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Old 22-08-2013, 16:11   #31
96terrano
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Yes good point, but this looks like the standard ball, how is the Alko ball different, does it have a longer neck?

The standard 50 mm ball has a small flat on the top, mine has ISO stamped on the top. Is the Alko one different, I have never used one?
no, we have a alko stabilizer hitch on our caravan, and it fits a normal tow ball
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Old 22-08-2013, 16:20   #32
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finished my towbar electrics today


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Old 22-08-2013, 16:21   #33
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no, we have a alko stabilizer hitch on our caravan, and it fits a normal tow ball
I guess the tow ball when used with the alko friction stabiliser would need greater inspection, as it is designed to increase friction. The pads in the hitch will wear out, and the diameter of your ball will get smaller

So you need to inspect your ball regularly then.
I know there are wear limits, but difficult to check without a decent micrometer, or vernier.

I know the tow bar and electrics are now part of the MOT, but I can't see them measuring your ball...

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Old 22-08-2013, 16:27   #34
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I guess the tow ball when used with the alko friction stabiliser would need greater inspection, as it is designed to increase friction. The pads in the hitch will wear out, and the diameter of your ball will get smaller

I know the tow bar and electrics are now part of the MOT, but I can't see them measuring your ball...

Rustic
thats true, as you need a beeper legally now
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Old 22-08-2013, 16:36   #35
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thats true, as you need a beeper legally now
IMAG5238_1.jpg
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Old 22-08-2013, 16:45   #36
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DOH... sorry, I see this has been covered...

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ohh yeah, always remember to keep your tow bar ball well lubricated..
That does depend on what you are towing.... a lot of caravans, and now some of the bigger trailers are using stabilised hitches, that use pressure friction pads to grip on the towball to help control snaking, and must never be put on a towball that has seen even the slightest bit of grease.
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Old 22-08-2013, 16:48   #37
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For Cupcake's benefit, or anyone else that has never towed, this device is wired into the wiring for the socket for the tow bar.
It is usually placed behind a panel in the boot area.
It normally beeps only when the trailer indicators actually flash, this is a legal requirement, as it tells the driver...
1 The bulb on the trailer is still workink when you indicate.
2 That the trailer is still there and you haven't lost it.

It shouldn't beep when no trailer is attached.

It can be irritating though if you have a bike rack, with a second tail board and numberplate tied to the bike when the original number plate and or lights are obscured by the bikes.
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Old 22-08-2013, 16:55   #38
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Originally Posted by rustic View Post
For Cupcake's benefit, or anyone else that has never towed, this device is wired into the wiring for the socket for the tow bar.
It is usually placed behind a panel in the boot area.
It normally beeps only when the trailer indicators actually flash, this is a legal requirement, as it tells the driver...
1 The bulb on the trailer is still workink when you indicate.
2 That the trailer is still there and you haven't lost it.

It shouldn't beep when no trailer is attached.

It can be irritating though if you have a bike rack, with a second tail board and numberplate tied to the bike when the original number plate and or lights are obscured by the bikes.
What he said ^

Really cheap to buy too, they can get annoying as Rustic said, but better to be annoyed than illegal, really winds the dog up
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Old 22-08-2013, 16:57   #39
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So mine should already have one of those wired in? Presumably wouldn't pass the MOT without it if it's a legal requirement?
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Old 22-08-2013, 17:05   #40
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So mine should already have one of those wired in? Presumably wouldn't pass the MOT without it if it's a legal requirement?
Been legal requirement for years but only just come into mot this year
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Old 22-08-2013, 17:28   #41
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So mine should already have one of those wired in? Presumably wouldn't pass the MOT without it if it's a legal requirement?
Probably yes
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Old 22-08-2013, 19:26   #42
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Default Useful information

A few sites I have found useful over the years. Towbars and towing have changed rapidly over the years there are a lot more rules and regulations -
National Trailer & Towing Association Ltd - are definitely one to read.


http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/expert-advice
http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/
http://www.caravanninglinks.co.uk/index.html
http://www.rydertowing.co.uk/ (Lots of Technical stuff.)
http://www.towitall.co.uk/
http://www.tyreline.com/ (Good for general tyre info for non trailers)
http://www.gocaravanning.com/ (info on everything)
https://sites.google.com/site/jim4meg/caravan-repair (good for old caravan repair)
http://www.pfjones.co.uk/
http://www.rightconnections.co.uk/
http://www.ntta.co.uk/ (The definitive on all regulations)

and finally when you are legal.

http://en.airecampingcar.com/
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Old 22-08-2013, 19:32   #43
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Originally Posted by RobN View Post
A few sites I have found useful over the years. Towbars and towing have changed rapidly over the years there are a lot more rules and regulations -
National Trailer & Towing Association Ltd - are definitely one to read.


http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/expert-advice
http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/
http://www.caravanninglinks.co.uk/index.html
http://www.rydertowing.co.uk/ (Lots of Technical stuff.)
http://www.towitall.co.uk/
http://www.tyreline.com/ (Good for general tyre info for non trailers)
http://www.gocaravanning.com/ (info on everything)
https://sites.google.com/site/jim4meg/caravan-repair (good for old caravan repair)
http://www.pfjones.co.uk/
http://www.rightconnections.co.uk/
http://www.ntta.co.uk/ (The definitive on all regulations)

and finally when you are legal.

http://en.airecampingcar.com/

briliant only ones i've heard of are pfjones and rydertowing
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Old 22-08-2013, 19:50   #44
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I've only got 1 socket. Why would I need 2?
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Old 22-08-2013, 20:10   #45
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I've only got 1 socket. Why would I need 2?
2nd can be uses for powering a fridge in a caravan, so will keep food chilled
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