Hitching on a Honda CRV

[Ken_374329292]

Hi I have a Honda CRV 55 reg with the spare wheel on the back.

I have just bought a Bailey Senator Oklahoma. Can anyone tell me what the knack is to hHitch and unhitch with the spare wheel in situ.

Thanks

Ken

 

[WatsonJohnG]

The procedure is:

1 Raise the Alko stabiliser handle to max height

2 Remove one long bolt and take off red handle

3 Lower hitch on to ball

4 Push the 2 stabiliser arms as far down as possible

5 Refit red handle and apply full pressure

On unhitching reverse procedure

Release pressure/remove handle /raise 2 levers etc

Alko do a replacement handle and I will add a link under comments

Hope that helps

 

[WatsonJohnG]

The procedure is:

1 Raise the Alko stabiliser handle to max height

2 Remove one long bolt and take off red handle

3 Lower hitch on to ball

4 Push the 2 stabiliser arms as far down as possible

5 Refit red handle and apply full pressure

On unhitching reverse procedure

Release pressure/remove handle /raise 2 levers etc

Alko do a replacement handle and I will add a link under comments

Hope that helps

http://217.199.167.226/pdfs/4x4stabiliserhandbook.pdf

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I have often thought what a bind with 4 X 4 s and rear mounted spare wheels to have to go through this performance

That is until I got the new X Trail with its spare wheel mounted under the double boot floor and under the boot contents

I am beginning to wish that the spare wheel was outside and full size !!

 

[Martin_374323560]

I had a 2004 CRV of the shape you have. I towed various 'vans with it, all with the hitch head you mention.

I used to put the 'van on the back either at an angle to the car, or if that was impossible, I left the rear door open whilst hitching up and then closed it after the operation was complete.

I had the Witter removable swan neck bracket on my CRV. It was a great car and I loved it - I wish the Company that I worked for would have let me keep it. I now tow with a Sorento, which is great, but I miss the Honda quality.

 

[Ken_374329292]

Thanks John your a star.

Ken

 

[Iestyn_374225637]

I've towed a Senator Arizona for three years with a CRV and, assuming you have the modified Alko Stabiliser (i.e part of the handle comes off) all I do is take the spare wheel cover off and you can hitch on quite easily.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

My friend has a CRV and previously a Freelander and using the above method he can hitch up without ever having to remove the spare wheel cover

He doesn't have the Alko detachable handle but he does have an assistant

He has trained his other half to remove the screw and even bought her her own screwdriver

 

[rayc]

John, I have the CRV and have removed the handle. I found that by fitting a 1" spacer between the tow bar and Alko ball there was no need to remove the spare whell cover { I checked with the tow bar company, Witter, first that this was ok).

Regarding your friend "He has trained his other half to remove the screw and even bought her her own screwdriver". Are you saying that he removes and refits tha handle, including the screw, at each hitch/unhitch? If so he must have the patience of Jobe [or is it job?, I just slide the handle on at the initail or final part of unhitching / hitching.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Its the patience of Mary !!

Its been pointed out that the Alko replacement handle comes with the instructions not to tow with it in place but he is "happier" performing the ritual each time

He doesn't have a spacer fitted but copes Ok

Its when the car and van are on opposite slopes so that the car is tail down and the van is nose down that its most awkward

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Ray

Witter say its Ok on the website too

CRV bolt on ball spec:

EC Type Approved: Yes Tow Ball: Flange 4 Bolt

EC Type No: 01-3920 S Value (kg): 100

Max Towing Capacity (kg): 1500 D Value (kN): 8.28

Max Coupling Packer (mm): 25 Cycle Carrier: ZX108 or ZX109

Max Drop Plate Size (mm): 0 Spare Wheel Location:

 

[Ken_374329292]

The procedure is:

1 Raise the Alko stabiliser handle to max height

2 Remove one long bolt and take off red handle

3 Lower hitch on to ball

4 Push the 2 stabiliser arms as far down as possible

5 Refit red handle and apply full pressure

On unhitching reverse procedure

Release pressure/remove handle /raise 2 levers etc

Alko do a replacement handle and I will add a link under comments

Hope that helps

John

I tried to find the link you gave me but I cant find it.

Could you please check its correct.

Thanks

Ken

 

[Graham_374319662]

Why go to all that troble I had a CRV and just bought the propper handle. Problem solved

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Graham you still have to fit/remove the "proper" handle which you paid good money for when you can do the same thing with the existing red handle

Its a matter of choice if you go to the trouble of replacing the bolt each time otherwise its the same procedure

Many people consider

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Ken I just tried it and it worked

Just highlight the link then copy and paste it as the web address

Regards

 

[JD6620]

Hi Ken, I used to have this problem with my Freelander. I got around it by hitching and unhitching with rear door open and car and caravan on an angle. The problem with this method was that the car and van had to angle the same way each time, not great if you wanted to reverse on pitch the other way, and on uneven surfaces where I was unable to open the rear door past the handle to unhitch. In the end I bought the removeable handle from Alko on the last day of the NEC show and got it very cheap. The removeable handle just clips on and off when required, no screws to undo, it makes life so much easier.

 

[Ken_374329292]

Hi John

Tried again and got though ok Durrr.

Thanks

Ken