Alko Wheel lock
34 replies
lornalou1 replied on 17/08/2018 12:03
Kennine replied on 17/08/2018 17:00
Posted on 17/08/2018 17:00
Our last caravan had receptors for Alko wheel locks. After reading how easily thieves can overcome those locks, I bought a proper wheel clamp and hitch lock. I was pleased I did so, as so many people struggle to align those Alko wheel locks on arrival on site.
K
MalcolmMaciver replied on 17/08/2018 17:26
Posted on 16/08/2018 20:11 by MalcolmMaciverFor those people, who struggle aligning their ALKO wheel clamp. 6 or 7 inches of 70mm drain pipe fits snuggly over the reciever unit. Makes it much easier to centralise between the spokes.
obbernockle replied on 17/08/2018 21:36
Posted on 17/08/2018 17:00 by KennineOur last caravan had receptors for Alko wheel locks. After reading how easily thieves can overcome those locks, I bought a proper wheel clamp and hitch lock. I was pleased I did so, as so many people struggle to align those Alko wheel locks on arrival on site.
K
Posted on 17/08/2018 21:36
Some people can "struggle" with the simplest things. I have never had a problem with it and others I know who have one manage perfectly well.
It seems to get criticised mainly by people who don't have one. I think although they are quite expensive, they are extremely well made.
Are you able to give details of any AL-KO wheel locks being defeated?
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Phishing replied on 17/08/2018 22:36
Posted on 17/08/2018 21:36 by obbernockleSome people can "struggle" with the simplest things. I have never had a problem with it and others I know who have one manage perfectly well.
It seems to get criticised mainly by people who don't have one. I think although they are quite expensive, they are extremely well made.
Are you able to give details of any AL-KO wheel locks being defeated?
Posted on 17/08/2018 22:36
I have one.
It is the simplest thing to fit?
Well then why do I have to line up a 1500kg caravan to within 1 mm to fit it?
Why 1 in 6 times do I have jack a 1500kg caravan into the air so I can fit it. (Due to it not fitting over the wheel valve).
Why does virtually every owner carry a trolley jack or airbag to lift the van in order to use it?
Why after levelling the van is it not possible to fit unless you jack the van?
Why if you have a twin axle do you have to jack the van to use it?
Why does the insert have to be exactly the same profile as the wheel?
A: Because this ensures ALKO sell new ones as the wheel designs change.
Why did ALKO stop any other lock maker using the receiver by using their patent to keep a far better, universal, reusable system off the market?
A: I think we know the answer to that one.
It is overpriced, difficult to use on flat, very difficult to use on an incline, requires users to carry additional equipment to use it, and is designed to be used on one wheel type thus rendering perpetual sales as wheel designs change.
Any thing else?
EmilysDad replied on 17/08/2018 22:52
Posted on 17/08/2018 22:52
I do carry a trolly jack, but not to fit the Alko wheel lock. I have a twin axle so do agree re fitting both locks, but on site I line up one wheel, fit the lock & if by chance I can get my Bulldog Max on the other I fit it. If I can't ... I don't worry about it.
replied on 18/08/2018 06:32
Cornersteady replied on 18/08/2018 10:27
Posted on 18/08/2018 10:27
yes you do have to kneel down and visually check quite carefully to get mine aligned. Easy to do with the mover but I found that if there is any slight gradient or hollow (like in our storage made by the tyre) the van will move out of this alignment when the mover is taken off even with the handbrake on. I did think of fitting the lock then releasing the mover but this would put strain in the lock? I now use a very big wheel chock to keep the wheel in place which works well.
Also the storage owner said he would flatten the place out (it's made of stones) the next time we were out.
SteveL replied on 18/08/2018 11:16
Posted on 18/08/2018 10:27 by Cornersteadyyes you do have to kneel down and visually check quite carefully to get mine aligned. Easy to do with the mover but I found that if there is any slight gradient or hollow (like in our storage made by the tyre) the van will move out of this alignment when the mover is taken off even with the handbrake on. I did think of fitting the lock then releasing the mover but this would put strain in the lock? I now use a very big wheel chock to keep the wheel in place which works well.
Also the storage owner said he would flatten the place out (it's made of stones) the next time we were out.
Posted on 18/08/2018 11:16
Like you CS I have to kneel down and check very carefully. So particularly for anyone having difficulty in this regard this simple device seems the answer.
We also use a chock to prevent movement when taking off the power mover, thinking it unwise to have strain on the lock.
I can't relate to most of Phishings post. Yes you have to align it, but that is not difficult with a mover. Occasionally the inflator is in the way, but just move it to the next hole. If movement is impossible, as in our storage, a shuffle is required. A pain as it is normally raining when this happens, but it is only occasionally.
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Cornersteady replied on 18/08/2018 14:51
Posted on 18/08/2018 11:16 by SteveLLike you CS I have to kneel down and check very carefully. So particularly for anyone having difficulty in this regard this simple device seems the answer.
We also use a chock to prevent movement when taking off the power mover, thinking it unwise to have strain on the lock.
I can't relate to most of Phishings post. Yes you have to align it, but that is not difficult with a mover. Occasionally the inflator is in the way, but just move it to the next hole. If movement is impossible, as in our storage, a shuffle is required. A pain as it is normally raining when this happens, but it is only occasionally.
Posted on 18/08/2018 14:51
Yes lol, there is a mathematical law that says if something is difficult to do in the first place then nature will make it more difficult by it being dark or raining or both.
I thought that Alko could have designed in a little more 'wriggle' room in terms of alignment? It's just the last thing you ant to do after along journey.
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MalcolmMaciver
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