alko hitch

[stevedannykay5762]

Can anybody help i have removed my alko hitch from caravan to replace it
the 2 bolts were removed
on fitting the new hitch i can get the front bolt in but not the back bolt as the damper has moved any ideas as how to remedy this

thanks for any help

steve

 

[Sproket]

Is it a brand new one that you are fitting ?
If so you should have a short pin that you tap into place to hold the damper ?
Have a look here at the Fitting Instructions

If you have not got one you will have to make one from a old bolt so that it hold the damper in place, when fitting the new one back on then as you put the rear bolt through you tap it with a hammer & it sends the pin out & the new bolt goes through the damper & tighten as per instructions..........

 

[stevedannykay5762]

i have already removed it and cant get the damper in the correct position

 

[Sproket]

Can you see the end of the damper ?
Can you put a screwdriver in from the side & hook it back into position & put the pin in place ?
If not ????
Have you got a radiator roller like the one below ?

You could cut it & make a hook Just after the first bend, then put it into the drawbar & go fishing.......

 

[Damian]

Its no good trying to hook it with anything!
It is far too strong to pull back.
What you need to do is push the drawbar as far inwards as possible, then pull it forward quickly and watch as the damper locating lug comes up level with the bolt hole, stop it going any further with a secrewdriver or bolt on the left hand side as you look at the hitch, until you get the correct bolt to replace the captive item from the right .
It will take you a few tries until you see how fast the damper moves and you catch the lug.
I assume you orienated the lug with the direction of the bolt hole? ie horizontal , not vertical?

 

[WatsonJohnG]

You could try it this way
I found this elsewhere

I unbolted the damper from the rear fitted the front end to hitch then compress it and tightened the rear bolt.
Just a note ; No special tools required. it seemed easier to compress from the back. But not so easy as doing right in the first place

 

[hortimech]

I unbolted the damper from the rear fitted the front end to hitch then compress it and tightened the rear bolt.
Just a note ; No special tools required. it seemed easier to compress from the back. But not so easy as doing right in the first place

Hello, I have never changed the damper on a caravan, but have changed lots on trailers etc. the correct method is as above, remove the rear bolt, then remove the front bolt and pull damper out to rear, check damper is the right one. Fit new damper from rear of tube and secure at front, push damper in until you can push the rear bolt in and then tighten bolts. Always replace the locknuts with new ones and if you haven't already done so, remove the hitch fairing to gain better access.