Alco hitch problem

wedgy
wedgy Club Member Posts: 429 ✭✭✭
edited July 2020 in Caravans #1

The small handle on my 2 year old 3004 will not stay vertical when preparing to hitch. I have looked from underneath and the alloy block holding the pad nearest the van is reluctant to move back towards the van and hence the small handle latch cant work. If I give the alloy block a gentle tap it moves back and the handle then latches. I have sprayed WD40 around the block making sure to keep well clear of the pads but it's still refusing to move of it's own accord. How do I adjust the block? 

Comments

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 550 ✭
    500 Comments
    edited July 2020 #2

    My handle (the smaller one) not the stabiliser handle, on my van does not always stay up, when I say stay up I mean latched, unless I stick my thumb into the hitch and slightly press,I think the rear stabiliser pad back.

    Never seems to bother me except for a dirty thumb.

  • wedgy
    wedgy Club Member Posts: 429 ✭✭✭
    edited July 2020 #3

    Hi Fozzie

    The pad you are pressing is the one I have to tap,  it's too stiff to push back with your thumb that's why I wondered is it can be adjusted some how. 

  • hulln000
    hulln000 Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited October 2020 #4

    This is interesting, mine has just jammed on the car due to a cracked front ware pad falling off. After persuading it off the ball with some grunt and effort the front pad fell out and since then I have the same handle fault you describe. 2 year old van, no more than 1000 miles, kept out of the weather so I am going to pursue Alco for a solution and support.

  • 0026442140
    0026442140 Forum Participant Posts: 71
    edited January 2021 #5

    Does anyone have photo of underneath of hitch showing part that is sticking when lifting small handle up, mine also will not stay up, that is on a 2017 swift challenger.

  • lagerorwine
    lagerorwine Forum Participant Posts: 310
    edited January 2021 #6

    The front and rear pads are like this I think. Perhaps the screw is loose allowing them to move about?

  • lagerorwine
    lagerorwine Forum Participant Posts: 310
    edited January 2021 #7

    On the Alko website, there is a pdf for the AKS 3004 showing various pictures and instructions for servicing and cleaning that also shows position of each pad, which should help find the problem

    I tried to upload it to save you looking, but CMHC computer says no

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,681 ✭✭✭
    1,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited January 2021 #8

    Funny this should be raised now.  Mine has been doing the same thing for the last six months or so - annoying if nothing else.  The van was picked up last week by the dealer to go in for service.  I mentioned it to the Technician when he collected it and he said - "just needs a blast with some brake cleaner - no problem".  Van not due back until Thursday so don't know if it's worked - but might be worth a try and it can't do any harm.

  • 0026442140
    0026442140 Forum Participant Posts: 71
    edited January 2021 #9

    Will give a clean with brake cleaner when I am allowed into storage compound. Many thanks for all advice.

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