Alko Stabilizer

[Mike_5078877]

Recently purchased a newer caravan, complete with Alko stabilizer.

I am disabled and rely on my good lady to do the "heavy bits" of caravanning. She finds pushing the stabilizer handle down too hard and last time we needed assistance.

We are planning to set off in the early hours of Sunday for our main holiday and don't expect any help to be around at that time.

Is it Ok to tow without the Stabilizer "locked down" until we stop at a service station at a reasonable hour and seek help,or has anyone got any tips on how to make the "lock down" easier.

The new caravan is just a later model of our previous one, which didn't didn't have the Alko, and we didn't have any trouble with snaking etc

Any comments would be welcome

Thanks

Mike

 

[rob_jax]

Mike,

It is not OK to tow with the handle up.

There are a number of washers in the AL-KO stabiliser coupling - these are used to set the force applied to the tow-ball friction pads when the handle is closed down.

It sounds as if you would benefit from having the one of the washers removed - probably because too many washers were fitted when new - and having this adjustment set correctly will make it easier to close the handle.

If you can't close the handle down, and can't get the AL-KO coupling adjusted, try a broom handle or similar to help apply extra leverage.

Robert

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi Rob I am interested in your answer that it is not OK to tow with the handle up

Surely if the green button is showing then the coupling is secure and depressing the handle just applies the damping effect.

Regards and best wishes etc

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi Rob I am interested in your answer that it is not OK to tow with the handle up

Surely if the green button is showing then the coupling is secure and depressing the handle just applies the damping effect.

Regards and best wishes etc

For easier manoeuvring (on campsites etc), pull the stabiliser lever to the ‘up’

position.

From the Alko website

 

[Marcus_5113048]

Mike

A possible solution to your Alko problem (albeit not a cheap one).

Most caravan accessory shops sell the Alko replacement handle designed for 4x4's with a rear mounted spare wheel. This has a single "tube" handle. If you fitted one of these then I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to find another longer tube that would fit over this and provide the extra leverage that your wife needs.

Marcus

 

[rob_jax]

Hi John,

Without the handle down, the friction pad aren't in contact with the tow-ball - obviously - and there is oportunity for increased wear on the tow-ball.

I seem to remember some cases of caravans becoming detached when the AL-KO handle was up - it may have been coincidental

So all in all, I think I'd go with the AL-KO handle down

Robert

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Thanks for the reply Rob

I follow the logic and would do the same

When I spoke to Alko about using 2 stabilisers (the straightliner as well)after they had given the thumbs down I suggested trying to compare the 2 by towing with the straightliner and the Alko handle up.They didn't make any reply to say that it would be unsafe.

Regards

 

[Mike_5078877]

Thanks to all for responding so quickly.

I will start the trip with the "broom handle" to try the extra leverage.

Whilst away, I'll investigate the removal of a washer.

Cheers

Mike

 

[mcghee]

Perhaps you could track down a local fabricator who could manufacture an extended handle?

I can't comment on the AlKo, but Winterhoff say it acceptable to tow with the handle up, although obviously there is no stabilising effect.

The Winterhoff has a secondary locking system which means the hitch can't come undone. I don't know if the AlKo has the same.