Use of Alko Hitch - probably daft query!
My understanding of the Alko stabiliser is that it helps to stop snaking by effectively squeezing brake pads onto the ball. It's a great idea, and I'm happily using the one which came with our little van.
The pads needed replacing before we bought it, so obviously they do wear out.
So I'm wondering, (don't shoot too hard if this is truly a daft question, please!) on short journeys where snaking is seriously not a risk, like a trip on slow country lanes, or yesterday's very useful trip to the local industrial estate to practise my backing, would it save needless wear on the pads if they were not to be tightened up with the ratchet wheel when hitching on?
Or would this be unsafe in some way, or have I completely misunderstood the function of the whole thing?
I'll be interested to see what you think,
Thanks,
Richard
Comments
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No point in my view Hedgehurst as they have a good lifetime. Also picture the scene, you are travelling at 50 on a quiet lane and a cyclist pulls out in front of you from a cycle track, too close to brake and you take severe avoidance action swinging hard right ..... that is when the stabiliser is at its most yseful
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Never be afraid to ask any question! Your understanding of how the Alko Stabiliser works is correct. However, with over 45 yrs caravanning, I know of no one who deliberately tows with the stabiliser not connected. There would be hardly any wear on the pads in the circumstances you mention and there is always a risk of instability at any speed, especially if noseweight is not correct. It's a little like not fixing the breakaway cable whenever you tow; despite being illegal (for most caravans) the caravan could become unhitched. So for the sake of a push down on the bar why risk it?
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One thing that you could do if you think the pads need replacing,(unlikely)is to just take them out and clean them up,as they can get contaminated with oil etc from the muck that gets thrown up from the road, if you have not got the instructions go onto the Alko website and you can download the info, also we always carry a spray can of brake cleaner and give the head a burst from below it is supprising how dirty they get,
But never travel without the stableiser in operation, you can release it when manovering the van
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This is for the side pads .... couldn't be simpler
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Thanks all - the advice makes sense! The pads should be good, as they were replaced as part of the deal when we bought it, and so far it's only trundled round locally and between dealer & home a cople of times. It's good to know they last well.
I'll keep the device in use every time, then.Best wishes,
Richard
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The pads are only there to cut down on any sway and inhibit snaking. That apart the caravan will tow perfectly well as I have forgotten to put the lever down and nothing happened but you do notice the caravan is a little more lively which also confirms the system does work.
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I believe the hitch stabiliser simply increases the speed at which an instability occurs by, perhaps, maybe 10%ish giving a small margin of safety.
As said, we have driven with it off with hardly any noticeable effect except less pitching due to less friction between van and car.
When they were designed, there was no other real way of increasing the threshold speed or absorbing any energy so I actually think it's a bit of an anachronism especially with ATC now available, it could be left off or even taken off.
However, that's just my opinion and despite all of these musings, I normally leave it on ;-)
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