As I understand the matter, it is actually illegal to drive with a hitch lock in place, the idea being that following an accident the emergency services might want to separate the two vehicles.
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.
Don't know where you heard that but it is totally incorrect!
If the emergency services neede to seperate the vehicle they have all the equipment needed.
saxo1
Can you show us where it says it is 'totally incorrect'
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by saxo1 on 07/3/2017
Show me where it says it is illegal!
I asked a motorway traffic cop who lives in my village!
saxo1
So nowhere then!!!!!
Word of mouth goes for nothing!!!!!
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
There have been reports of caravans coming unhitched while driving,if a hitchlock were fitted it may have prevented it.
It may be possible to fit the hitchlock without the caravan being correctly fitted to the towball but at least the handle can't fly up and you cant fit the lock unless the handle is fully depressed.
saxo1
It is not advisable to tow with a hitch lock fitted. Whilst rare caravans do turn over and, at the point that the shear forces are so great that it would'unhitch' you don't want a hitch lock stopping that.
It is not advisable to leave a caravan unattended, anywhere, without suitable protection such as a hitch lock.
When we stop and are going to leave the outfit we fit the Saracen hitch lock and set the van alarm and when we return to the car we take it off.
"It is not advisable to tow with a hitch lock fitted. Whilst rare caravans do turn over and, at the point that the shear forces are so great that it would'unhitch' you don't want a hitch lock stopping that."
A hitchlock only stops a thief from lifting the handle to unhitch the caravan,it just locks the handle so that it can't be lifted, it wouldn't prevent the caravan coming off the towball in the event of the van overturning!
saxo1
Quote: Originally posted by SGThomas on 07/3/2017
There is no mention in the Highway code rule 98 as to hitch locks, nor is there any mention of it in the legislation Laws CUR reg 100 & MV(DL)R reg 43
So it is not illegal to drive with the hitchlock on.
You must make the choice as to whether:-
(a)to have it on and risk difficulties when you have a mishap.
(b)be safer when driving but have it easier to steal when at a service area.
Agreed. Although I don't drive with a hitchlock on, I suspect there is a greater chance of theft at a service station than being involved in an accident. Like others here, there is always one of us at the van.
As to locks, the Winterhoff Robstop is a brilliant small, neat device that's a breeze to fit and is lightweight
I have worked in the vehicle recovery industry for most of my working life,
I have attended countless towing vehicles involved in RTC's etc when the occupants have either gone of to hospital or still in shock and can't fine the keys to the dreaded HITCHLOCK!!
Please don't fit them when towing they are a pain in the backside!