Alko hitch head and built in stabiliser type AKS 3004

[Jim_5095622]

I have recently installed one of these to our Abbey 5 berth single axle caravan and have just returned from our first long run to find the stabiliser lever is up sitting at 2 Oclock and not down flat as I had definately left it- I notice that the stabiliser lever only pushes down (after some resistance as the pads tighten onto the ball) but does have no locking mechanism to keep it down- the 0nly thought I had was that I had to reverse a short distance to allow a car through and maybe this has some bearing on the problem?? Any ideas would be appreciated!!

Jim

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Reversing shouldn't cause a problem unless when the couplin compresses it allows contact with the handbrake.

See below from www.al-ko.co.uk

(3) Stabiliser handle lifts while travelling.

Check whether stabiliser handle is touching the brake lever when braking.

It is possible in some rare cases for the stabiliser handle to touch the fairing of the caravan under heavy braking causing the stabiliser handle to rise. This can be checked by reversing the towing vehicle with the caravan attached and observing whether the stabiliser handle can come into contact with any part of the caravan. This can be remedied by altering the position of the fairing.

 

[Lutz]

Maybe one of the cables was fouling the handle when the car was on full right or left hand lock?

 

[vauxhall2]

hi look at johns link,i think you need to change the handle to a retro fit one.to prevent the handbrake pushing up the stabiliser handle.number is 1287287

 

[bear1]

fit an alko lock wich goes through the handle and it cant lift good kit about a tenner

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Michael's idea is a good one but you can achieve the same result as a test by applying pressure and just removing the handle.

It has to be removed for towing if you purchase the removable one so there are no worries there

 

[vauxhall2]

2006 03:20 PM fit an alko lock wich goes through the handle and it cant lift good kit about a tenner

NO,this could push the new style handbrake on and can burn out the brakes.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Michael

You sound a little slurrrred

HAPPY NWE YEAR

 

[vauxhall2]

hi john,happy new year to you and all.

 

[Jim_5095622]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I think that what is happening is there is to much play on the brakes of my van(according to service engineer) and as the brake is applied the caravan pushes against the damper making the drawbar slightly shorter, thus the fairing is fouling the lever

Thanks once again

Jim