Okay, so we have treated ourselves to a Barcelona that comes with 2 Alko Wheel Locks, insurance companies are saying that both Wheel Locks need to be fitted whilst in Storage and On Site.
So we get 1 wheel fitted with the Wheel Lock but the other is out of line whats the best way to ensure both wheels are in line, I have been told to get 1 lock fitted and then jack caravan up to turn the other wheel to ensure its in line to fit the second wheel lock.
I can't think of another one, TBH. What ever you do, it sounds like a bit of a fuss. The only other way is to keeping moving and rotating the van until you get the wheels in the right position - then the problem is yo0u might get the wheels in the right position, but goodness knows what position the van would be in.
There is another solution. Look for an insurance company that do nor require you to fit two wheel locks.
I find the Caravan Club are generally quite lenient. All as they require from me is that I use one security device - that can be a hitch lock. As we have had a van stolen from storeage, they now insist that we store on a Gold Cassoa storeage site, but that's fine by us. Also, I have to say, they were excellent in sorting out our claim. They aren't the cheapest, so whatever you do is a bit of a compromise. I think I'd rather pay £100 more in having more secure storeage and an insurance company I can work with than to have to faff with two wheel locks every single time I park up the van.
Just my thoughts
------------- David
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It's not too much of a bind to jack the van up to line up the receiver Zipster, we've only got a single axle van but it's hitched to a post on the drive & therefore has to be jacked to fit the lock. We've got used to it now, the olny thing we have to master is how far to turn the wheel as it moves when you lower the van & I wouldn't want to fit the lock with the van jacked & then lower it in case it put too much force on the wheel due to it being locked in place & unable to turn.
I have twin axle and have two alco locks I leave caravan on tow car and use the kojak to lift van it only has to be enough to line both wheels put locks in and gently lower down never had a problem can very much reccomend the kojak as you just have to slide it into bracket which is already attached to van and of course both locks are on the one side .
The caravan club only say that you must have two alko locks to get discount although they advise using them they only require a hitch lock and a wheel clamp in use. I'm insured through swinton and they are happy that I have a hitch lock one alko lock and a wheelclamp I have an awd mover fitted and that meant the alko jacking points were removed so if I want to fit a second alko I would have to jack the van up and I do not have a jack so punctures would be Mayday. Ihave been told by a caravan fitter to put the alko on the rear axle as most of the others who might want my van are liable to be using transit type vehicles with raised towballs so that they can wind up the towbar so that the front axle can be off the ground
Our caravan club insurance stipulates that we need only one security device, either a hitchlock or a wheelclamp. We still use a hitchlock and two wheelclamps. We are goping away for a couple of weeks without the van this year so I have bought one alko and may get another. We used 2 alko locks last year but I sold them due to the hassle of fitting.
Quote: Originally posted by Zipster on 25/2/2012
Okay, so we have treated ourselves to a Barcelona that comes with 2 Alko Wheel Locks, insurance companies are saying that both Wheel Locks need to be fitted whilst in Storage and On Site.
So we get 1 wheel fitted with the Wheel Lock but the other is out of line whats the best way to ensure both wheels are in line, I have been told to get 1 lock fitted and then jack caravan up to turn the other wheel to ensure its in line to fit the second wheel lock.
Is this the only solution...?
We are with CC insurance and they are happy for us to fit one ALKO wheel lock and a normal wheel clamp. We still get the discount.
There is no ways either the wife or myself will be jacking up the caravan to fit both as firstly physically we are not capable of doing it and secondly it is a right PIA to do.
Have you asked your insurance company whether using a wheel clamp and one ALKO lock is acceptable?
I had the same issue but when I checked in detail I found I as at the maximum discount in any case, so just use the one lock and a hitchlock.
The reason they gave me of asking for two was that van could still be stolen if only one used by deflating the tyres on that axel so they no longer touched the ground and driving away using only the one remaining axel.
I have twin axle and have two alco locks I leave caravan on tow car and use the kojak to lift van it only has to be enough to line both wheels put locks in and gently lower down never had a problem can very much reccomend the kojak as you just have to slide it into bracket which is already attached to van and of course both locks are on the one side .
mandy
I
Obviously it's up to the individual how they go about the job but Al-Ko advised me against fitting the lock to a raised wheel then lowering it to the ground with the lock in place. The wheel rotates a little when it hits the ground & they said it would have too much force on the components so we try & position our raised wheel to allow for it's movement when we lower it & so far we've done quite well. Normally when it's tiping down with rain & we get home at 1am we find we get it wrong though lol.
We bought the Purple line excalibur locks they fit in the alco things or if not lined up they have an arm to make them into a normal clamp. Also means you can use them on eihter side opt the van.
------------- Oh am loving the tin tent after campaining against it..........I was wrong.
Quote: Originally posted by brianconwy on 26/2/2012
'The wheel rotates a little when it hits the ground & they said it would have too much force on the components ...'
So that means that when changing a wheel you should let the handbrake off when lowering the van with the jack. I think I'll take my chance.
Not quite the same thing. you wouldn't fit the Al-ko wheel lock to change a wheel.
Our new van will come with the Al-ko wheel lock, and this thread makes me thankful it will be single axle. As it will also have a mover, I will be able to "jiggle" (thanks Arkwright) the van whilst kneeling near the wheel to get everything in line.
Well contacted the Caravan Club and beieve it or not was due a £8 refund then explained about the wheel locks and the Pro & Cons and without both wheel locks fitted it will cost me an extra £12.
So for an extra £12 can't be bothered to fuss about putting 2 Alko Wheel Locks on....
The other thing to mention if raising the van and lining the 2nd lock up when dropping the van there maybe some slight movement causing a problem with trying to get the lock off and then having to put in a claim to the insurance company for damage caused seems a bit counter productive to me.
i think the insurance companies need to re think this policy of having to fit 2 Wheel Locks on a twin axle
We got the full discount for one wheel lock and one wheel clamp with CC. We always fit the wheel lock onto the rear wheel and the clamp on the front wheel.
'We got the full discount for one wheel lock and one wheel clamp with CC. We always fit the wheel lock onto the rear wheel and the clamp on the front wheel.'
I would get that confirmed in writing as the van is no more secure with one alko secure than it is with with just ordinary clamps. Giving a discount with no added security doesn't make any sense.
The website actually says -
'** Please note that twin-axle caravans must have two AL-KO Secure or BPW Diamond Wheel Locks fitted on the same side