Al-ko caravan hitch

picking up our caravan tomorrow and it has an al-ko stabiliser hitch. Just read on the internet they reckon you can’t use a standard tow ball - is that right?

Currently got a Dixon Bate tow ball that I need for our trailers - don’t really want to be changing to a “special” ball all the time

I could be wrong, but I think you can use a standard towball, but you have to remove any paint or grease - you had to grease the towball with older type hitches.
Oh, and you might need an adapter unless the caravan has 13 pin plug for the electrics.

wattfield said:

I could be wrong, but I think you can use a standard towball, but you have to remove any paint or grease - you had to grease the towball with older type hitches.
Oh, and you might need an adapter unless the caravan has 13 pin plug for the electrics.

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Thanks it’s all standard 13 pin I’ve just found what looks like the difference, slightly longer neck

Like I said, I could be wrong! https://www.towbarexpress.co.uk/guide/towing-with-an-alko-stabiliser/

al-ko uses effectively brake pads on the tow ball itself to stabilise, so as Wattfield just said, it needs to be extremely grease and oil free, or you'll need to buy new pads for the hitch.

I think yours might be OK, if the link I posted is right it's about clearance

https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=20&TopicID=266864

in the above link, some say it's ok some say it isn't.

windy81 said:

https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=20&TopicID=266864

in the above link, some say it's ok some say it isn't.

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Thanks I saw that earlier, think it’s going to be a trip to Halfrauds first thing as I’m travelling two hours to pick it up.

it's all about risk, tow balls aren't that expensive luckily. Would be a complete bummer if the towball you have didn't fit

windy81 said:

it's all about risk, tow balls aren't that expensive luckily. Would be a complete bummer if the towball you have didn't fit

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That’s what I’m thinking!

Maybe ask Alko? https://www.alko-tech.com/uk/caravan

wattfield said:

Maybe ask Alko? https://www.alko-tech.com/uk/caravan

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Doubt I’ll get an answer in time

I've got a problem with mine, I've just changed from a Duster to a Freelander 2 and the towball is slightly higher, I have an old van with a low tow hitch and it's less stable as it lifts the front of the van. It's illegal to fit a drop plate to most towbars, so I might end up having to fit new towbar.

tom1979 said:

Doubt I’ll get an answer in time

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Are you buying from a dealer? They might be able to help.

wattfield said:

Are you buying from a dealer? They might be able to help.

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Yes, thought they might have mentioned it as they know it’s our first caravan!

You could put Alko stabilisers on your trailers - only £400 a pop!

wattfield said:

You could put Alko stabilisers on your trailers - only £400 a pop!

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Then I’ll need new tow balls for all the other vehicles too !

wattfield said:

I think yours might be OK, if the link I posted is right it's about clearance

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Read as if the clearance was needed behind the ball (easily solved with a spacer plate below the ball flange) but the pictures seem to show a longer neck alowing better articulation vertically.

Gap between the end(nose) of the caravan hitch & back of the motor/Dixon bate may need the extension plate.
You should also use the correct clean tow ball.
As above any grease/oils & the pads are affected. I got another riser when I tow these so easy swap.

Plus point.... they keep the vans very stable
Happy caravanning

So arrived at the workshop this morning and I had a feeling I had some towballs around - found this A50-X towball - A50-X comes up on google as Al-ko suitable so do you reckon it will be ok??