Towballs

[Chris_374415195]

I received an email from Western Towing today containing the information below regarding new tow balls. Is this true and should the black finish be removed? I have not seen any other information regarding this in any Magazines or from either of the caravan Clubs.

We are pleased to report that the towing industry is doing their bit for the environment. Previously all Towballs were zinc plated, a process which is highly polluting. Now Towball manufacturers have changed this process to a black powder coating and so have improved their carbon footprint. However, did you know .....

that this black powder coating paint finish must be removed before using the Towbar. The paint is chemical resistant so it's down to sandpaper and sheer elbow grease, we're afraid!

But don't be fooled because not removing the paint will cause you even more work, as the paint can ruin friction pads on stabiliser heads. Also the paint can make the towball slightly larger so it might not fit in your coupling head.
Chris

 

[Damian]

With any van which has a hitch head stabiliser, such as the Al-Ko 2004, 3004 etc and the Winterhoff, ALL protective applications to the towball MUST be removed so that the ball is a bright, shiny finish.
Leaving any of the coating on the ball will contaminate the friction pads in the stabiliser which can, if bad enough, require new pads, and once contaminated, it reduces the efictiveness of the friction stabiliser.

 

[Chris_374415195]

Thanks. It would be nice if manufacturers mentioned this. I suppose it is obvious but I have never heard of anyone saying anything about it. I guess I need to replace the friction pads on my Alko stabiliser.
Chris

 

[Damian]

Chris, before replacing them, use a medium grade wet or dry paper and clean them as well as you can, either in situ or remove the pads to do it, then give them a really good drenching in brake cleaner to remove all contaminants.
Make sure you use Brake CLEANER and not Brake FLUID.

If you then still get a noise from the hitch it may be worth replacing them

 

[Chris_374415195]

Thanks for your help. I will do that first.
Chris

 

[Guest]

Not yet made perfectly clear so worth mentioning, it is only the ball itself that needs cleaning down to bare metal, the rest can be left coated to prevent rust