Fixed tow bar

[Missiemoo]

Hi my car has a fixed tow bar which hasn’t been used for some time. I took it into a tow bar specialists today and they are going to ensure it is safe to use - needs a bit of tlc. I have just read on here about a Alko' head with stabilser hitch which won’t fit on a fixed tow bar.

if this something that is required or are there alternatives. I am not even sure what it is - I just want to make sure once we start towing it is safe so need to understand.

thanks

 

[otherclive]

Hi my car has a fixed tow bar which hasn’t been used for some time. I took it into a tow bar specialists today and they are going to ensure it is safe to use - needs a bit of tlc. I have just read on here about a Alko' head with stabilser hitch which won’t fit on a fixed tow bar.

if this something that is required or are there alternatives. I am not even sure what it is - I just want to make sure once we start towing it is safe so need to understand.

thanks

You need a towball that gives enough space for the Alko stabiliser hitch to move as the caravan and car move relative to each other. You can use a fixed towball generally a swan neck. Your towbar fitter should be able to advise if your towbar can be fitted with a fixed swan neck. Alternatively a detachable swan neck tow-ball can be used but that could be a more expensive option. But again your fitter can advise.

 

[DaveA1]

The fixed tow ball on the left is a standard, the one one right is a tow ball (also fixed) with a bigger reach for use with an AlKo stabiliser, the balls are the same size. your fitter will advise on which you've got, as OC says,

 

[JezzerB]

If you go on the alko website it gives sizings so you can check yours. When we bought our Navara one one at Nissan could say if it were alko compatible or not so I took a tape measure. It is!!!

 

[Raywood]

Provided the tow bar is reasonably modern it should have an ALKO compatible head if it was fitted for towing a caravan, but it would be wise to check that. The structure should last many years but a check of this is worthwhile and any rust needs to be taken off the ball.

 

[JezzerB]

Check and torque all bolts. Ours came loose.