Does anyone know if we can tow the caravan with the hitch lock on?
Need to know asap as going away tomorrow for the first time
Regards
Lolly x
Need to know asap as going away tomorrow for the first time
Regards
Lolly x
we were told to put it on while we were driving, that's why I asked!This is not allowed in Germany and not recommended in other countries. It should also be forbidden here as it makes the task of the emergency services all that much harder in event of an accident that blocks the carriageway. Why would you want to drive with the lock on, it takes only seconds to fit whenever a short stop is made.
Thanks Eddie 1, your comments about caravans catching fire are very true. I saw one on the M40, near Beakonsfield, a few years ago. All that remained of the caravan was the chassis and wheel rims, fortunately the car had been able to unhitch and pull away, if not I doubt that the car would have been salvageable, let alone driveable. (Fuel tank at the rear - 6 foot from a inferno - doesn't bear thinking about). I travel without the hitchlock attached.Hello, all,
Regarding Towing with the Alko Hitch lock attatched. Alko do state that this is possible however as a member of the Fire Service for 26 Years I would recommend that this type of lock is only used whilst Parked. It is a simple job just to fit it when a stop is required and remove again before setting off. I have replied to this before (see Eddie 11-10-2005). For the benefit of new members I will repeat my previous Comments, if the need should ever arise to immediately disconnect Car from 'Van, the Lock could either delay or make this impossible. In the event of an accident preventing the Driver, and usually the Key holder from doing this the next most likley person is either the Passenger, most likely to be in shock and concerned more about the well being of the Driver. Another Motorist or the Police. Neither would have the resources, this could prevent moving or delay recovery of the unit. The comment about Fire appliances carrying cutters is not quite correct. Whilst most Brigades equip First attending pumping Appliances with Rapid Intervention Kit, usually to assist with Forcing Entry into Buildings or the Rescue of Trapped people,this is useless against a Thatcham Sold Secure Anti Theft Device. The real Rescue Kit, Angle Grinders Hydraulic Cutters and the like, is Carried on a purpose made Rescue Tender, which if the Call was recieved as a "Fire" would not attend. If a small Fire was to develop say, inside the Caravan the simple act of disconnecting it from the Towing Vehicle might be all that's required to save the Car! The time taken to unlock, (in a Panic, possibly in the dark))would probably be long enough for the Fire to develop out of control leaving the Driver no choice but to retreat to safety. I don't want these comments to cause alarm but s--t does happen and I don't see any advantage at all in Towing with the caravan Locked to the Towing Vehicle.
Regards Eddie 1 from Nottingham