Alko stabiliser

Baymare
Baymare Forum Participant Posts: 69
edited June 2020 in Caravans #1

Hi,

   Does anybody know if it is difficult to remove an alko stabiliser and replace the hitch with a standard one.

Got another caravan last year but due to all this virus haven't used it yet it's twenty years old 

The problem us I got a diesel Vitara just after new year for towing but the caravan has an alko stabiliser and hitch which isn't compatable with a witter swan neck tow bar as it doesn't clear the spare wheel on the rear door.

Question is how difficult is it to remove the alko hitch and replace with just a standard hitch.

I didn't use a stabiliser before so and the cost of these stabilisers is nuts.

Thanks

Thanks

 

 

 

Comments

  • Pathfinder
    Pathfinder Forum Participant Posts: 4,446
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #2

    Why don’t you put the spare wheel in the boot then hey presto no problem

     

  • Pathfinder
    Pathfinder Forum Participant Posts: 4,446
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #3

    Seem to remember Alko do a lever specifically for vehicles with rear door mounted spare wheels

  • Baymare
    Baymare Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited June 2020 #4

    Hi, 

    Yes I had to take the solid plastic wheel cover and wheel and back plate off just to hook the caravan up. There just doesn't seem to be much clearance even with the bumper for turning when reversing.

    I've checked with Witter on line and as far as I can make out there isn't a spacer you could fit and it's the longest swan neck they do.

    I did notice there is scope to drop the Sean neck down another notch which may give another inch which would make a difference but I'm not sure if that would drop the front of the caravan below level.

    Failing that I will give it a go with the spare wheel and cover removed when we are finally allowed to go anywhere.

    Just glad I tried this before I was going anywhere.

    Baymare

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #5

    A fractionally nose-down attitude is unlikely to affect stability. Certainly better than nose-up that one often saw in the old days in overloaded caravans.

  • Baymare
    Baymare Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited June 2020 #6

    Hi all,

        Thanks for all the advice but I had another look today. If I remove all the spare wheel holder fittings there is enough room. The spare wheel just fits in the back with a bit of jigiling and a board over the top means the dogs bed can fit in as well.

    Might still drop the hook down an inch as well.

    Thanks

    Baymare 

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