We've had this problem a couple of times, and have fixed it using the method described above by Randa.

We have also noticed that we need to hitch up in the correct manner to stop it happening again. Lever up, stabiliser handle up, Hitch, wind the handwheel until it ratchets, stabiliser handle down to engage the pads.

Both times when the problem has recurred have been when I've not been concentrating and have departed from the correct sequence. Have read this on other forums too!!

Keith

Brian, that is the official Alko way to unlock the wheel, you like myself and others have just over released it and a "circlip" I think it is, has been forced in the plastic of the wheel. I remember posting it ages ago and you asked where I got it from and did a link to the problem section I think.

13mm socket but hitch up first, CONSIDERABLE force is required, unless your lucky

I think I will take a look at ours, as never heard of this before. Groaning yes, but that is usually just a clean of the ball required, which I do before each trip and in between sites.

I have an AKS 1300 and the ratchet wheel has jammed. What should I do?
This is from my Alko paperwork

The ratchet has jammed because the wheel has been turned too far when unwinding. It is only necessary to turn the wheel until you first feel resistance or one click of the ratchet. What has happened is the small circlip in the centre of the wheel has become embedded in the black plastic surround.

To resolve this issue use a 13mm socket or similar, place it up into the centre of the wheel so that the socket is sitting on the black plastic and the centre pin will go into the socket. You then need to apply force with a hammer which will release the circlip, and the ratchet wheel. 

A fair amount of force may be required depending on how far it has been over unwound. It would be recommended to rest the coupling on the towball as you do this, to offer support. 

AL KO

Stabiliser

The red and/or green indicator button has broken off the hitch handle. Can it be replaced?

This is usually caused by catching the button with the hitch lock when fitting the hitch lock. The red section can be replaced, and slides into the slot on top of the green button. The green part cannot be replaced however.

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The stabiliser arms keep lifting up when I travel.

The most likely cause is the handbrake handle catching on the stabiliser handle when braking.

Gently tease the handle away from the contact point - 5mm should be sufficient. Whilst doing this, make sure you support the base of the handbrake with a block of wood to stop it coming off the ratchet wheel.

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I have updated to the new AKS 3004. Will my hitch lock still fit?

The same hitch lock fits both the original and new AKS 3004 Stabilisers.

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I have an AKS 1300 and the ratchet wheel has jammed. What should I do?

The ratchet has jammed because the wheel has been turned too far when unwinding. It is only necessary to turn the wheel until you first feel resistance or one click of the ratchet. What has happened is the small circlip in the centre of the wheel has become embedded in the black plastic surround.

To resolve this issue use a 13mm socket or similar, place it up into the centre of the wheel so that the socket is sitting on the black plastic and the centre pin will go into the socket. You then need to apply force with a hammer which will release the circlip, and the ratchet wheel.

A fair amount of force may be required depending on how far it has been over unwound. It would be recommended to rest the coupling on the towball as you do this, to offer support.

Quote: hampshireman wrote in post #7

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I think I will take a look at ours, as never heard of this before. Groaning yes, but that is usually just a clean of the ball required, which I do before each trip and in between sites.

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Brian, I'm guessing and I'm not trying to be clever here that it is safe to drive it as it was? I only ask as mine locked up like that once and I was worried, but a guybon site said it'll be fine, which it was.

I'm guessing because it's been wound on then the stabilisor function works as it should?

Genuine question with no other intent than to try and clarify for myself and no doubt others

just wondering if a smear oil should be applied to the stem of the hitch pads would help to stop this from happening. let us know if your stems are dry or not
does the ratchet need grease??
pleased you managed to knock rachet back into use..

if it locks up while attached to car, there is nothing really you can do, but drive for help..

Quote: Pop540 wrote in post #14

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if it locks up while attached to car, there is nothing really you can do, but drive for help..

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