I quite agree Parksy. Over the years I've been to a number of crashes where caravans have overturned etc, etc, and in every case, the car has remained attached. The last one I went to was a fatal (caravan and towcar incidental and got caught up in someone else's stuopid driving), and whilst the twin axle caravan was destroyed (body ripped off), the chassis and floor were strong enough to lift the rear of a LWB Mitsubishi Pajero off the ground. I have photos to prove it for any disbelievers, although for obvious reasons will not post them on here!
Sproket said:
It's not what the V5c says that counts, but whether it falls into the category of an M1 vehicle. If your truck is a pickup or a van then you are correct because it would fall in the N1 category. However, if it's a minibus type of van with up to 8 seats in addition to the driver, it would still be an M1 vehicle.
Parksy
Moderator
When I wind the jockey wheel back down to check that my Alko hitch has engaged properly the back of my LWB Pajero begins to lift on the supsension and I get the impression that if the jockey wheel and my arms were both strong enough the Paj would continue to lift.Nigel Hutson said:
On page 116 of this months magazine under Advice Briefs by Doug King it states that "all hitches fit all towbars".
The full item is "Gordon Viney was awaiting delivery of his new Volvo V70 complete with detachable towbar and 13 pin socket. He has expressed concern that his Al-Ko hitch might not fit. He has nothing to worry about , because all hitches fit all towbars. The towbars are uniformly 50mm in diameter to comply with standards set for the industry."
Any comment from Nigel or Doug ?
The full item is "Gordon Viney was awaiting delivery of his new Volvo V70 complete with detachable towbar and 13 pin socket. He has expressed concern that his Al-Ko hitch might not fit. He has nothing to worry about , because all hitches fit all towbars. The towbars are uniformly 50mm in diameter to comply with standards set for the industry."
Any comment from Nigel or Doug ?
I see nobody has mentioned this so just to add to the discussion:
The 'pop-up' indicator on Alko hitches can sometimes stick in the out position which would suggest all is OK. Any grit or dirt can cause this so best to check the indicator moves in and out freely while the caravan is unhitched.
The 'pop-up' indicator on Alko hitches can sometimes stick in the out position which would suggest all is OK. Any grit or dirt can cause this so best to check the indicator moves in and out freely while the caravan is unhitched.
Much as I hate to say it my Caravan come off in June as I was leaving a Campsite in France. I was very lucky as I was only going about 5mph when it happened I almost s**t myself. It jumped off and the hitchlock went under the drivers side of the bumper. The Boss went back to the site about 200yds away and about 10 people came and helped us get it back on the Car. The only thing that didn't work was the Alko STC as it turned out the reason was the 13 pin cable had pulled loose in the fuse box.
I was positive that the green button was showing and a friend also said he had seen it. But obviously we were both wrong and it was not connected correctly.
Every time I hook up now I lift the A Frame and untill the car starts to lift, even so I stop after 100yds and check it again.
Les
I was positive that the green button was showing and a friend also said he had seen it. But obviously we were both wrong and it was not connected correctly.
Every time I hook up now I lift the A Frame and untill the car starts to lift, even so I stop after 100yds and check it again.
Les
Sorry.........I have had to delete a video link that I posted here as the voice over contained swearing
A passenger in a passing car had filmed the aftermath of a caravan crash on the M1.
It showed the caravan chassis had completely parted from its bodywork and the towing car had separated from the hitch.
It showed no other vehicles involved and looked like a snaking incident.
Take it easy
A passenger in a passing car had filmed the aftermath of a caravan crash on the M1.
It showed the caravan chassis had completely parted from its bodywork and the towing car had separated from the hitch.
It showed no other vehicles involved and looked like a snaking incident.
Take it easy
Gaffer !
Here are some stills of the same accident with out the swearing
it looks like the tow hitch was ripped off the back of the Sorento but it is still coupled to the Alko hitch......
As you can see the twin axle chassis is upside down on the armco barrier ......
Here are some stills of the same accident with out the swearing
As you can see the twin axle chassis is upside down on the armco barrier ......
Having looked at the pictures, I dont think detatching was the cause of the incident, but rather one of the effects of the incident. But as always we do not have all the facts, so no firm conclusion can be made as to the cause. However it does look as though none of the occupants of the Kia were thown out or will have suffered any crush injuries. thank heavens for that at least.
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