MAINTENANCE
223
AL-KO recommend cleaning the pads in this
way after every journey to prevent build up and
prolong friction pad life.
The end has snapped off of my friction
pad. This usually happens when the pads
have not been fully disengaged before
dropping the stabiliser onto the towball. You
will need to replace the friction pad with a new
one. To avoid this in future always place, rather
than drop, the stabiliser onto the towball and
ensure the stabiliser lever has been lifted fully.
Can I tow my caravan without activating
the friction pads? Yes, but AL-KO do not
recommend it. It is the hitch handle that
attaches the stabiliser to the towball. If you
do not activate your friction pads then you will
have no damping benefits.
Towball
My towball has grease on it. Can I use
it with an AKS stabiliser? Under no
circumstances can a greased towball be used
with an AKS stabiliser. Ensure you remove all
grease before hitching up.
Use a cloth to remove the excess grease, and
use brake cleaner to remove any residue. We
do not recommend methylated spirit as this
can leave a greasy residue.
I have an AKS 3004 stabiliser. What is the
minimum clearance that i need between
the towball and towing vehicle? Minimum
clearance is 68mm. This measurement is taken
from the centre of the towball to the nearest
point of contact with the towing vehicle.
Insufficient clearance will prevent the stabiliser
from correct articulation and could damage
your car or even cause the stabiliser to
become detached from the towball.
Which towballs are compatible with
the AKS 3004 stabiliser? The necessary
clearances are outlined on page 215, and
AL-KO recommends the AL-KO extended
neck towball which complies to all the
necessary specifications.
The AL-KO extended neck towball is available
to purchase online at www.al-ko.co.uk.
I have a new AL-KO towball - do I need to
take the paint off? Yes. It is vital that all paint
is removed from the towball before use, as it
will contaminate the stabiliser friction pads. To
remove the paint, simply rub with emery paper,
ideally finishing with a coat of brake cleaner
fluid to remove any residue.
Complementary products
AL-KO Security Device
AL-KO Security Devices provide a substantial
deterrent against the theft of the caravan or
trailer. They lock over the coupling handle,
preventing unauthorised uncoupling.
Fitting the supplied Safety Ball into the
coupling head when the Security Device is
applied, prevents the caravan or trailer from
being coupled to another vehicle.
The Security Device is manufactured from high
density steel and is TUV approved. Visit www.
al-ko.co.uk for more information.
Friction pads
Made from low-wear material, four specially
engineered friction pads surround the towball
and continue to ensure optimum friction
damping.
Extended neck towball
Designed especially for use with the AL-KO
AKS stabilisers the Extended Neck Towball has
an extended machined neck to allow correct
stabiliser articulation and clearances.
Hitch cover
Designed to fit the AKS 3004 Stabilisers, the
hitch cover will help protect your stabiliser from
the elements.
The water/fade resistant padded foam fabric
has a velcro fastening and eyelet for padlock
security (padlock not included). Visit www.
al-ko.co.uk for more information.
AL-KO ATC trailer control
ATC Trailer Control is an electronic braking
device for caravans and works in a similar way
to ESP on some tow cars. ATC monitors for
instability and takes the necessary action to
prevent the caravan from snaking by gently