Alko security wheel locks.
Is there anyone out there that has experienced the fitting of the dreaded Alko triangular wheelock when pitching on an uneven CL or other site.
Trying to line up the bolt hole is a nightmare. No matter what you do it will not face up to its thread. Even worse, you finally get the van level and the bolt is nowhere near.
Yes, I do use the mover, but which comes first, being level or using the wheel lock and the water will not drain out of the shower tray?
What am I doing wrong. In 35 years of caravanning I am stuck for answers.
Please, Please can someone give me some idea of how to tackle the problem as I am informed that if you don't put it on, your insurance for theft is invalid.
Is there anything I could buy that would help?
Les Simpson
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Comments
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When I used the yellow ramp to level my caravan it was a bit of trial and error to line up the receiver for the wheel lock, I’ve since bought a lock n level device to level the caravan from side to side and its simple to line up the receiver every time, Google lock n level.
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We haven't used it yet, but we have bought a 'lock 'n level' from the caravan show this year which is a heavy duty inflatable device. You use once your alko wheel lock is in place then you can inflate it to level the caravan.
See www.locknlevel.co.uk
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There is no easy answer, its a terrible bit of engineering design.
Three possible answers.
1. Buy a lock like the nemesis ultra, level the van with a ramp and fit in any position. My choice as it is the fastest and safest. For the record I fit the nemesis onto the off side and use the Alko on the near side when in storage.
2. Leave the van on the towball and jack it up until level. Rotate the wheel into the correct position and put blocks under the wheel. Bit of trial and error but works eventually.
3. Use a lock and level, not used one but well thought of by those that do.
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4. Do you really need to lock your wheels on a campsite.
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The phrase 'I have been told' may be the problem.
Best to check your insurance policy as it is possible that you do not need to fit the Alko except when 'stored'. We were once quoted for insurance that demanded a hitchlock, an Alko lock and another ,third, device, but this was only when unoccupied and in 'storage'.
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I've been using Lock 'n Level for over three years and on a TA, there's potentially twice the problem (and more) - but with L&L, it's so easy and especially on uneven ground. They are relatively expensive but well worth it in my opinion. It takes me not much more than 5 minutes to get both locks on and level the van.
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Thanks to everyone who replied. I was recommended the lock n level by Isabel at the club insurance office and you all concur with her. So, off to Google I go......
In reply to eurotraveller from Cornwall, yes you do need to use the wheel lock on any site you are on, otherwise you invalidate the theft part of your insurance. I was told that if your van came fitted with it, you have to use it. Not, it seems, if you are storing it. (Have to say, I would definately use it then, anyway. !!!)
Best wishes.
Les Simpson
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We bought a new T/A caravan as far back as 2006 which was fitted with Alko wheel locks. They were such a pain that we didn’t use them and told the club insurance accordingly. We just lost one of the discounts which was no big deal.
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Our 2015 Bailey Barcelona came with two and according to the spec, current models also have Alko lock(s) as standard.
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Sorry Lee, I'm afraid you are wrong. It's not a requirement on insurance from this Club.
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Posted on 26/07/2018 14:19 by thesimpsonsThanks to everyone who replied. I was recommended the lock n level by Isabel at the club insurance office and you all concur with her. So, off to Google I go......
In reply to eurotraveller from Cornwall, yes you do need to use the wheel lock on any site you are on, otherwise you invalidate the theft part of your insurance. I was told that if your van came fitted with it, you have to use it. Not, it seems, if you are storing it. (Have to say, I would definately use it then, anyway. !!!)
So no alko when storing. WOW
I rang my insurance about the Nemisis Ultra and they said ok when on site or on motorway services but alko when in storage. Reasonable
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Solved the problem for me by having 3-off pieces of timber (made stackable by using dowelling) 6" wide x 1" thick and with lengths of 30", 24" and 18" After using these to get the caravan level side-to-side, then do the fore and aft levelling. Finally, I use the mover to finely adjust the van so as to get the wheel and accepting threaded socket in line, and just fit the wheel lock. You just have to ensure that you don't end up with the tyre valve in the way.
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...... due to their cost I'd assumed they were cost optional extras.
