Stabiliser maintenance

[Gilitygirl]

Hello,

I've inherited an ancient Bulldog stabiliser from the couple I bought my van off. It's a lot stiffer to put on than my friend's Bulldog and I'm wondering if there's anything that can be done to make it easier.

It's either that or shell out £150+ for a new Al-ko - so I'd like to try the maintenance angle first!

Thanks in advance

 

[rayc]

Hi, I assume this is an original and not fitted with the quick release which was an option and then became standard? If so it's not worth messing around, the later ones {Scott, Bull dog etc. } go for next to nothing on ebay.

Have a look at tow sure {www.towsure.com) items Bl6, BL5, ST13 for examples showing the quick release.

Ray

 

[Gilitygirl]

Hi,

If by the quick release you mean the toggle thing that you use the tube (technical, aren't I!!) to tighten and release, then yes, it has that!

Thanks

 

[Gilitygirl]

One other question - would you buy an Al-ko-type stabiliser second hand off Ebay?

What are the safety worries?

 

[rayc]

A blade stabaliser is hardly high tech and will either work or not. Its simple to test by hand.

Anyway if you have released the pressure by lifting the handle and it is stiff to move then either it has been over tightended or the pads have possible rusted together. With the aid of a couple of big spanners and a work mate should be simple to find out what is happening. It propably just requires cleaning with the rust removing with emery cloth or at the worst replacing the discs.

 

[rayc]

A blade stabaliser is hardly high tech and will either work or not. Its simple to test by hand.

Anyway if you have released the pressure by lifting the handle and it is stiff to move then either it has been over tightended or the pads have possible rusted together. With the aid of a couple of big spanners and a work mate should be simple to find out what is happening. It propably just requires cleaning with the rust removing with emery cloth or at the worst replacing the discs.

Sorry didn't mention a alko hitch stabaliser. I would buy it of ebay depending upon the description and the price. If it has not been mistreated then I suppose the worst that could happen is that the pads require replacing. Ray

 

[rayc]

A blade stabaliser is hardly high tech and will either work or not. Its simple to test by hand.

Anyway if you have released the pressure by lifting the handle and it is stiff to move then either it has been over tightended or the pads have possible rusted together. With the aid of a couple of big spanners and a work mate should be simple to find out what is happening. It propably just requires cleaning with the rust removing with emery cloth or at the worst replacing the discs.

Sorry didn't mention a alko hitch stabaliser. I would buy it of ebay depending upon the description and the price. If it has not been mistreated then I suppose the worst that could happen is that the pads require replacing. Ray