Al-Ko hitch challenge

Qashqai66
Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
edited October 2016 in Caravans #1

Some people might find this helpful.  I am well past 70 and therefore not as strong as I used to be.  I also weigh no more than 9 stone so do not have much to add to muscle power.  I therefore find the engagement of the Al-Ko hitch can be a challenge.  I
have now found a simple solution int he form of fifteen inches of plastic drain tubing.  I slide this over the end of the hitch handle and the additional leverage gives me all I need to complete the action smoothly and with less effort required.  We also plan
on having a mover with auto engagement for next year which will make life easier, not least as I am currently suffering with a damaged shoulder.

Comments

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited October 2016 #2

    Curios. I must try out an Alko. My Winterhof is so easy to engage that if anyone found it difficult, I would be concerned about their capability in other areas.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,145 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited October 2016 #3

    I can confirm VM that the Al-ko hitch does indeed need a fair amount of strength to engage it

  • Qashqai66
    Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
    edited October 2016 #4

    Curios. I must try out an Alko. My Winterhof is so easy to engage that if anyone found it difficult, I would be concerned about their capability in other areas.

    Our previous van had a Winterhoff hitch which is very easy to use. The Al-ko is much more difficult.  We liked the Winterhoff so much we hesitated about changing the van.

    Write your comments here...

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2016 #5

    My wife struggles it does need a fair amount of force. 

    Last time out I forgot to push it down and the Caravan did feel more unsettled no like it was going to go into a snake but slightly different   

  • Qashqai66
    Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
    edited October 2016 #6

    They really do work as a stabiliser but the design is less user friendly than the Winterhoff.

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited October 2016 #7

    I have a Winterhoff and like others find it a lot easier to engage than previous Alko, probably down to the fulcrum linkage design on the Winterhoff.  On saying that there are others out there that do not find the Alko too much of a problem, maybe the 'shims'
    need adjustment by removal or addition but whatever, just be careful your drainpipe doesn't shatter and you end up with knuckles in a worse condition.

  • Sandgroper
    Sandgroper Forum Participant Posts: 210
    edited October 2016 #8

    On the mover front, for years now I have used my cordless drill/driver for engaging the mover and for dropping the steadies. Saves a load of 'puff'!!!

    The steadies can be finely adjusted using the hand brace, but that is not a problem.

  • Qashqai66
    Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
    edited October 2016 #9

    I have used the cordless drill for the steadies for the last ten years or more. I had not thought of using it to engage the mover.  The action on our Powrtouch is very tough so not sure drill can manage it.  I can fine tune the steadies easily with the drill.

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