Readers will recall several threads about the Alko carrier some time ago. I think it would be fair to say the general view was these were pretty poor. At the time I wrote to Alko and some months later have received a reply. This basically defends the design, as you would expect, but also recognise s the problems and indicates the matter is under review.
The writer, Head of Engineering Alko UK is not enthusiastic about the winch solution, having had a poor experience with one fitted to his (unspecified) car which suffered cable shearing..
Given the relatively large number of cars ( against caravans) which have these fittings I wonder what the failure rate actually is, and also what the experience of those with Bailey vans has been.
The Bailey topped winch seems to have the winding mechanism connection in the same housing as the cable drum, whereas some cars have the winding connection away from this, presumably to get it to the side rather than centre of boot or load space. This may complicate the mechanism ?
The writer, Head of Engineering Alko UK is not enthusiastic about the winch solution, having had a poor experience with one fitted to his (unspecified) car which suffered cable shearing..
Given the relatively large number of cars ( against caravans) which have these fittings I wonder what the failure rate actually is, and also what the experience of those with Bailey vans has been.
The Bailey topped winch seems to have the winding mechanism connection in the same housing as the cable drum, whereas some cars have the winding connection away from this, presumably to get it to the side rather than centre of boot or load space. This may complicate the mechanism ?