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It makes you wonder why they paint it in the first place as first instruction is to remove it.

LlaniDavis

14/2/2016 at 10:51pm
Location: Llanidloes Powys
Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4

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Quote: Originally posted by Alfacamper on 14/2/2016
It makes you wonder why they paint it in the first place as first instruction is to remove it.

As a protective coating during distribution, plus it is easier and cheaper to paint the whole thing than mask up the ball.

tango55

14/2/2016 at 11:37pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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Quote: Originally posted by Alfacamper on 14/2/2016It makes you wonder why they paint it in the first place as first instruction is to remove it.

The towballs are dipped in protective paint after production for two purposes. Firstly it protects the surface to stop any rusting and secondly it cuts down on cost as each and every towball that has to be independently covered and then removed reduces production time thus increasing the cost. Besides, it's a no brainer really as I don't think any customer would be happy purchasing a brand new part that is covered in surface rust.

naturlist123

15/2/2016 at 7:53pm
Location: Southport
Outfit: Adria Adora Premium Yeti 4x4 run about

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What paint my tow balls have always been chrome vanadium or stainless steel and always cleaned before and after use then covered .

cx5man

15/2/2016 at 8:46pm
Location: yorkshire
Outfit: Mazda CX-5 & Unicorn Valencia

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Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 13/2/2016

Quote: Originally posted by cx5man on 13/2/2016I don't bother to remove the paint, just clean up the pads afterwards, not had any issues doing this.

It's obvious you have not done any research on this issue but have a look at the facts in the link which comes direct from AL-KO. On the right are questions and answers and the very last question (I have a new AL-KO towball - do I need to take the paint off) confirms what the OP has asked.

AL-KO Link

That's not correct i do know about the advice and chose to ignore it, 3 years on and no problems, just clean up the pads.

cx5man

15/2/2016 at 8:50pm
Location: yorkshire
Outfit: Mazda CX-5 & Unicorn Valencia

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Quote: Originally posted by naturlist123 on 15/2/2016
What paint my tow balls have always been chrome vanadium or stainless steel and always cleaned before and after use then covered .

Yes my last towball was a fixed flange Alko which was chrome. Not seen a SS one though.

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