Alko Hitch problem on 2007 Sterling Eccles Caravan

MartinL
MartinL Forum Participant Posts: 23
edited May 2017 in Caravans #1

I have a 2007 Sterling Eccles Moonstone caravan.   In recent days the small hitch lever on the ALKO hitch does not latch in the "up" position when raised without the towball inserted. Normally this remains in the up position on its own until it snaps shut when the towball is inserted.      

Both the large and small levers are in the down position when towing safely locking the hitch to the towball.

Any ideas what may be causing this fault?

The Towbar is always covered when not towing.

Thanks

Martin

 

Comments

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #2

    Martin, do you know what type of Alko hitch you have.  Is it an Alko 3004 like this one? 

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #3

    OH has just had a thought - check your pads in the hitch.  One handle on the old type ALKO hitches does the 'fore to aft' stabilising, and the other does the 'side to side'.  Could the pads be worn, allowing the handle to not lock into place.

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2017 #4

    Sorry, he's now read your post again, and realised you mean when the hitch is off.  He suggests that perhaps it's just wear on the hitch, which is now ten years old, or it could be dirt in and around the spring or other moving part.  Have a look from underneath with the handle raised, and lowered, and see what you can see.  If it is wear then perhaps it's time for a replacement hitch.

    Our caravan is now seventeen years old, and we've certainly replaced the hitch more than once during that time.  

  • MartinL
    MartinL Forum Participant Posts: 23
    edited June 2017 #5

    Thanks for your feedback ValDa.

    I looked under the hitch and there is a triangular shaped block of steel that rotates slightly - locking the towball in place when it is in the forward position.   The small lever has a small tab on the end which should catch under the back lower edge of the block.   There is a spring which should push the block to its rear position when the small handle is in the up position - this was not working - hence the tab could not latch under the block.    Initially I thought the spring was broken - however i carefully applied a couple of drops of oil on the spring (from the top) and moved the lever up and down a few times.  This released the spring so now the latching works perfectly.   

    I am wondering if this spring should have been oiled by the caravan Service company (it was serviced in Feb)

    I have also changed the ALKO pads as they were well glazed and partly worn.  Hopefully this will stop the creaking.

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