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Topic: tow ball

dusters

26/3/2017 at 12:29pm
Location: Hastings
Outfit: ELLDIS MAJESTIC 135

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Hi all, can someone explain why the tow bar head has to be stripped of its black paint when hitching up??

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phil.

LlaniDavis

26/3/2017 at 12:44pm
Location: Llanidloes Powys
Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4

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If you are using an Alko or similar system, the paint on the ball contaminates the pads inside the head, rendering them inefficient.

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tango55

26/3/2017 at 12:50pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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Why need an explanation when a simple Google search wiil reveal the information you need direct from the towball manufacturer AL-KO. Getting the info from the horses mouth as they say is better than people's opinions on a forum.

Here

Opensauce

26/3/2017 at 1:28pm
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Quote: Originally posted by dusters on 26/3/2017
Hi all, can someone explain why the tow bar head has to be stripped of its black paint when hitching up??

You only need to remove paint from ball if you have a stabiliser hitch to avoid contaminating friction pads. Alko or Winterhof are most common. If you have a standard hitch then grease the ball & no need to clean off paint.

Do you know what type of hitch you have on your caravan?

dusters

26/3/2017 at 5:19pm
Location: Hastings
Outfit: ELLDIS MAJESTIC 135

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Many thanks

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phil.

peter1474

26/3/2017 at 6:55pm
Location: ML9
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Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 26/3/2017
Why need an explanation when a simple Google search wiil reveal the information you need direct from the towball manufacturer AL-KO. Getting the info from the horses mouth as they say is better than people's opinions on a forum.

Here

Maybe the OP does not have an Alko hitch?

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Peter and CofSD (Anne)

tango55

28/3/2017 at 12:22pm
Location: Lichfield
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It doesn't matter whether the OP has a stabiliser or not, the paint should still be removed. The only reason why it's painted is stop the steel ball from rusting so you are buying a brand new item from the manufacturer. If I went to purchase a brand new towball covered in surface rust I would want a reduction in price.

Hairywol

28/3/2017 at 6:40pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Challenger Sport 524 + Volvo V90 D5

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If you have an Al-Ko hitch then this will have the equivalent of small brake pads to clamp down hard on the towball to help your caravan's stability.

Having paint on your towball would be exactly like painting your brake discs and expecting them to work.

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