Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Tow Ball? Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonTrunnion
09/10/2017 at 2:05pm
 Location: Lancashire.
 Outfit: ELLDIS INFINITY554 .SKODA KODIAQ View Trunnion's Profile View Profile   Reply to Trunnion Reply   Quote Trunnion Quote  
Joined: 29/12/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   183
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I have just taken delivery of a new Skoda Kodiaq.which has a electric tow ball fitted. When not in use, the ball sits beneath the rear bumper.The ball is matt black, the last 2 tow ball's on other vehicles were bright shiny metal.
The advice I would like to know is, Do I clean off the black, and risk the metal rusting up, or leave it matt black, which I presume will protect it, from rusting up!
PS I don't think a conventional ball cover will suffice, as the ball packed away is upside down, so a cover will drop off.


PersonLlaniDavis
09/10/2017 at 2:36pm
 Location: Llanidloes Powys
 Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4 View LlaniDavis's Profile View Profile   Reply to LlaniDavis Reply   Quote LlaniDavis Quote  
Joined: 28/6/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1963
Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0
What towing hitch are you using?
If an Alko or similar then the black needs to be removed otherwise it contaminates the friction pads and stops them working. If it does rust slightly then a quick wipe with a Scotchbrite pad or pan scourer will sort it out.


PersonTrunnion
09/10/2017 at 2:40pm
 Location: Lancashire.
 Outfit: ELLDIS INFINITY554 .SKODA KODIAQ View Trunnion's Profile View Profile   Reply to Trunnion Reply   Quote Trunnion Quote  
Joined: 29/12/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   183
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The towing hitch is a Winterhoff.


Persontango55
09/10/2017 at 3:03pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450 View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9587
Site Reviews Total: 23
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 11
Site Nights 2021: 3
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 24
Site Nights 2018: 0
All towballs are painted black before despatch from the manufacturers merely for protection against being damaged and avoiding any surface rust before reaching the customer. There is no other reason why it's painted and if you conduct a search on Google about removing paint from the towball before towing, there's plenty of information about this topic. The link below provides the information you need so just follow the advice.


AL-KO Towball Paint Removal


PersonOpensauce
09/10/2017 at 4:39pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
If it's a Winterhof stabiliser hitch then ball must be clean shiny metal when you hitch up. Best bet is to clean ball with abrasive paper then apply some grease over it while stowed. When you tow clean ball with meths & if required abrasive paper as well. If there is room for a cover then caravan shop will stock Alko towball cover which looks like a golf ball & won't come off.

A stabiliser hitch needs clean shiny ball. Standard hitch which is greased does not. So if you are towing your garden trailer as well no need to clean ball.

Post last edited on 09/10/2017 16:43:38


Advertisement



PersonTrunnion
09/10/2017 at 7:47pm
 Location: Lancashire.
 Outfit: ELLDIS INFINITY554 .SKODA KODIAQ View Trunnion's Profile View Profile   Reply to Trunnion Reply   Quote Trunnion Quote  
Joined: 29/12/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   183
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks for the advice, I suspected having to clean the paint off. I wondered if they have invented a new protective coating, and next time at the caravan shop, I will get a cover.


Persongailbonney
10/10/2017 at 5:23pm
 Location: Cheshire
 Outfit: Sterling & Superb View gailbonney's Profile View Profile   Reply to gailbonney Reply   Quote gailbonney Quote  
Joined: 31/8/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1359
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 36
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 3  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 3
Site Nights 2023: 6
Site Nights 2022: 7
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 24
We had to remove the black paint form our new superb when we got it. You may struggle to get a cover that fits it when its under the bumper as the gap is very small.

When I asked Skoda they said it wouldn't need a cover. Well it does or it starts to rust! We have tried various things. Currently we're using a balloon!

-------------
Gail

Izzy 15.11.02 -25.12.12 RIP my beautiful girl
Lottie 15.08.99 - 07.12.13 RIP dottie Lottie
Millie ? - 03.05.14 RIP beautiful mad Mills

2024
April - Anglesey
Aug - Normandy & Brittany avec les chiens!



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

5100 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder