ALKO wheel Locks to use them or not?

[Saxo Appeal]

We left the campsite this morning but when trying to remove the ALKO wheel lock it had me extremely worried

If I recall, 3 days ago we arrived at the site and I levelled the caravan by placing a ramp on the opposite side of the caravan,

Then placed the lock on while the motor movers were still engaged (presume this is a rookie mistake), then later without thinking released the movers when all set.

This morning I tried releasing the lock but it was very stiff, so I stopped completely, thinking it may snap the key pattern on the bolt, leaving us right up the garden path

I then moved the caravan forward slightly and it did loosen it off a bit, and was able to release the bolt

But it did worry me and got me thinking, if something did happen and it snapped, getting the lock off would be an absolute nightmare

Has anyone been in this situation and what have you done?

Thanks

 

[otherclive]

We left the campsite this morning but when trying to remove the ALKO wheel lock it had me extremely worried

If I recall, 3 days ago we arrived at the site and I levelled the caravan by placing a ramp on the opposite side of the caravan,

Then placed the lock on while the motor movers were still engaged (presume this is a rookie mistake), then later without thinking released the movers when all set.

This morning I tried releasing the lock but it was very stiff, so I stopped completely, thinking it may snap the key pattern on the bolt, leaving us right up the garden path

I then moved the caravan forward slightly and it did loosen it off a bit, and was able to release the bolt

But it did worry me and got me thinking, if something did happen and it snapped, getting the lock off would be an absolute nightmare

Has anyone been in this situation and what have you done?

Thanks

If your z Alko wheel locks have been registered with Alko they will supply a replacement security bolt. Lowe and Fletcher will supply replacement keys for the lock if registered with Alko. In the event of a breakage it may have to be cut off with the risk of damage. Fortunately you have learnt how and how not to manage the Alko. Using the mover to “realign” was a good move. ……forgive the pun.

 

[Hutch]

Learning curve No. 3. Alko wheel locks are a Pain. ITA. To fit solo even worse for a TA. If mine fits nicely I fit it. But only slack I do NOT over tighten it. Hand tight only. I carry a wheel clamp if the Alko doesn't fit. If the site looks safe then I only fit the hitch clamp.
I wonder how many folk have had caravans stolen from a site. Not many I would think.

 

[otherclive]

I never bothered with the Alko when on site. I carried it though just in case the caravan had to be left fir a period and I required the extra security. Whilst on site I used a lightweight Milenco wheel lock.

Edit. Plus Alko hitch lock and ball

 

[Saxo Appeal]

We have the ALKO hitch lock, and also purchased the ALKO Safety ball, which helps,

Think we may just use this method, unless we really do think a site looks dodgy

 

[Hutch]

We have the ALKO hitch lock, and also purchased the ALKO Safety ball, which helps,

Think we may just use this method, unless we really do think a site looks dodgy

I tend to remove all the security locks, wheel locks , hitch lock , etc the night before we leave, especially if it looks like bad weather, keeping Mrs H warm and dry the next morning. A dry and warm wife makes for a happy drive home or to the next pitch.
Also don't disconnect water and electric until, the boss says it is ok to do so.

 

[Saxo Appeal]

In relation to locks, when we got home I tried to remove the Witter Swan Removable Towbar which was fitted in Feb 2023, and for some reason the key isnt turning the lock.

Going to call Witter tomorrow and ask what my situation is, if the second key which is currently with the dealership (caravan was left there) doesnt work either.

 

[GaryB]

Our previous caravan was a 2018 Swift twin axle insured with the CAMHC, the only security stipulation was a hitch lock. Using 2 x Alko wheel locks would have secured a £35 a year discount, When away I just used 1 x Milenco lock, much easier. At home this was supplemented with 1 x Alko lock

 

[Buckman]

Not sure why people struggle with the ALKO lock as they are easy to fit and remove if using a Lock n Level bag. See https://www.locknlevel.co.uk/store/Twin-Axle-LocknLevel-p108715585 Makes fitting the locks a doddle and if my could fit and remove them, then I am sure there should not be an issue.

 

[JTQ]

Movement of the wheel against the Alko Secure lozenge really does "lock" it hard, making any attempt to remove it whilst in that state IMO very unwise.
As you found simply easy that loading off by using the mover. Check for this relaxed state by detecting a slight freedom to rotationally rock the lozenge, it is then unloaded.

Another, user experience tip with these Secure locks is don't more than "finger tighten" the bolt, it IMO serves little purpose other than risking jamming things up, to tighten it any more. The profile of the keying in both matching parts is crudely executed, none of it is a precision bit of machining, so there is a real risk of damaging things by having to use significant levels of torque through that keying.
I though with our SA caravan like it and as my insurers believe it a good security device, both physically, and visually, and being aware how it behaves find using it presents no great challenges.

 

[Buckman]

We have the levelling system and you cannot remove the locks while the wheel is at "rest". We lift the nearside and as lifting you can see the wheel starting to rotate as it lifts from the ground. The handbrake was fully applied when the locks were fitted and only released once the caravan was back down on the ground.

 

[Beachball]

We just use a Alko hitch lock and Alko safety ball while on site never bother with Alko wheel lock we had a halfords wheel clamp lock . it was quick and easy to fit

 

[Paullus1959]

In relation to locks, when we got home I tried to remove the Witter Swan Removable Towbar which was fitted in Feb 2023, and for some reason the key isnt turning the lock.

Going to call Witter tomorrow and ask what my situation is, if the second key which is currently with the dealership (caravan was left there) doesnt work either.

It's not clear from your post if this is the first time you've tried to remove the towbar since it was fitted in January. I have had Witter, Westfalia and Towtrust removable towbars over the years. My current one is a Towtrust and, it is only Towtrust that states that the hitch should not be left in place for more than ten days.
I don't know why this is or why it doesn't apply to other makes or maybe it does. I suppose it's to avoid any risk of the hitch becoming seized inside the receiver due to corrosion, which may have happened in your case. Just a thought. But, removable towbars are just that. They are not intended to remain on the vehicle for extended periods.
After removing the hitch from my vehicle, I give the inside of the receiver and the whole tow-hitch a good spraying with GT-85 or WD-40 to protect it from corrosion. Of course, I use clutch & brake cleaner on the tow ball before hitching up. You don't want lubricant on the stabiliser friction pads.

Regarding the AlKo wheel lock, I have never experienced any problem fitting or removing the lock. I always use the motor mover to get the wheel lined up properly and also tighten the security bolt firmly so there is no movement in the lozenge.

 

[Raywood]

I never bothered with the Alko when on site. I carried it though just in case the caravan had to be left fir a period and I required the extra security. Whilst on site I used a lightweight Milenco wheel lock.

Edit. Plus Alko hitch lock and ball

Do remember if your insurance has the discount for he ALKO wheel lock you are not covered for theft if it s not fitted. I do agree that the risk of theft on site is low due to there normally being plenty of people about and thieves do prefer somewhere quiet, but there are some thefts from these so there is still a risk.

 

[Dustydog]

We have the levelling system and you cannot remove the locks while the wheel is at "rest". We lift the nearside and as lifting you can see the wheel starting to rotate as it lifts from the ground. The handbrake was fully applied when the locks were fitted and only released once the caravan was back down on the ground.

You’re lucky. Sometimes I have to use the Jack to line up both wheels. Lowering causes the locks to grip murder tight. A very poor design imo .

 

[Saxo Appeal]

Not sure why people struggle with the ALKO lock as they are easy to fit and remove if using a Lock n Level bag. See https://www.locknlevel.co.uk/store/Twin-Axle-LocknLevel-p108715585 Makes fitting the locks a doddle and if my could fit and remove them, then I am sure there should not be an issue.

Yeh looked at the bags, but at this point we’ve spent heaps of money.

Maybe next year

 

[Ukdave2002]

My experience of fitting the ALKO locks is limited to half a dozen times, but it wasn't difficult, I simply release the parking brake, and then holding the tyre with both hands 180° apart, twist the wheel (thus moving the van slightly) to get everything aligned.
Clearly I'd only do this if there was no chance of the van rolling away!