tow ball

[Nimrod]

I have an alco hitch on the van and a new towbar fitted on the car, is it correct that I need to remove the paint on the towball, thanks

 

[Brasso530]

Hi Nimrod,Yes,clean the ball of all its paint,use a bit of course sandpaper to get the bulk off,then use a finer grade to finish off.DO NOT USE ANY GREASE ETC...afterwards.

 

[Thingy]

Yes. Especially if you have an Alko or similar hitch head with friction pads built in. The paint will flake and contaminate the pads. And further, with thst type if hitch, strictly no grease.

 

[Hutch]

Hello again Nimrod, yes you have to completely remove the paint from just the tow ball, sand paper , emery cloth then a bit of Scotchbrite, but make sure it is an Alko compatible tow ball, which have a deeper "throat", so the twisting of the hitch will clear . I will see if I can find Photos.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.practicalcaravan.com/forum/technical/42915-wrong-towball-for-alko-stabiliser&ved=2ahUKEwi_kZvR5K_hAhXCRBUIHd3sAxcQFjAAegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw3nxUJjhBY-dt2mfW-wz8EL&cshid=1554152473979

 

[CustardAvenger]

Wrap tape around the parts which may get scuffed by sandpaper... you only want to remove the paint from the ball. Also keep some Brake Cleaner handy, to clean after paint removal and periodically afterwards. If it's a fixed towball, and exposed to the elements, it will probably go rusty, so you'll have to keep cleaning it.

I hate seeing rusty balls on a car. :woohoo:

 

[Craigyoung]

Ours is covered 24/7 , I do driving a lot and noticing towbars and towballs and electrics and the state of some cars I often wonder how some cars tow balls look safe & up to the jobs off safe towing hmy: