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If I purchase an Alko Wheel lock do I still have to send for a special key to remove the grub screw, we are trading our bailey in for a new Swift Challenger on Thursday and I'm thinking of getting this type of lock.

I'd also appreciate any feedback on buying a smallish hydraulic jack to replace the huge heavy duty scissor jack I now carry all over the place.

           Jim

Jim, have you really thought about this. I have an Alko lock and it is the biggest pain in the neck. Invariably we have put the legs down before we realise we haven't lined up the lock so we have to wind them up gain. If we put the wheels on a ramp it is impossible to line it up.We have just come back from 14 days in Ireland and I used the lock once. I do put it on at home but rarely bother with it otherwise.

I think this is one of the worst inventions Alko have produced and if your new van is a twin axle then definitely don't bother. Insurance companies only insist on a wheel clamp and there are a lot cheaper ones on the market. Theives can still get the Alko ones off.

What model Challenger have you bought? Presume it is the older model and shape

Quote: Originally posted by jennifernn on 21/9/2010

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I would disagree on several points there.

Many insurers will insist on 2 wheel clamps/locks on a twin axle. Almost certainly that would be the case on a brand new (expensive and desirable) twin.

The locks are neat and not too heavy for taking with you when touring. And I think are pretty effective, although I have heard of one or 2 being burned off by low-life.
They are not difficult to put on, especially if you have a mover, or you can jack the van quite easily if required. We often jack to put planks under the wheels anyway.

Regarding the lock itself, if you buy one then you get all you need for fitting it, but someone did say recently that Alko have now stopped fitting the grub screw, no idea if this is correct though.

We use a 2 tonne trolley jack.

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Hi Jennifer

I take you points on board but who wants to jack up a caravan each time you move. Caravanning is supposed to be a relaxing hobby!!!!

You are right about the grub screw, they no longer use it. I agree that the lock is  handy and light but it is not easy to use and also damages the wheel. If you haven't got a mover then you might aswell give up before you start.

Terrible design in my book but each to his own!

Quote: Originally posted by johnks on 21/9/2010

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Jim, have you really thought about this. I have an Alko lock and it is the biggest pain in the neck. Invariably we have put the legs down before we realise we haven't lined up the lock so we have to wind them up gain. If we put the wheels on a ramp it is impossible to line it up.We have just come back from 14 days in Ireland and I used the lock once. I do put it on at home but rarely bother with it otherwise.

I think this is one of the worst inventions Alko have produced and if your new van is a twin axle then definitely don't bother. Insurance companies only insist on a wheel clamp and there are a lot cheaper ones on the market. Theives can still get the Alko ones off.

What model Challenger have you bought? Presume it is the older model and shape

Hi John,

It's the older shape 540, wanted to get one of the new shaped Challengers but they are too heavy, can't understand why Swift have done that, they've already lost my order as I can't afford to upgrade the car as well. Caravans should be getting lighter manufacturers please take note, we all don't own big towcars.

Jim

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Quote: Originally posted by johnks on 21/9/2010

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Hi Jennifer

I take you points on board but who wants to jack up a caravan each time you move. Caravanning is supposed to be a relaxing hobby!!!!

You are right about the grub screw, they no longer use it. I agree that the lock is  handy and light but it is not easy to use and also damages the wheel. If you haven't got a mover then you might aswell give up before you start.

Terrible design in my book but each to his own!

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Well I have one of these for my Ranger Gt60. Firstly I get £80 reduction on my insurance for having it fitted. Stipulation is that if the van is left unattended it MUST be on otherwise insurance is void. To align is easy. On level ground its a simple case of aligning the boss with the centre of the gap in the wheel, small adjustments can be made by nudging the van along manually. If the van needs to be levelled side to side I now use lengths of timber decking about 2 to 2.5 feet long. I achieve the desired height by putting the boards ontop of each other as needed then move the van forward or back depending on whether I have reversed or driven onto the board/s, then its as before just a case of lining up. Whole process takes about 5 mins max and in many cases less. My £80 reduction in premium pays for another holiday :)

If you have a mover the whole operation would be even easier. My lock has rubber feet to stop damage to the wheel (no problems to date) I also have a plastic yolk which fits against the wheel to stop damage but I have never used this.

All in all an excellent lock IMO

We carry a trolley jack Jim, it's come in handy several times.

As far as the lock is concerned, I think they've done away with the grub screw now but I could be wrong. You may also find you can get a new lozenge for your Al-Ko lock if you keep the one you use on the Bailey Series 6. It's a good lock & well worth the trouble to get it fitted. IMO that is.

BB