hitchlock query

[Keith_374305675]

in the current edition of the magazine under "hitchlock quandry" the last contributer says that it can be dangerous to move off with the ALKO hitchlock in place.

as I am relatively new to caravanning can you please explain what the dangers are as I have recently travelled a considerable distance with the hitchlock secured and was unaware of any potential danger.

regards... Keith Ogden

 

[RogerL]

You need to check if the brake overrun will fully operate with the hitchlock on.

On my original caravan the overrun operated fully even with hitchlock on but my current Pageant it's slightly obstructed if the hitchlock is used.

I always towed with the hitchlock ON originally but now have to remove it while actually towing and replace it at rest stops.

 

[Keith_374305675]

You need to check if the brake overrun will fully operate with the hitchlock on.

On my original caravan the overrun operated fully even with hitchlock on but my current Pageant it's slightly obstructed if the hitchlock is used.

I always towed with the hitchlock ON originally but now have to remove it while actually towing and replace it at rest stops.

many thanks, I hadn't considered that.

 

[Lutz]

Another point to watch is to make sure that the hitchlock can't damage the bumper when manoeuvring the caravan at very large angles of articulation that may be encountered when getting on to a pitch or tight parking spaces.

 

[Robtel]

The model of alko hitchlock I have, according to information supplied with it, can be used when towing but staff in accessory outlet pointed out that this practice was not recommended. Their take on the subject was that if you were involved in a road traffic accident whilst towing and emergency services wished to get caravan away from the vehicle in a hurry, perhaps in event of fire and wanted the gas cylinders in locker out of harms way, then if a hitchlock was in place this could hinder speedy removal.

Robert

 

[pappajohn]

while rob-t is making a valid point i dont think that anyone would get close enough in a fire to unhook anyway.10 mins and you're left with a chassis!!. in any other event it takes about 30seconds to unlock and remove a lock. sooner leave it on so i dont forget when i take a break. as yet there is no law regarding this.

john.

 

[Martin_E]

"in any other event it takes about 30seconds to unlock and remove a lock."

Unless you are unconscious then the emergency services could waste vital time trying to find the key, I think they take a dim view of people who travel with the van/trailer locked to the car. At the end of the day the Alko ones take about 20-30 seconds to fit.

 

[pappajohn]

At the end of the day the Alko ones take about 20-30 seconds to fit.

if you remember to fit it. nagging wife, screaming kids and stuck behind a tractor for 20miles..... but a very fair point.

john.