Hi
We're buying a new (to us!) caravan and have received the paperwork today. On the customer checklist it advises to check our tow bar is compatible with a hitch stabilizer or we may need a new tow ball.
Our car has a very standard single electrics tow bar - the cars a 2003 and the tow bar isn't new.
How do I know if this is compatible?
I'm sure it's really obvious but I just don't know.
Thanks
------------- Gail
March - Bamburgh
Easter - Low Park Wood CC Kendal
May - Yellowcraigs CC North Berwick
June - Wharfedale CC Grassington
looks like it should be ok, get some emery paper and clean of the rust but do not put any oil or grease on the ball or tow hitch, it will make it useless. when not in use fit a ball cover. happy towing.
Quote: Originally posted by Gailk on 02/8/2011
Hi We're buying a new (to us!) caravan and have received the paperwork today. On the customer checklist it advises to check our tow bar is compatible with a hitch stabilizer or we may need a new tow ball. Our car has a very standard single electrics tow bar - the cars a 2003 and the tow bar isn't new. How do I know if this is compatible? I'm sure it's really obvious but I just don't know. Thanks
Hi Gailk, If your new van has the hitch stabiliser you will need the AL-KO tow ball, (it is slightly longer than the normal bow ball, it allows the stabiliser to move unrestricted on the tow ball),It must be cleaned of all the paint on tow ball first, it must never have grease or oil put on it (tow ball or stabiliser).any grease or oil must be cleaned off,( use brake cleaner) If your van has normal hitch then you can grease it and tow ball.
An AL-KO tow ball will take a normal hitch, but if attaching to a van with a stabiliser, tow ball must be cleaned with brake cleaner, before stabiliser is put to tow ball. Hope that helps.
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.
Hi Gailk, You can get AL-KO tow ball from any Caravan Shop, also get new tow ball nuts and bolts, Just undo the nuts and bolts on your old tow ball, and replace with the new one, remember andtake all the paint off the tow ball head. Hope that helps
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.
Hi Jennifer, this is Gailk’s tow ball, looks to be normal tow ball.
Gailk should put in a strike plate, between tow ball and the tow bar (or the gel type stick on pad to the car bumper) to protect car bumper from bumps hitching or un hitchiing.
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.