new Alko wheel lock

[Angela_5076436]

has anyone got one of these ?

It seems to be rather a fiddle to fit but the Insurance folk seem to like it.

I could do with information from a user re how to fit it when you have just leveled the van and the wheel is on a ramp with a chock holding it in place

Any one help ?

 

[RichardS1]

Angela, I use wood boards each one about an inch thick for levelling, this then allows you some flexibility to move the van once level to ensure the lock is lined up correctly. It is far easier if there are two of you to do this so the second person can tell the driver when the wheel is lined up, but on level ground if you have a mover on your van the process is simple. Using ramps to level the van I think it would just be down to luck if the wheel is aligned when you get the van level. Once the wheel is aligned the lock is simpler to fit than most wheel clamps.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I have started to use a 3ft long plank on top of the plastic ramps to give a more gradual incline.

Its then a compromose between dead level and lined up for the wheel clamp.

It is easy with a mover but I would not like to try it without

 

[Andrewbutcher]

Hi Angela, i agree with all the above, it is really simple with a motor mover. on levelling ramps, again, you have to compromise 'sometimes', however, you should only have to move the van slightly to locate the wheel lock!

regards, Andrew.

 

[clivea]

And they call this progress?

 

[Viking1]

how meny of you got twin alexs on the caravan.

becase you have two AIKO wheel lock to put on then thats one on the front wheel and one on the back wheel now triy do that with out a jack.

Mark

 

[Wendy-Norfolk]

We've got a twin axle with the new wheel locks, and it is a pain getting both wheels lined up. You do need a jack.

 

[PaulT]

I agree, they are a pain to fit. It's certainly a case of "sods law" that you always stop the van with one of the wheel spokes covering the receiver and it always seems to be the case that the next hole available is the one with the tyre valve in it.

However, as I understand it, the device has got the highest "SoldSecure" rating (has anyone ever broken into one?) so the inconvenience is a small price to pay for keeping your 'van.

 

[joeby]

I fix the lock ,then i use the jack with a piece of half inch thick marine ply underneath ,and jack the van to required level ,and chock the wheel ,lower the corner steadies ,and leave the jack in place

 

[waffler]

We've had our alko lock since having the new van in November and because of the time to fit it initially I told the insurers (caravan Club) that i wouldn't use it, and they were happy with one other device. Now a few months on we can usually fit it but it does rely one of vitually lying on the floor to line up the hole We use ramps and have found it best to drive up the ramps and then dro back to get the holes lined up. Then check level, usually OK. Two words of warning though. Chock the wheels and hadbrake on otherwise it rolls backwrads just on handbrake!. The other point is that if the van moves after fitting the alko lock even a fraction of an inch you can't get the bolt undone. You have to push or pull the van back to the original position. However I think the lock is excellent and well worth the trouble even if only for piece of mind.

 

[brad1]

we have a twin axle van and it was a pain. our van came with an alko jack. it was hard to use as you could only turn the handle 180 degrees then it would fall out!. it used to take between 20 and 45 minutes to fit both locks. i have now bought a cheap 2 tonne trolly jack. i pull the van onto the pitch and leave the car attatched. i then chock the wheels on the offside of the van and jack it up at the near side. you can then turn the wheels by hand to the desired position and but chocks or a wedge under the wheel to level if needed. i then slowly release the jack, put on the hand brake, remove from the car and put the legs down. this only takes about 5 mins!

 

[Joyce_5063910]

Sounds like you all need a Trail-A-Mate......!!!!!!!

 

[Neal_5041160]

I agree with otherclive - how can having to jack the caravan up in order to put on a wheelclamp be seen as progress?!? What is the betting that the second generation version has some sort of universal joint that allows a bit of leeway for attachment? - without compromising on the 'van being level or having to carry a trolley jack that you didn't need before this piece of "progress" came along. Perhaps Alko should employ someone in a "get it right first time" capacity. I say all this as I wait for a new Challenger 540 to be delivered in 3 weeks time!

Neal

 

[Geordie]

Neal, we have recently picked up our new challenger and to be quite honest, when we go away with the van I'll be taking my old wheel-clamp. P----d about getting lock fitted when van went to storage which Im quite prepared to do, but setting-up on site when other things to consider as well ?, if its not in line then Im afraid it stays in the bag.

 

[JimC]

My new van has the receivers factory fitted, but on reading these posts I will stick with my wheel clamp.

And why do the manufacturers insist on fitting one to each wheel on a twin? They dont insist on two wheel clamps!

Jim