Can I use a standard tow ball with an Alko hitch?
If the Al-Ko tow hitch is one of the AKS ones that has the stabilising function then it MUST only be used with the special towball or a Swan neck type. It is unsafe to use a standard ISO towball.
Are all tow balls the same?
Yes, there are four different size tow balls commonly used for towing: 1-7/8-inch, 2-inch, 2-5/16-inch and 3-inch diameter. One size will not fit all trailers. 1-7/8-inch tow balls are rated as high as 3,500 pounds and are used for towing small, light-duty trailers.
What is an interchangeable tow ball?
Allows you to change your Tow Ball size in seconds without tools. Designed to accommodate towing multiple trailers with ease, Trojan and Hayman Reese Duo-Ball and Multi-Ball Systems allows you to change tow-ball sizes in seconds without any tools.
What’s the difference between AL-KO and Standard towball?
The only difference between a standard towball and an AL-KO towball is the distance from the towball to the car. To allow the hitch to move through about 22 degrees (If Iremember correctly) without fouling the rear of the car, AL-KO made the extended neck version. It still has the industry standard 50mm ball.
How much clearance does an AL-KO hitch need?
– The clearance for the stabiliser handle must be at least 330 mm (B) + the stroke movement (D) (85mm-100mm), which equates to 440 mm when used in conjunction with an AL-KO overrun.
How do I choose the right tow ball?
Subtract the height of the trailer coupler from the height of the receiver. This difference is the amount of drop you need in your ball mount. If your hitch height is greater than your coupler height, you’ll need a ball mount with a drop.
What tow ball do I need?
The hitch ball used to tow most travel trailers is a 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch trailer ball. Travel trailers can weigh anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 lbs or more. The 2-inch to 2-5/16-inch ball weight ratings provide a perfect match.
What is a 50mm high rise tow ball?
HIGH RISE TOW BALL including locking plate. Diameter Ball: 50 mm. The correct high rise tow ball to tow any caravan with anti sway/ safety coupling from AL-KO or Winterhoff. Length of shank: 65 mm. Certified and tested high rise tow ball from cm trailer parts.
What is a European style tow ball?
Tow balls for European cars are 50mm in diameter and have to be reduced to the New Zealand standard size of 1 inch and 7/8s. It is now cheaper to make this modification and retain the quality of the original manufactured part rather than buying and fitting a replacement tow bar.
Are Witter towbars AL-KO compatible?
However, if you’re towing a caravan with ALKO stabilisers, there is a specific ALKO compatible towball, the Witter Z13. This has a slightly longer shaft underneath the ball so an ALKO hitch can be attached properly. The great thing about the Z11 and Z13 is that they are interchangeable.
Should a caravan be level when towing?
It is recommended that the caravan be towed as level as practical or hitch at approx. 50mm below level to help maintain a relatively level caravan and tow vehicle under heavy braking. This will also help maintain maximum suspension travel on both the caravan and tow vehicles.
Why use a high rise tow ball?
Also, you need more clearance between the hitch and the towball as the round side parts of the hitch could otherwise brake off when driving over uneven terrain. Therefore using the correct high rise tow ball is essential.
Are there different types of tow balls?
As standard, most towbars will come with a 50mm tow ball. Most trailers will come with a 50mm coupling that is designed to connect to this type of hitch. A variety of other applications such as bike carriers and spare wheels can be mounted to these too. A normal 50mm tow ball is suitable for most towing duties.
Why do European trailer hitches look different?
The ‘euro hitch’ is specified for the tow capacity of the vehicle, so if they look ‘light-weight’ its because of the capability of the vehicle. Any trailer over 27″ requires the tow vehicle to not only have the hitch capacity but also itself be over 3.5ton.
Do I need a Stabiliser to tow a caravan?
While it is not required, using a caravan stabiliser is recommended. This shouldn’t be used as a solution for a poorly loaded or maintained caravan, but instead as an extra safety feature to provide protection if something goes wrong.
What is an Alko towball?
The Alko towball type has a slightly extended neck compared with a standard 50mm ball, to give clearance for the stabiliser head. This Alko compatible towball is suitable for all Alko stabiliser hitches and suits a standard flanged towbar, mounted with 2 x M16 (24mm spanner) bolts.
Can I use an Al Ko stabiliser with a standard tow ball?
The wear on the fitted towball – to me – suggests it’s been used with a friction stabiliser. .. but the other brand of stabiliser (non al-ko) can be used with a standard ball. http://www. towing-trailers. co. uk/50mm-class-a50x-towball-p-758. html is one example of an A50x ball that states it is not suitable for Al-Ko stabilisers.
Is the Al-Ko extended neck ball too far away from the car?
It is not simply a case of distance from the car. The Al-Ko extended neck ball has a waist below the ball to enable the hitch head to articulate around the ball. On a standard towball the hitch head will foul the upright part of the towball assembly causing expensive damage to the hitch head.
How do I Clean my Alko towball?
Remove paint from ball section before use. Alko towballs should be kept clean from grease at all times so as not to contaminate the stabilser’s friction pads. The AKS range of caravan stabiliser hitches needs a specific Alko towball.