CRV/spare wheel

[camps]

Hi all, I am picking up our 1st ever caravan next week (Series 6 Bailey Vendee), I see that I will have to change my towball to a Al-Ko version due to the stabiliser fitted to the caravan. I have also read somewhere that the spare wheel on the CRV gets in the way of the stabiliser lever, is this right and does that mean more expense!

 

[mick_5041113]

There is a shorter version of the AlKo hitch lever and I am sure if you twist your dealers arm he will do an exchange. Even with this shorter lever you still have to be careful especially when unhitching.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Have a look at this thread

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/newforums/fm_messages.asp?FO=13&FM=476427

 

[v.meldrew2]

The spare wheel on a previous shape CRV does indeed interfere with the Alko stabiliser handle. A partial solution is to fit a spacer block, about 3-4cm thick, between the Alko towball and the towbar bracket. Your dealer should be able to supply this. It worked for us most of the time, but the car and caravan still have to be in a fairly straight line when hitching/unhitching to avoid the spare fouling the handle.

 

[v.meldrew2]

The spare wheel on a previous shape CRV does indeed interfere with the Alko stabiliser handle. A partial solution is to fit a spacer block, about 3-4cm thick, between the Alko towball and the towbar bracket. Your dealer should be able to supply this. It worked for us most of the time, but the car and caravan still have to be in a fairly straight line when hitching/unhitching to avoid the spare fouling the handle.

.........I should have said this 'design feature' is a slight inconvenience, not a major problem!

 

[Pete & Ev]

I also have a '56 reg CR-V and there are a couple of solutions to the Alko stabiliser "fouling" problem.

For the first year I simply removed the long nut and bolt which holds the red plastic handle in place and removed the handle, only using it when hitching-up and stowing the handle in the boot at other times.

At my service guys place they have a for sale board and I picked up a purpose made metal removable 4x4 handle which I still use.

My service also guy reckons it's OK to just remove the handle and engage the metal arms indivdually, it's easy enough with a bit of weight behind them.

Take your pick.

Pete...