Alko Wheel Lock

[Pablo1]

I have tried to remove the wheel lock to allow me to move the caravan to it's winter position, and could not remove the lock. It was left with the black rubber cap fitted, and the key turns to the unlocked position, but the barrel will not remove.I thought that, as it it icy outdoors then perhaps the barrel has frozen in position. I've tried lock de-icer, without success, and my next thought was the hair dryer.
Has anyone else had this problem? How did you solve it? Should I lightly grease the barrel to keep out moisture in the future?
As I've not had the caravan for long, I've only fitted the lock a couple of times, and have wondered how to fit it when levelling ramps are required. This is usually on (relatively soft...ish) grass, and using the jack doesn't seem overly save, even with the opposite wheel chocked. I use the plastic stepped ramps, and can imagine the wheel moving down the ramp when the brake is released. Am I missing something?
Paul

 

[BedfordGeorge]

Hello Pablo,

Could it be that the wheels have moved when fitting, and are pressing against the side of the lock. May be worth trying to jack the van up, to take the pressure off, and see if that sorts it. However on soft ground you really need a good size thick piece of wood of at least 30 x 30 x 15cm to spread the load. You only need to lift the wheel of the ground a fraction of a mm to free the wheel.

Trust this is helpful,

Best regards,
George

 

[Clive-Cardiff]

Does the barrel turn freely in its hole? If it does you may have the same trouble that I get.
I find with my Alco lock that the fit between the key lock barrel and the body is very close. So much so that when you try to remove the barrel you have to overcome the partial vacuum in the space behind the barrel.
I keep a steady pull on the key until enough air has seeped in to kill the vacuum.
For this reason I would not put any oil or grease on the lock barrel because it will make the situation worse.

 

[GrahamDerby]

You are correct Clive , thats the same as i get, sometimes i have to put gentle preasure on for some time before it comes out. I was also once told never to oil any sort of lock as if grit or dirt gets on it, it sticks , and with these locks being tight in the first place you could end up in trouble trying to get it off.

 

[Collin]

No Pablo, you are not missing anything. IMHO, the system is seriously flawed for all the reasons you have told us about and mine always stayed in the garage. An immovable caravan is all you need when you’re about to move off, isn’t it? Security systems are supposed to stop others moving the van – but that’s not meant to include the owner!
On a constructive note, you will probably find that jacking up the van and releasing the pressure on the bl**dy thing will be your best bet for success. But what a palava!

 

[Pablo1]

Unfortunately the (white) caravan seems to have gone into hiding! When the snow dissappears I am sure it will return.

I'll have another attempt then and try your tips. I'll post my conclusions then. thanks for the advice.
Paul