Forum-Gallery-Shop-Sponsors

« Advertise on Freel2.com

Home > Camping, Caravanning and Holidays > IS FACTORY TOWBALL ALKO COMPATABLE?
Post Reply  Down to end
Page 1 of 1
Print this entire topic · 
Adrian888



Member Since: 07 Apr 2013
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 174

United Kingdom 2009 Freelander 2 TD4_e S Manual Stornoway Grey
IS FACTORY TOWBALL ALKO COMPATABLE?

As the title says, is the factory (2009) towball Alko proof? I was told it was however I am not convinced. It is the swan neck fixed/permanent towbar, not detachable. eh tu?

Post #189980 1st Jul 2013 8:16 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
fredastaire



Member Since: 03 Dec 2012
Location: Holbrook
Posts: 721

United Kingdom 2010 Freelander 2 TD4 GS Auto Santorini Black
ALK O Hitches

Statement - Alkos and Swan necks are compatible.
The problem with ALKO's occurs when trying to use a Alko hitch and a fixed two bolt flanged towball. The problem is that most 'original design flanged towballs' had the ball in close proximity to the bolting flange. in certain instances an Alko hitch can clout the flange/bolts etc and cause damage.
Alko flanged towballs have a longer neck to spacer the ball further out to avoid such collision of components.
Any Swan Neck whether fixed or detachable has the ball well clear of any obstructions so there are no compatability problems.
Just remember to use a towball free of paint and grease when using a Caravan with an Alko friction hitch; and to grease the ball if towing any camping or car trailer etc that doesn't have a friction hitch.
Best advice is to carry in the boot an aerosol can of degreaser and clean rags for the Alko towing regime and a small tub of grease to allow standard old style hitch towing regime so all eventualities are covered.
Kind regards from Fred. 2010GS Auto ex Celeb, Santorini Black, 2011 facelift , spoiler, spats, mudflaps, LED footwell lamps, Witter detach,
Other cars:-
1958 & 1959 Austin J40 Pedal Cars under restoration (I make many J40 parts)
If you have an Austin J40 or Pathfinder Pedal Car looking for a new home pls PM me.
2009 Meriva

Post #189984 1st Jul 2013 8:52 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Adrian888



Member Since: 07 Apr 2013
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 174

United Kingdom 2009 Freelander 2 TD4_e S Manual Stornoway Grey

Thanks, pretty much what I originally thought however the caravan dealer I was at on Sunday were suggeesting I needed a new towball. Now to order that caravan! eh tu?

Post #190021 2nd Jul 2013 11:26 am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Bill Turner



Member Since: 08 Jul 2008
Location: Birkenhead
Posts: 977

United Kingdom 2009 Freelander 2 TD4 SE Auto Santorini Black

My caravan stealer actually changed my existing tow ball for the compatible one with long neck (I know a bird with one as well but that is another story) and a slightly longer horizontal part with the 2 fixing holes.
He actualy gave me back my original ball which gets used with non Alko hitches.

Bill T Life Honorary Member of Wallasey Motor Club.
Licenced MSA Radio Operator for 35+ years.
Rallying is the only sport.

Post #190054 2nd Jul 2013 5:06 pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Post Reply
Post Reply  Back to top
Page 1 of 1
All times are GMT

Jump to  
Previous Topic | Next Topic >
Posting Rules
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Site Copyright © 2006-2024 Futuranet Ltd & Martin Lewis
Freel2.com RSS Feed - All Forums


Switch to Mobile site