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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: Towball size Post Reply Post New Topic
Personcjward2
via mobile 05/7/2019 at 9:31pm
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Hi, very new to this. I have bought a 1999 Pennine Fiesta folding camper. My dad had a tow bar fitted to find he had to change the towball for an Alko one. The camper I have purchased is a 4h drive away. Can anyone advise on the correct size towball. Don't want to arrive and not be able to hitch up. Thanks in advance for any comments. (I assumed a towbar would tow anything)


PersonGrampian91
05/7/2019 at 11:23pm
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Its not the towball size but the longer neck required if the trailer has a stabiliser hitch fitted.

Stabiliser you need the longer neck and no grease, standard non stabilised hitch either will work and you grease the ball.

Dont let grease get near the stabiliser hitch and clean the paint off.




mondeoman.50webs.com/towballs.jpg





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http://mondeoman.50webs.com/towballs.jpg









Post last edited on 05/07/2019 23:30:44


Personcjward2
via mobile 06/7/2019 at 9:01am
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Ok thanks. So if I just fit an Alko one I am guaranteed to be able to tow the camper?


Personalbomatty
via mobile 06/7/2019 at 12:48pm
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Yes , the Alko tow ball just gives extra clearance to accommodate the stabilizer hitch if fitted.


PersonDarrenElbrow
via mobile 06/7/2019 at 8:17pm
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It’s very unlikely that a Fiesta has a stabiliser type Alko hitch on it. They only weigh 5-600kgs. I’ve only ever seen one on the larger 6 berth campers. Even then they’re not really necessary. I’d get the seller to send you some pictures of the hitch. Alko make most of the chassis for the campers and some folks get confused with the two hitches. We had a standard tow bar on our last car and towed our Conway Challenger with no issues. Our current car has a detachable swan neck type due to the shape of the rear bumper. The Challenger and Fiesta are pretty much the same camper. They tow really well without a stabiliser hitch, which are designed for the poor aerodynamic stability of a caravan


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PersonGrampian91
07/7/2019 at 1:45pm
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Dont know why they bother making the old style towball.

OK its a big more compact than than the one required for a stabiliser but if thats an issue there are plenty of options for a detachable towbat these days.

Found a few detachable towbars thar were cheaper than fixed flange towbars. Maybe a clearance/sale item? But not a huge price gap for most cars.


Personcjward2
via mobile 07/7/2019 at 5:56pm
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Thanks for your replies everyone. Will just get the newer Alco compatible towball.


Personjosey60
14/7/2019 at 7:29pm
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Quote: Originally posted by cjward2 on 07/7/2019
Thanks for your replies everyone. Will just get the newer Alco compatible towball.


At least if you have an Alko hitch fitted and the Fiesta turns out to have a standard hitch you will still be able to tow it.


-------------
Exercise every day and Die Healthy....

JOSEY60


Personnavver
14/7/2019 at 8:05pm
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I have an Alko hitch stabiliser and a standard tow ball. It all fits and works and hasn't caused any problems at all.



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