Alko Hitchlock - should it be removed when towing?

[BeemerMal]

Recently I read a thread about leaving the hitchlock fitted whilst towing and if I remember correctly somebody said these should be removed whilst towing. Done a search for the original thread without success!

We have always left the Alko hitchlock attached and only remove it when hitching or unhitching, and were advised to do so by our dealer who checked with Alko who said it is ok to leave it on.

Is this correct advise?

 

[stuart_5107319]

Always on !

 

[Tony A.]

BeemerMal,

I have read the same threads, the worry is that in the event of a crash/van turnover etc, the emergency services will have to overcome the hitchlock before they could remove the van.

Personnely I leave the hitchlock on whilst towing,rather than forget to put it on in the service station/ filling station, I reckon the chances of having the outfit stolen by some lowlife are greater than a crash.

Tony A.

 

[BeemerMal]

tony A....Thanks, I agree with you. I thought it may have been for emergency uncoupling but was'nt sure.

There is more chance of forgetting to re fit it every time we stop though so I will continue to leave in in place.

 

[Cockovan]

It is obviously personal opinion, I never tow with mine on ever since my parents had an accident. The hitch could not be separated so recovery units had to try to recover a hardly damaged unit from a ditch and hedge. The result was a severly damaged car and van both of which cost thousands of pound to repair and were off the road for months. Yes, the risk of being stolen is far greater than the risk of an accident but for the sake of a minute and getting into a routine is it worth it???

 

[Happy-Lappy]

As for the same reasons as Alan W states, I leave mine OFF whilst towing and refit when hitched up on site or in storage. When at service areas the Wife and children go to the toilets first and leave me with the outfit, on their return I go the the toilet and leave them with the outfit. If at any time I am desperate, I pretend to put the hitchlock on and go in between the car and van (but only in emergencies and less than once a year).

best regards, Martin

 

[Diane1]

Have been told by many dealers never ever leave the hitchlock on when towing.Needless to say we don,t. I was told it was against the law, but am not sure on that one?

 

[Rubix]

I have a trailer that has a hitch that allows an ordinary looking (allbeit long clasp) padlock, and I was always told that if this was left in place the brakes didn't work properly.

I know this is not the same, but these seems many types of hitch-lock, maybe the "one rule fit's all" to avoid problems.

The accident idea sounds more resonable to me.

 

[Lutz]

What must be ensured under all circumstances is that a fitted hitchlock cannot interfere with the proper working of the overrun brake. For that reason alone, I wouldn't risk leaving it on.

 

[LadyMo]

Happy Lappy,

You don't actually mean that you pee between the car & the van do you? The lorry parks stink to high heaven because of what the lorry drivers do !!

Why can't you use the caravan toilet if you are desperate?

Maureen

 

[Steve L]

First of all, the most common place to put the key for the van door and the hitch lock is on the car key ring. So I don't see that having a hitch lock in place would complicate matters should an accident occurr.

So long as the hitchlock does not impead any braking or turning function of the caravan, then I'd travel with it fitted.

Our 25 year old van has an alko hitch of the type that locks it's self as the cup goes over the ball. To me it is not re-assuring enough that it won't do the opposite while in motion. On saying that, I must say that it has not tried yet!!

But for piece of mind and added security I fit a paddlock through the slot that the handle slides in so that it can't fully disengage. This igves security and piece of mind that the van can't un-couple its self accidentally or other wise.

Before using on the highway, I did check that brakes could function and that full turning capability was avaiable without risk of fouling.

So all that said, I would recomend travelling with a suitable lock in place.

Steve L

 

[parker1158]

Always leave ours off for the safety reasons stated above. If we leave the outfit, i.e at a service station, I put it on, it doesn't a minute.

 

[BigRoy]

Unless you have a key operated detachable tow bar hitch locks are useless, it only takes two minutes for a thief to unbolt your towball.

My advice would be to never leave your unit unattended on MSA's

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Happy Lappy,

You don't actually mean that you pee between the car & the van do you? The lorry parks stink to high heaven because of what the lorry drivers do !!

Why can't you use the caravan toilet if you are desperate?

Maureen

Becuase this adds to the weight of the van and there is no place to empty it, also if you leave the fluid in the toilet it can damage the seals with the movement under force from driving. Anyway as for the smell, the lorry drivers don't mind and nor do I.

best regards, Martin

 

[stuart_5107319]

Always travel with mine on

 

[colin-yorkshire]

Unless you have a key operated detachable tow bar hitch locks are useless, it only takes two minutes for a thief to unbolt your towball.

My advice would be to never leave your unit unattended on MSA's

they can't if you locktight them on