We recently bought a 4x4 to tow our somewhat heavy caravan and had to have a new tow bar fitted. When we came to hitch up we found that the Alko Stabiliser handle was catching on the underside of the back wheel making hitching on and off a nightmare. We tried opening the door but then it got jammed against the jockey wheel. We have been in touch with the towbar fitter who says that this is a problem with the Alko Stabiliser and that Alko are aware of it. He suggested adding a spacer to the towbar which might help or purchasing one of the Alko Adapter Handles for use with a 4X4. Has anyone else had this problem and how did you solve it.
ALKO STABILISER 4X4 ADAPTER HANDLE
- Thread starter IRIS_374301519
- Start date
Iris
Remove the bolt that holds the red handle in place
Raise the handle to vertical
Remove the red handle
Locate the hitch over the tow ball (you will probably need to lower the alko handles slightly)
As you lower the hitch raise the handle again
Once the hitch is located on the ball, lower the handle as far as you can, then replace the red handle and bolt.
You will then be able to lower the alko handle normally.
You need a star type driver to remove the bolt. I'm not sure of the size as I bought a multi drive set which includes an assortment of driver types and sizes.
Hope this works for you as it does for me.
Remove the bolt that holds the red handle in place
Raise the handle to vertical
Remove the red handle
Locate the hitch over the tow ball (you will probably need to lower the alko handles slightly)
As you lower the hitch raise the handle again
Once the hitch is located on the ball, lower the handle as far as you can, then replace the red handle and bolt.
You will then be able to lower the alko handle normally.
You need a star type driver to remove the bolt. I'm not sure of the size as I bought a multi drive set which includes an assortment of driver types and sizes.
Hope this works for you as it does for me.
Damian
Moderator
This is a common problem, hence Al-Ko producing a special handle for such circumstances.
A spacer can only be added IF the towbar manufacturer has got type approval for such a fitment, many do not.
A spacer can only be added IF the towbar manufacturer has got type approval for such a fitment, many do not.
Thanks Marcus, sounds like a good idea to me and would save money in buying the adapter handle. We will definately give it a go.
Cheers
Hi,
We had the same problem on our old 2005 model CRV, we used the 4x4 handle and found it more hassle than it was worth, we also tried what Marcus has suggested, but again it was hassle you just don't need when it is teaming down with rain or the kids are running around etc... So a trip to a local tow bar company, who fitted a 25mm spacer soon overcame the problem (and it was much cheaper)
We had the same problem on our old 2005 model CRV, we used the 4x4 handle and found it more hassle than it was worth, we also tried what Marcus has suggested, but again it was hassle you just don't need when it is teaming down with rain or the kids are running around etc... So a trip to a local tow bar company, who fitted a 25mm spacer soon overcame the problem (and it was much cheaper)
Hi Iris when we bought our Bailey caravan the fitter at the caravan sales site gave us a screwdriver to remove the handle bolt (posidrive type head) and we have undone the bolt and use the handle without rebolting it each time. There is sufficient movement to attach the ball and stabiliser when the handle is off and then slide it over to have full use and then remove it again until it is required for unhooking the caravan. The bolt, screwdriver and handle are now kept in the car ready for when neaded.
I bought the 4x4 handle for 39.99....what a waste of money!!!
Now I just have no handles on the hitch but just stand on the silver bars to push them down, works for me.
Now I just have no handles on the hitch but just stand on the silver bars to push them down, works for me.
Hi Iris
We took the red handle off, and it is in two pieces, drilled it and bolted it back together, now keep the handle in the back of the car, and use it when folding the handles down or lifting them up. A lot better than paying the
We took the red handle off, and it is in two pieces, drilled it and bolted it back together, now keep the handle in the back of the car, and use it when folding the handles down or lifting them up. A lot better than paying the
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