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   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Towing Advice Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonMithertap
10/8/2018 at 5:43am
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I can found shed loads of info on the Alko high and tow ball interface , but nothing on the benefits of having one and the stabiliser what does it do , can someone explain the benefits against a standard hitch set up,
Thanks advance


Personmarg6
10/8/2018 at 6:49am
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it acts as a brake to side ways movement, stiffening up the whole vehicle to act as one long vehicle, but not so stiff as to stop articulation. it makes for a more comfortable journey as the sucking effect is lessened from overtasking vehicles, what it doesn't do however is replace the need for good loading practises.

how it works is the equivalent of 2 brake pads within the tow hitch that clamp down onto the tow ball, hence why the tow ball must be totally clean and free from any grease


PersonGrandad Kenny
10/8/2018 at 8:25am
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An alko hitch has pads in the part that the towball goes in to, when it is connected to the car and 'locked down' with the big handle the pads grip the towball and assist in keeping the caravan steady when towing within the recommended speed limits, weather and passing vehicles taken into account of course along with other stuff, going downhill and speed being two of them. In lay mans terms the alko towball provides a larger gap between the car and tow hitch thus preventing the tow hitch snagging on the car when turning sharp corners. The towball must be free of any paint, grease, dirt to enable the pads to work correctly.
Not entirely what you class as a standard hitch but will assume you mean the type you get on older caravans and trailers, these have no internal pads, hope this helps
Regards Kenny


PersonThe 2 Tops
10/8/2018 at 10:19am
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It should also be mentioned that, if your caravan has an Al-ko stabiliser fitted, it is essential that you have either a swan necked tow ball (permanently fitted or detached) and, if the fitted flanged type, it must be either an Al-ko tow ball or one with the same specifications as an Al-ko tow ball.

On my recently obtained vehicle, I have had a fixed flange towbar fitted and bought a Z13 tow ball direct from Witter. This tow ball is manufactured by Al-ko - £22.50 including delivery. Well packed and arrived next day.
Bertie.

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The 2 Tops


PersonMithertap
10/8/2018 at 11:04am
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Hi thanks very much for the replys , once i changed the wording in google i found further info also, One point and not sure if i need a new post , When having the Tow bar fitted my plan is a fixed one with an Alko ball is there a requirement to reprograme the car for reversing. I Requested a couple of quotes and got a vast diference in price and one place mentioned reprogramming the other places did not ??


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PersonHumberWolf
10/8/2018 at 12:57pm
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The vast difference in quotes probably reflects the wiring system you have been quoted for. A generic by-pass system should be cheaper, but this will not cancel the reversing sensors when you put the car in reverse. Dedicated electrics (wired specifically for your car) will cancel the reversing sensors and on some makes requires re-programming of the car's electrics to enable all the safety systems to work correctly when towing.


PersonLlaniDavis
10/8/2018 at 1:47pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Mithertap on 10/8/2018
Hi thanks very much for the replys , once i changed the wording in google i found further info also, One point and not sure if i need a new post , When having the Tow bar fitted my plan is a fixed one with an Alko ball is there a requirement to reprograme the car for reversing. I Requested a couple of quotes and got a vast diference in price and one place mentioned reprogramming the other places did not ??



What car is it?
Certainly on VAG models reprogramming the car after having the wiring fitted does a lot more than just turning off the reverse sensors.
And I would be wary of the cheaper by-pass relay systems, as there are numerous stories of these failing and damaging the car electronics, very expensively!


PersonColin21
10/8/2018 at 3:41pm
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My rear sensors don't cancel when I'm towing, but I have just learned to ignore the beeps when the caravan is on. I know I'm not reversing into anything.

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Best Regards,
Colin


PersonThe 2 Tops
10/8/2018 at 5:26pm
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My vehicle is a2017 VW Caravelle. The new towbar with fixed flange tow ball does not affect the rear sensors. I can switch off the sensors (Haven't discovered yet if front and rear can be switched separately) so there should be no beeping when the van is hooked up.
Bertie.

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The 2 Tops


PersonMithertap
10/8/2018 at 8:08pm
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Thanks for that its a 2014 Berlingo multispace


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PersonRob and Tina
10/8/2018 at 9:36pm
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What do you intend to tow? Will you need twin electrics or single 7 or 13 pin? Your choice of electrics will influence the pricing as well.


Rob



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