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If you are using a flange type towball that has an extended neck as shown in the picture above or a swan neck towball, these will be fine with the AL-KO Stabiliser. There are other manufacturers who produce extended neck towballs.

There needs to be a minimum distance of 60mm between the centre line of the towball and the plate to allow the stabiliser head to articulate upto 25 degrees as shown in the handbook document, I have attached a link here for all to see.

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/edit/files/support/AKS3004Handbook.pdf

If the towball being used does not allow such articulation, this will cause damage to the stabiliser over time and in worst case scenarios, could cause the caravan to become detached from the towing vehicle.

We cannot recommend highly enough that you ensure you are using the correct extended neck towball.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards

Paul, many thanks for this clarification.  It's good to have a definitive answer.  If I had a flange type towbar, I would buy an Alko ball.  There's absolutely no reason not to.

What is the situation regarding wear on the ball?  I suggested earlier in this thread that, because the ball and hitch were not moving freely, protected by a film of grease, and the friction pads were in constant contact with the ball, every time a corner is turned, the ball might be "sanded down" by a very small amount.

I understand that this would be to a very small degree, if it happens at all.  I would be happy to change the ball after a certain mileage, just to make sure the fit doesn't become sloppy.  Is this necessary, and have there been any problems with this happening?  I expect in reality, the pads are soft enough to take all the wear, and the ball will be OK for years. Or am I wrong?

Many thanks

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by AL-KO Kober Limited on 10/6/2009

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If you are using a flange type towball that has an extended neck as shown in the picture above or a swan neck towball, these will be fine with the AL-KO Stabiliser. There are other manufacturers who produce extended neck towballs.

There needs to be a minimum distance of 60mm between the centre line of the towball and the plate to allow the stabiliser head to articulate upto 25 degrees as shown in the handbook document, I have attached a link here for all to see.

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/edit/files/support/AKS3004Handbook.pdf

If the towball being used does not allow such articulation, this will cause damage to the stabiliser over time and in worst case scenarios, could cause the caravan to become detached from the towing vehicle.

We cannot recommend highly enough that you ensure you are using the correct extended neck towball.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards

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Greendemon,

The tow ball will wear over time, but it is likely that the friction pads will wear sooner.  The pads, if kept in good condition i.e. cleaned before each journey to remove dirt build up, should last for around 20,000 miles. 

If you are towing with a diesel this cleaning operation is a must, as the particles contained in the exhaust fumes, coat both the tow ball and friction pads and is the most common reason for hearing the creaking noise.

As for the tow ball, the indicator on the stabiliser will tell you when the ball is worn beyond a safe level.

Hope this helps.

Paul

Many thanks Paul.  Much appreciated.

Jim

Well guys what a truely interesting debate...its been fun watching it all unfold!

Thanks everyone for your input!

I bought an Al-ko tow ball from Halfords for £21.99 and had it fitted! I have the peace of mind for the sake of a few pound......

Couldn't live with myself if I hurt my family or anyone elses.

We are all ready and leaving for our 1st off now........

SEE YOU ALL IN A FEW DAYS!!

After reading all this I have just been to Halfords in Blackpool and bought one of these Alko towballs, and had it fitted at Stuart Longton caravans for the price of a drink.

Am picking up a new van next week, and was not informed that my old towball was not suitable for an Alko stabiliser. Only that it had to be free of grease and paint.

Am glad that I found this site now.

Thanks everyone.