Forum - Anything Eriba-related » Please help!! Is this an alko hitch stabiliser?

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Eriba stuff ......FOR THE NEXT 5 CATEGORIES PLEASE BE PRECISE BY GIVING FULL DETAILS OF THE TYPE OF ERIBA/TOW CAR/AWNING YOU HAVE TO HELP US ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. � Anything Eriba-related �

Please help!! Is this an alko hitch stabiliser?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 15, 2017 3:39 am
by Floyddoyle (deleted)

Hi everyone.
I collect my van on Thursday.
The seller informed me that it came with an alko hitch, I checked and it says 'alko' on it.
Now I thought this was a stabiliser, but I have guys in work saying it is not a stabiliser, just an alko hitch?
A little confused here, can anyone help from looking at this picture?
This may be a IMG_2430.PNG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)dumb question but it's all new to me!!
Thanks

RE: Please help!! Is this an alko hitch stabiliser?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 15, 2017 6:17 am
by eribaMotters •

| 5.605 Posts

You have an alko hitch, It is not the stabiliser type.Yours was fitted as standard to European vans. Most UK vans have the stabiliser type, usually the AKS1300. This can be bought seperately and retro fitted. If your car is relatively heavy compared the van and tows well you may not want to bother, If you plan on keeping the van, are unsure about towing and have an odd few hundred pounds I would get it swapped over. It would be peace of mind.

Colin

Skoda Yeti diesel 2wd _ ex 430, 552, camplet trailer tent, 310, now a nice new white 430.

RE: Please help!! Is this an alko hitch stabiliser?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 15, 2017 7:19 am
by Islay Corbel (deleted)

We replaced our old hitch for a lovely new Alko with stabiliser. The old one would get stuck on the car.... or we couldn't get it on to start with - all too stressful! Worth every penny.

RE: Please help!! Is this an alko hitch stabiliser?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 15, 2017 8:00 am
by JohnE (deleted)

Quote: Floyddoyle wrote in post #1
I collect my van on Thursday.

Hi John

As the van's coupling isn't fitted with a stabiliser you'll need to apply a little grease to your towball before hitching up.

The unladen van will be very light for your trip home on Thursday so you'll need to take it easy, especially as there's no stabiliser to reduce snaking.

Try to load any stuff you may have (awnings, etc) as far forward as possible to get as much weight on the hitch as you can - 50Kg would be good, but you may not be able to achieve this on an empty van.
Check the tyre pressures when you get the opportunity - if they should be, say 42psi the empty van would tow better, and not bounce around too much, with a bit less in, say 40psi.

I look forward to seeing you and your van in a couple of weeks

Randa france likes this post!

RE: Please help!! Is this an alko hitch stabiliser?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 15, 2017 8:21 am
by Floyddoyle (deleted)

Thanks very much for replies, very helpful.
I think I'll definitely get it swapped over to stabiliser type, as you say piece of mind and all that!
I'm getting an awning included with the sale of the van but think I'm also going to take my other awning down with me to store in caravan for journey home, it's extremely large with two separate bags, canvas and poles, very heavy, just the job.
See you in a few weeks John!

RE: Please help!! Is this an alko hitch stabiliser?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 15, 2017 9:40 am
by Deeps (deleted)

Zitat von eribaMotters
Yours was fitted as standard to European vans. Most UK vans have the stabiliser type, usually the AKS1300.

I hadn't realised that, Colin, although to be honest if I was in the position of considering replacing the hitch it would be for the more modern AL-KO (AKS) 3004.
Replacing the OP's standard hitch is simplicity itself (see video) although one should pay special attention in how to knock out the rear bolt. It's easy but the correct sequence has to be followed otherwise you'll find yourself in the position of wanting three hands - one to push back the overrun brake which has now eased itself forward of the hole.

Last edited Mon May 15, 2017 9:42 am | Scroll up

RE: Please help!! Is this an alko hitch stabiliser?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 15, 2017 3:21 pm
by eribaMotters •

| 5.605 Posts

I am sure that nice man JohnE will be able to say if it's possible or not for the Winterhoff stabilser hitch to be fitted if you go the replacement route. I have had 2 x AKS1300 units, a Wnterhoff and my current van has the AKS3400. I personally think the Winterhoff is the better unit.

Colin

Skoda Yeti diesel 2wd _ ex 430, 552, camplet trailer tent, 310, now a nice new white 430.

RE: Please help!! Is this an alko hitch stabiliser?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon May 15, 2017 8:05 pm
by Floyddoyle (deleted)

Great advice again, thanks.
I'll have a chat with John and decide on the best option.
It seems there are a few different stabiliser options with regards to make/model and I have no idea!👍