Al-Ko Ranger

[Thingy]

I was thinking the other day about the problems of lining up the Al-Ko wheel lock with the receiver as I have real problems here with that. The only area of the drive that I can keep the caravan on is only a foot longer than the actual caravan and I have to be careful I dont overhang the pavement. I havent the room to manoever between the suitbale points on the alloys. The drive is too steep to make jacking up a sensible or safe option and the road to narrow to use the car to hold it whilst jacking. So, thinking outside the box, how difficult would it be for Alko to add a second receiver to the backplate at manufacture that was less than diametrically opposed to the first one. Im sure I am not the noly person so restricted.

What did surprise me, looking at the Alko website is that they are now doing there own motor mover, called Ranger. I guess its not news to many of you, but I had no idea.

 

[Craigyoung]

That's a good idea so the idea being if you can't hit one receiver you're guaranteed it being lined with the second one instead of moving it back and forth trying to fit it in the first one option .

 

[Raywood]

Sounds a good idea but would the caravan manufacturers pay for it.

 

[Thingy]

They wouldnt need to pay for it. As I understand it, the backplate is manufactured by AlKo and fitted to their chassis. Not a big step to add a second threaded reciever at the manufacturing stage.

 

[Woodentop]

I have got totally fed up with having to manoeuvre the caravan into parc ferme only to find that the tyre valve is in the way.
Solution? Buy another wheel lock or clamp so that it has the same effect. The insurance company only relies on a wheel lock - it does not say it has to be the proper Al-Ko device.

 

[Thingy]

I personally would like to use the AlKo as its fairly light and inconspicuous, and I think its probably the most secure out there. Plus a 15% discount on insurance. It is however a real pain to use at times.

 

[otherclive]

I have got totally fed up with having to manoeuvre the caravan into parc ferme only to find that the tyre valve is in the way.
Solution? Buy another wheel lock or clamp so that it has the same effect. The insurance company only relies on a wheel lock - it does not say it has to be the proper Al-Ko device.

Some insurers give discount for the Alko wheel lock so presumably you would have to tell them you no longer use it. I never claimed the discount as I can’t be doing with the hassle on site. So it gets used at home only.

 

[Brasso530]

I have got totally fed up with having to manoeuvre the caravan into parc ferme only to find that the tyre valve is in the way.
Solution? Buy another wheel lock or clamp so that it has the same effect. The insurance company only relies on a wheel lock - it does not say it has to be the proper Al-Ko device.

Camc insurance only specifies hitch or wheel lock whilst on tour, or both when in storage.we only take hitchlock on tour.

 

[Grey13]

Guys talking steep drives and wheel locks. OH and the bricks are now replaced with super solid non slip rubber chocks.
http://www.qis-uk.co.uk/Pics/Van_Blocks.JPG
http://www.qis-uk.co.uk/Pics/Wheel_Lock.jpg

 

[Danddandy]

I use a Bulldog Max (only available second hand) which allows more tolerance through the wheel and is accepted by my insurance company. The Excalibur wheel lock (available new) can also be used with the Alko receiver.

 

[Raywood]

Camc insurance only specifies hitch or wheel lock whilst on tour, or both when in storage.we only take hitchlock on tour.[/quote]

They do give an additional discount for the ALKO lock although it might not be enough for you to pay for the lock and the effort needed to use it.