I can't insert the key in my Alko Secure Wheel Lock to remove it - HELP!!

[otherclive]

But I have had similar problems with a barrel lock fitted to a Titan wheel clamp and when I fit the clamp all legs are down so the van cannot move. These locks are not particularly robust as can be seen by the internals when you dismantle one. So I think that if everything is not lined up when locking the tab can be deformed or broken. So now I am extra careful when fitting the Titan clamp and certainly if the lock doesn't fit smoothly I realign the clamp. Therecare videos showing how a barrel lock can be removed and a new key cut on site in less than 5 minutes even allowing for the presenters commentary. Removal can be less than 1 minute.

Looking at pictures on Google a Titan wheel clamp is totally different to an AlKo wheel lock. The Titan goes around the tyre and is not attached to the caravan chassis, whereas the AlKo goes through the spokes in the wheel and bolts to the plate on the chassis. I guess they would have different failure modes and effects.

Yes, I guess that I had'nt spotted that difference. But they both use the L&F barrell lock, and my point is that even on the Titan clamp where there is no caravan movement the symptoms of my failures were the same as for the OP, and the way I solved it was again the same as done by the OP. So perhaps failure modes are not that different and these locks need to be treated with some degree of care, where a force may be applied. My QD clamp (fits over wheel) has the same lock but very low fitting forces as the two legs just slide into each other and are self-aligning, has never given a problem and is over 12 years old. It gets the same maintenace as the Titan clamp IE liberal dousing with non sticky lub.

 

[BigTim]

Hi
We've just returned from a very pleasant 10 night break split between a CL near Buxton and Burrs Park CC site near Bury and so I thought I'd give an update. The L&F lock on the Alko wheel lock has performed without further problems. I've fitted it 3 times, once at each site and on our drive on return home this afternoon, using the "unmodified" key. I have been more careful than previously to ensure that the 'van cannot move, ie, levelled, handbraked and steadies down BEFORE fitting the Alko Secure Lock.
I now have to decide whether to buy a new lock lock and keys or just keys for the current lock cylinder. I am tempted to try the latter, if it's possible, as I would still have the "modified" (filed) key if the problem should ever re-occur.
Thanks again to all who posted suggestions to help with this problem.
Tim