Do new caravans come with Al-Ko locks?

[Flatteraxe]

I have purchase a Swift Challenger Grande 640, I have asked the dealer I bought it from if it comes with an alko lock included and I simply can’t get a straight answer. If it doesn’t I would like to buy one so I am prepared. I would prefer it before I got my caravan so I could register and get spare keys.
What are people experiences?

 

[littlebasher]

Generally, no

Not one of the 6 caravans we've bought came with an Al-ko lock, so generally i found a used lozenge on the internet before i picked it up

 

[RogerL]

It'll vary with specification - the higher up the perceived quality chain the more likely the specification will include Alko wheel lock(s).

 

[Woodentop]

The OP does not need to buy a new wheel lock if he already has one, just the red unit that fits into the wheel. The existing security screw and lock barrel can be retained and reused. It also means less cost.

For spare keys you need to go direct to Lowe and Fletcher (L&F) who will have access to a copy of your registration. Be warned they are not cheap and come in pairs, but well worth the money.

 

[Flatteraxe]

Thanks for all the help. I don’t have a lock at the moment as this is my very first caravan. I just thought the dealer would give me a straight answer but no.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Our Adria is 3 years old. We didn't get any security locks from the manufacturer or dealer. Just make sure what you buy is acceptable to your insurer. Some have lists of what they will accept.

 

[Hutch]

Both of my Coachman VIPs a 545 and now a 560, came with AlKo wheel locks.

 

[Niall_McIntosh]

When we bought our Vigo, the dealer included a “starter pack” which included essentials such as an AlKo lock, gas cylinder, Aquaroll, levelling ramps, and a few other things. As complete newbies, it was a great help.

 

[birdman101]

The only time we have had the lock included is with a Dealer special

 

[Lutz]

It's not the job of the manufacturer to supply a lock. If it is, then only by arrangement with the dealer.

 

[RogerL]

It's not the job of the manufacturer to supply a lock. If it is, then only by arrangement with the dealer.

Some models have the lock included as part of the manufacturer's specification - Lunar Clubman and Delta were so specified.

 

[Mel]

Depends on the deal. We got one with one van, but not another. If you know the size there are a number on flea bay, fb market place etc etc.
BTW, in my experience many dealerships have a strict “ no straight answer” policy. 😂
Mel

 

[Hutch]

Am I wrong, not all AlKo axles come with the Alko lock receptor, that is a customer option.

 

[IanB1485]

All the Alko axles I come across have the receiver fitted , whether the customer has the lock fitted or not. Personally I hate them they are such a pain to fit , the wheel has to be exactly in the right position to fit it . I always ask my customers to remove them before the service and refit them after I have finished. On my caravan I have removed the receiver as it gets in the way of cleaning one of the brake shoes

 

[birdman101]

If you have a mover they are a doddle to fit in a couple of minutes and would no be without it. Maybe a bit more of a problem fitting to twin axles though

 

[otherclive]

I think that these days I’d fit the new Milenco Alpha Diamond wheel lock as it it easier to fit on site. Sold Secure Diamond rating. I used Al-Ko at home or in storage. But when touring used a Milenco lightweight wheel lock as on green pitches where ramps might be used it was easier to fit, albeit not as secure as Alko, but I balanced risk versus convenience. And statistically having you caravan stolen from a site is low.

 

[JTQ]

Our Hymer [2007] came with the Alko Secure lock, it also came with two keys, so a spare.
Good kit IMO though I use it with the mover and the van is a single axle.

 

[Lutz]

Our Hymer [2007] came with the Alko Secure lock, it also came with two keys, so a spare.
Good kit IMO though I use it with the mover and the van is a single axle.

It only came with the lock because either the dealer or the distributor added it. It wouldn't have left the factory with it.

 

[JTQ]

It only came with the lock because either the dealer or the distributor added it. It wouldn't have left the factory with it.

You are incorrect in that, it was factory supplied, though could well have been that the dealer had in turn advised them of my order specification.

 

[Lutz]

You are incorrect in that, it was factory supplied, though could well have been that the dealer had in turn advised them of my order specification.

If it were factory fitted it would either be standard on the home market, too, or at least offered as a factory fitted option, but it is neither

 

[Filwill61]

My new Bailey Pamplona twin axle came with two Alko Wheel Locks supplied. Don’t like them do sold them. Purchased Nemesis Wheel locks instead. So much easier to fit as no need to line up the receiver!

 

[Mel]

Our wheel lock ( Milenco compact) is getting somewhat Rusty and the lock ( in spite of lubricants) increasingly difficult to turn and is due to be replaced.
Given that:
1. Our insurance simply states that a wheel lock is fitted and does not specify type.
2.The caravan is stored in a Cassoa Gold level security compound.
3. Caravans are largely stolen to order and our 4 year old 2 berth Sprite is stored adjacent to a far more desirable Coachman Lusso
4. If a determined thief wants your van, they will have it regardless of the security measures you have deployed
5. The van is insured new for old.
Given all the above should I spend £180+ on a high security wheel clamp or £25 on a cheap C shaped wheel clamp from a well known on line retailer?
Thoughts?
Mel

 

[Dustydog]

No security will ever stop the determined thieves. There are videos on line showing thieves using a low loader and crane lifting a caravan out of its storage!
Just be compliant with your Insurance requirements.
If it gets nicked hope it doesn’t get returned😢

 

[otherclive]

Our wheel lock ( Milenco compact) is getting somewhat Rusty and the lock ( in spite of lubricants) increasingly difficult to turn and is due to be replaced.
Given that:
1. Our insurance simply states that a wheel lock is fitted and does not specify type.
2.The caravan is stored in a Cassoa Gold level security compound.
3. Caravans are largely stolen to order and our 4 year old 2 berth Sprite is stored adjacent to a far more desirable Coachman Lusso
4. If a determined thief wants your van, they will have it regardless of the security measures you have deployed
5. The van is insured new for old.
Given all the above should I spend £180+ on a high security wheel clamp or £25 on a cheap C shaped wheel clamp from a well known on line retailer?
Thoughts?
Mel

Why not buy a pre owned decent clamp that is easy to fit when touring.

 

[Mel]

Why not buy a pre owned decent clamp that is easy to fit when touring.

A definite option. Tried it in fact and it turned into something of a debacle, but we did get a refund.
However the C clamp is still cheaper and would a mid range price or more for a decent used one, not just give you the worst of both worlds?? Just think it is an interesting point to ponder.