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If we stop at a service station it's, the van's only left unattended for 10 minutes maximum, but I always fit the wheel clamp.

Never fitted the hitchlock, though thinking about it now, after reading this thread.

Quote: Originally posted by 3186 on 13/8/2007

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If we stop at services just to use the facilities we always take it in turns so that the caravan is not left unattended.

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Same here

Quote: Originally posted by SoundsDigital on 13/8/2007

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In the event of a fire, anyone trying to unhitch a burning caravan from a car or a unhitch a caravan from a burning car needs their head looking at.

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Hitchlock fitted only when caravan is left or when pitched.

Alko stabiliser used when towing

never leave van unattended at service stations, always one adult remains with the caravan

Hitchlocks should not be used when towing, IMHO, as above then emergency services cannot get it off your vehicle and it may have the potential to cause more damage to your car in an accident / incident etc..

Hope this helps

Andy

Quote: Originally posted by scarletsfan on 13/8/2007

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Quote: Originally posted by 3186 on 13/8/2007

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If we stop at services just to use the facilities we always take it in turns so that the caravan is not left unattended.

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Same here

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Ditto. Why leave your van unattended at all when towing?

Where do the emergency services not recommend travelling with a hitchlock fitted ? I would like to read about that.

But then again, never let the truth get in the way of a good rumour

The emergency services i.e Fire would offer no real advice with regard to hitchlocks, the van could be removed easily, hydraulic cutters would do the trick in seconds, however the repair bill might outweigh the initial damage, so we would probably seek a key if the owner was still present and not taken to hospital or suchlike.

The main advice would be about safe electrics / tow speeds / general safety both in the van and on site.

Hope that helps a little,

Mr redz, 18 years in the fire service..

Quote: Originally posted by misterg on 14/8/2007

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The caravan has gas on board which could explode in a fire  - would it then be bestto be able to separate them quickly?

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Only if you are a hero ... best advice is run like f***

Quote: Originally posted by scarletsfan on 12/8/2007

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Quote: Originally posted by PaulDG on 12/8/2007

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Quote: Originally posted by nicanders on 12/8/2007

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We were away last weekend and the couple next door rolled up with hitchlock attached.Are there any advantages for having it on whilst towing

It's harder to steal the caravan when you're parked at a service station.

and what happens if van turned over (god forbid)

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It'd quite likely flip the car over.

It's really a Very, Very Bad Idea.

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And your evidence to back up this advice came from?

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I don't know about anybody else but my Alko hitchlock is a bugger to get on and off.  If I stopped for a comfort break at a service station I'd wet myself before I managed to get the hitchlock on.  Like other posts, we don't leave the caravan unattended and we don't tow with the hitchlock on. 

When I get to a site I want the kettle on - not be faffing about with a hitchlock.

Quote: Originally posted by raymcm on 14/8/2007

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Quote: Originally posted by misterg on 14/8/2007

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The caravan has gas on board which could explode in a fire  - would it then be bestto be able to separate them quickly?

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Only if you are a hero ... best advice is run like f***

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            You lot have me in hysterics sometimes

Anyway back to the original question we don`t fit the hitchlock while towing but again like others have said we never leave the caravan unattended when we stop. We take it in turns to use the loo and just let the dogs out and stay close to the caravan.

Quote: Originally posted by Fogey on 18/8/2007

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I don't know about anybody else but my Alko hitchlock is a bugger to get on and off. If I stopped for a comfort break at a service station I'd wet myself before I managed to get the hitchlock on. Like other posts, we don't leave the caravan unattended and we don't tow with the hitchlock on.

When I get to a site I want the kettle on - not be faffing about with a hitchlock.

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