Al-Ko 3004 Hitchlock Impossible to attach

[JulieandStuart]

I recently purchased an Al-Ko 3004 Stabiliser Kit which included the stabiliser hitch itself, the extended tow ball, and the Al-Ko Secure Hitch Lock.

Replacing the existing hitch with the new 3004 was a breeze and little trouble is anticipated replacing the tow ball with the new extended neck Al-Ko version.

However what has come as quite a surprise is that the Al-Ko Secure Hitch Lock which was a 'bit of a fiddle' to attach to the unit loose has become impossible to attach now the hitch is actually in place on the vans tow bar.

Has anybody else suffered from this unusual issue and more importantly have they found a solution to it??

The unit has two lugs that 'drop down' respectice channels and then 'slide forward' to permit a thumb press locking stud to secure it in place - it is this drop down / slide motion that seems to be inhibited in some way thereby preventing the thumb stud from presenting opposite its receiver.

I wonder if this unit has been misaligned when the two cast halves have been welded together??

Anybody in the Manchester area willing to test their and my unit for cross compatibility??

Stuart

 

[James_374408700]

Stuart,

Yes I had similar problems when I collected my new van.It took me ages to develop the knack and even now it seems to 'lockup' sometimes. I find it best not to place it too far forward before dropping down.

Hope this helps.

Jim

 

[paulus_374409736]

Same here, it takes me a good bit of jiggling to get it to lock, always unlocks very easily though.

 

[J.Lo]

It is a bit of a pain but after 3 years I seem to have the nack if I dont think about it. Just keep jiggling it will go on. J.Lo

 

[JulieandStuart]

Well it seems that I am not alone - I guess I need to do loads more 'fiddling' in order to try and acquire the 'knack'.

The only real fear I have is that I do eventually get it locked into place only to find that I cannot get it off again - OMG!!

Thanks Guys . . .

Stuart

 

[J.Lo]

I thought of you earlier when I put my hitchlock on. You will have no problems getting it off honest J.Lo

 

[ThePlotter]

Like the others it can be a bit of a fiddle but never had a problem removing it again so dont worry

 

[Royston]

I had a slight problem appling the hitch lock a slight tap with a hammer always enabled me to insert the key and lock, found clearing the red paint from the sliding part has helped, now after a lot of use place it staight down, then slide towards the front insert key works bevery time.

Royston

 

[Icemaker]

I had a slight problem appling the hitch lock a slight tap with a hammer always enabled me to insert the key and lock, found clearing the red paint from the sliding part has helped, now after a lot of use place it staight down, then slide towards the front insert key works bevery time.

Royston

if your still struggling and want to try it on another hitch then im in stockport and would be more than willing to let you try on my van. unfotunately ive changed my e-mail address and dont know how to change to my new one on this forum so i cant ask the mods to supply you with e-mail and they cant send me yours as they only have my old address. mods can you help ?.

 

[Icemaker]

if your still struggling and want to try it on another hitch then im in stockport and would be more than willing to let you try on my van. unfotunately ive changed my e-mail address and dont know how to change to my new one on this forum so i cant ask the mods to supply you with e-mail and they cant send me yours as they only have my old address. mods can you help ?.

 

[Heethers]

l find ratter ling it about does the trick, make sure you keep the lock where the key is inserted depressed in.

NigelH

 

[JulieandStuart]

Icemaker,

Thanks for your offer it could help determine where the problem actually lies - I am due to collect the van again around 21st this month and will then try all of the 'jiggling' and 'knack' I can muster - however should this not actually work then trying my hitchlock on another van plus seeing another van/lock working could help in sorting this out.

Can you contact me directly at sales@prowebd.co.uk with either your email address or your contact number and we can converse directly.

Best Regards

. . . Stuart

 

[SimonB]

This might be silly but are you putting the key in the lock to fit it, mine wont just press in, it needs the key to lock it.

 

[waffler]

We've had one lock on three vans. Van 1 and 3 no problem, van 2 a nightmare to fit the lock. Therefore conclude it is the hitch casting that vary. I found gently dropping in place. Push forward and up at the back whilst turning the key. I still think it depends on how you hold your mouth!!!!!

 

[JulieandStuart]

Simon,

Yep using the key to unlock and push home the locking stud but no real joy here either . . . .

My suspicion is that the nut that secures the front mounting bolt has rotated when tightening to torque, it is limited by the space available within the casting that allows it to rotate approx' 18-20 degrees - this misalignment from vertical 'steals' space otherwise available to the security device and consequently makes it difficult / impossible to fit!!

This is why I would particularly like to view/try a working installation, so come on Icemaker get in touch.

Regards . . . .

Stuart

 

[JulieandStuart]

Heh Guys - Success !!!!!

This weekend went to St Helenas site just outside Leeds and was able to swap notes (& hitch locks) with another AKS3004 user and guess what???? - it really is just a case of fiddling 'til it locks into place.

I suspect that it is small casting issues or even thickness of paint - but like most of you perseverance eventually pays dividends.

Thanks All . . . .

Stuart & Julie

 

[J.Lo]

See I told you so,now if you have a alco wheel lock that fits in the segments of the wheel then thats another problem. Best to put it in the white elephant drawer.