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We brought our new new Bailey Pageant Burgundy home from the dealers on Saturday - talk about new parents and baby.....

Only problem we had was unhitching the van from the car. When lifted the van on the jockey wheel it took a few goes before it would separate from the new ALKO hitch.  I'm sure I have read somewhere here that the paint should be removed from the ball - is this likely to be the problem ?

We also had a Powrtouch mover fitted - as we now have to park on our downward sloping drive.  Was a bit concerned about using the mover for the first time - no need. Its so simple, and the manoeuvrability was amazing - inch perfect.  Can now see why everyone on here who has movers raves about them

David

Hi dwjule I sumise that the hitch is a Alko 2003 model .

I have found that when coming to a stop that the van will slightly push forward onto the tow ball. it pays to inch forword slightly to take the pressure off the hitch, then it makes it easier to uncouple. keeping both the hitch and the ball well cleaned (no lubricants whatsoever to be used will help).

Movers are IMO the best thing invented for caravans. I could not go vanning anymore unless one was fitted.

Hope the above assists you to enjoy vanning.

FKG

Hi David,

Congratulations on your new 'van.

The towball must be as clean as possible, without any paint or grease on an Alko tow hitch otherwise you will contaminate the friction pads for the stabiliser, which would then need cleaning or replacing. You may  hear a creaking sound from the hitch when turning if the pads are badly contaminated. Certainly all the paint should  be removed before you use it. In my case I clean the ball with white spirit before hitching up.

I guess contamination could also be the cause of your hitch being difficult to remove from the ball but it could also just be the fact that it is new.

Hope this helps

Steve

Yes - the new van was fitted with the ALKO stabiliser, and the the towball came with it.  Fitted the towball at the dealers before bringing the van home.

Another though I had, bearing in mind advice about reducing pressure, is the van is on a uphill slope in the road when I unhitch it - so there will be pressure away from the car and hitch. It could be easing the car back an inch or so will help.  However, I will also remove all the paint as well to be

I know it is a stupid question but you did slacken the wheel that tensions the stabiliser pads off before unhitching?  Ours is quite tight, ( only been out with it 4 times) but I am sure it will get easier with use.  We also have a downward sloping drive and found our mover fantastic.

Brian

hopefully this may help ... click here..

Stupid question No.2.

Why do ALKO supply a towball that requires the paint to be removed before use? Or am I missing something?

I'm picking up a new Ranger on Friday. Do I need to take a rool of wet-and-dry? Mind you, after 3 weeks of good weather it will probably be pooring, so wet and dry is probably very appropriate.

mark100

Further to Derrick866 post. Ive always been told never to use white spirit as its an oil based product and will leave a film of grease behind. Always use meths.

I think towballs are supplied painted to stop them going rusty in storage. If the hitch is creaking, try wiping the pads with meths, and yes.mark100, I think you do need to take the wet and dry to clean the ball - but not the hitch- before you hitch up!

little jack