Locked out or locked in
Just to say when I arrived at the CL recently I was unable to unlock the Alko barrel to secure the caravan wheel.Luckily my spare key at home when I returned unlocked it. So now getting spare keys. The keys are hollow so vunerable to damage so I shant keep on my key ring in future . Had I secured the lock on the wheel I would really have been stuck when leaving the site. So now I will carry the spare keys separately and keep it safe.If ever the lock itself fails apparently a locksmith will have to cut the lock free with the chance of the wheel also being damaged in the process. I have had the lock about 4 yrs.Hopefully this wont happen again.
Moderator Comment - Tourertone, I have moved this from the Story Section to Caravan and Motorhome Chat as I think your advice might be seen by more people there.
Comments
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Thanks for the advice, I always carry the spare in the car anyway in case we lose one while away.
I find the whole lock very fiddly to use, am I the only one that finds aligning the spanner part (once you remove the lock) to the bolt that threads in to the receiver very difficult?
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Ours is 10 years old now, we have 2 as we have a twin axle, we have not had any problems with the keys, sounds like you have been unlucky.
I only insert the barrel when I put the device in place, they travel with the barrels separate. The keys are all on the one key ring, we have 2 sets, no problem with any damage to the keys.
No alignment problems......movers are a great help!
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Two sets of keys came with our Alko Locks (TA van) and my wife always keeps a spare set of caravan and car keys in a safe place when we are away - not locked in the car / caravan!
The only issue I have had in nearly four years is the barrels being a bit difficult to pull out, but a quick flash of spray grease sorted that.
Other than that, I have always found the Alko locks very easy to use and can now lock and level (using Lock 'n Level!!) the van in about five minutes.
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Yes perhaps just unlucky but the keys will now be kept in the box with the bolts.
Asking for advice graphite grease was recommended to use on Alko lock.I have used white grease but will get some.I can only believe my faulty key got knocked about hanging on my key ring.I feel alternatively a protective cap on key would save this issue.so lesson learned at least now I know!
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didn't make myself clear, alignment to lock with the receiver is easy as you say, it's the spanner part that has a pattern on the end to match the part that screws in I find fiddly to match up
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Our Al-Ko wheel lock came with a small black plastic box with the keys and other bits each pressed into its place. I use the little box all the time and it keeps things clean and tidy.
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CORNERSTEADY
All that is required to align the patterned key is light pressure while you rotate to marry the bolt/key up
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Thanks for the reply, I'll give it a go, I probably have been pressing too hard
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locks should not be sprayed or lubricated with any grease. a good quality lock should have brass workings internally which should not need lubricating but maintenance with graphite powder does no harm. wet lubricants just gather dust and dirt which will not help the lock. locksmith for ten years.
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Thanks for all your comments I shall use the black box in future for keeping everything safe as most of you seem to do I have always been fearful of unlocking the unit off the wheel before this incident but will keep using it .my phone wont upload my photo as not got Adobe flash apparently .But who could blame them!
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I have noticed this can happen if the wheel is not aligned precicely. What I do is move it further off alignment and then back, as the tiny adjustment required can't be easily obtained directly. with the mover.
Can't be bothered with jacking up!
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I agree - but just to clarify what I was saying - wasn't suggesting that the lock itself was greased - just the barrel into which it fits. Both the lock housing and the 'barrel' are stainless steel, making the lock barrel difficult to get out if it's totally dry. Once in place, the rubber dust cap over the lock stops any dirt getting into either the locking mechanism or the barrel.
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Agree lornalou1 exactly what I was advised by Fletcher & Lowe .
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Tell me more about this rubber dust cap please.
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Its a black rubber disc with a small spike in centre for handling to cover the lock whilst on the wheel.mine got blown off at home and found it later its not that secure. When missing I used black gaffer tape for protection.
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Dust cover photos
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I'll try once more to upload photo's it may just take a while not sure.
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Great! I guess the tube of Unicorn Fart to hold them in place comes seperately.
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Use them at home when the caravan is sitting on the drive, but on-site, the awning skirt / wheel arch cover tends to knock them off, so I don't bother.
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Cant understand why the wheel lock is fitted on the awning side where its not really on view.
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Because its a German made product for a German made chassis, and they make them all the same for standardisation. It's the UK which is out of step with other countries driving on the right.
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Point taken. Having the lock on awning side would prevent trying to drive off if on the offside possibly. I did think also a bit risky if. Securing out on the road.so thanks for comments
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