Something To Be Aware Of With Your Tow Ball

[@robswiseways5697]

Hi Keith & Michele, I had exactly the same problem the day we collected our caravan in Feb 2013. I had a Ford Granada with a fixed towbar and the dealer told me the tow ball required changing to the Al-KO type. They kindly changed it free of charge. Stay alert and best regards. Rob

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Rob, Thanks for letting us know your experience, good to know we’re not on our own 😀 Sending all our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@paulpringle8263]

Hi both. Just watched the video couldn’t sit still had to go and check the tow ball on the car fortunately it’s the correct one. Good point to bring up. Thanks for sharing

[@keithandmichele]

Excellent news Paul, apologies if we ruined a lazy Sunday 😀 Many thanks for watching, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@thecarrievanners]

Thank you sooo much. Like you guys we’ve bought a car that came with tow bar...thinking great. I’ve measured it and NO. So we’ll get a new one fitted as our van doesn’t arrive til April/May. Cheers.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Kevin, A new Al-Ko tow ball shouldn’t cost any more than £30. It’s really simple to fit, just two bolts. Huge congratulations on your new caravan 🎉 Very excited for you 😀 Wishing you many happy travels & adventures, Keith & Michele.

[@elainetodd6203]

You keep telling us your no experts but compared to many others your are the best. Thanks so much for another informative video. Btw love the camera work.

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for your lovely words Elaine, Honestly...... we’re not experts, just sharing our caravan experiences 🤗 Delighted you enjoyed the new camera work 😀 Sending all our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele x

[@richardw5375]

Thank you that's been really useful video I've inherited my parents caravan bailey ranger an upgrade from our trailer tent. Didn't know there were different types of tow ball will have to change ours to an alko one.

[@keithandmichele]

Really pleased you found our video helpful Richard 👍🏻 Wishing you many happy travels & adventures in your Ranger. Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@topnotch7570]

Hi Keith Michelle I experienced exactly the same as you both when I collected my new van but luckily they replaced it well I was waiting for handover very good Tip for people when towing.

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for letting us know you’ve had the same experience Top Notch 👍🏻 Good to know it’s not just us being unaware of this 🤗 Sending our best wishes to everyone ❤️ Keith & Michele.

[@topnotch7570]

Hope you had a lovely time. We have not ventured out in our van yet maybe in September. Take care

[@keithandmichele]

Fabulous trip, thank you. Sincerely hope you’ll be joining us in September🤞

[@steverustage4616]

Thanks for the video this morning. We were picking up a new van today and saw the video. Quickly called the dealers and got a new one put on when we got there.

[@keithandmichele]

Excellent news Steve 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Congratulations on your new caravan 🎉 Wishing you many happy travels & adventures, Keith & Michele.

[@StephenKirk-ig1xc]

So glad you brought this up I had no idea you need a certain tow ball Very good advice It’s been over 20 years since I tow a Caravan just getting back in to it ,how times change. We are on a store and pitch site but hoping to try some different caravan sites out

[@keithandmichele]

Hi @StephenKirk-ig1xc Many thanks for watching Stephen, we’re delighted you found our video helpful ❤️ Good luck with your new caravan adventures 🥰 Sending our very best wishes to you, Keith & Michele xxx

[@MrJona7han]

Yet another THANK YOU for highlighting this. I have just bought another car and if I hadn’t seen this video when you released it I would not have known about the difference. The fitter is coming on Tuesday to change it. Thank you 👍

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Johnathan, we’re delighted you found our video helpful. Hope all goes well with the new fitting. Best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@michaelh.2473]

When we picked up our first Swift the dealer asked what tow ball we had on our car, which was already fitted when we bought it and that needed changing. Very useful information, like us we were unaware an Alko tow ball was needed. We have the Hyundai Santa Fe similar vehicle to the Sorento and would have another one without hesitation.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Michael, Many thanks for sharing your experience 👍🏻 We’re absolutely loving the Kia Sorento 😀 Thanks for watching, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@kevandrews6418]

Hi Keith and Michel hope u enjoying your new van u will proberly find the keeper of your use car probably had a trailer as I had the same tow ball for a trail and had to change mind aswell and a power socket aswell from 7 pin to a 13 pin for van so I didn't know still a tow bar company told as I only pops in to ask if my towbar will tow a caravan so I was in the same boat cheers kev

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for the info Kev 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@rickp580]

Thanks again Michelle and Keith. Fantastic channel by the way. Keep up the good work. Rick, Carol and Jess

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for your kind words Rick, Carol & Jess 👍🏻 Best wishes to you all, Keith & Michele.

[@dogferocious8927]

Been towing for many years and did not know there was a difference. Thought tow ball was a fit and forget item. Many thanks for the enlightenment. Now a subscriber.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Dog Ferocious, Welcome to our channel, delighted you enjoyed our video & found it helpful 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@markjarvis7637]

Had a rear end shunt, towbar replaced, must check if they fitted an alko ball or a cheap one

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for watching Mark, delighted you found it helpful 👍🏻 Best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@chrisikin69]

we had a rear shunt too, its good to check, as they did fit a non Alko and had to get it changed

[@chilman6461]

Good thinking

[@CaravanVlogger]

I have a vague recollection when we started caravanning a fitter asking what tow ball we needed. As 98% of uk caravans have Alko chassis you were unlucky to get a non Alko one. Still, luckily a reasonably priced fix👍🏻 Thanks for sharing

[@keithandmichele]

Perhaps it wasn’t used for towing a caravan Graham? 🤔 We just assumed it was! Fortunately it was spotted & rectified before we used it with the caravan 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@tpenicholls]

Great advice as usual. It's also worth noting that if the towball is painted the paint need to be removed off the ball to work properly with the stabiliser. Tim

[@keithandmichele]

Excellent advice Tim, Many thanks for reminding everyone 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@darrendark4791]

Wow top tip we’re very new to caravaning so new in fact we haven’t had a tow bar fitted yet 🤣😂 but we have bought a 2021 Bailey Grande rimini collection in March I’m currently looking at tow bar fitters so that’s a great help thanks , have subscribed 👍

[@keithandmichele]

Welcome to our channel Darren, delighted you enjoyed our video & found it helpful 👍🏻 Congratulations on your new caravan 🎉 Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@HowardB54]

Good info Keith & Michele! Nice bit of discreet dual camera mixing as well ! 😊 Hope you’re both well 👍🏻 Howard & Sandra

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Howard & Sandra, Many thanks, we did wonder if you’d pick up on the dual camera work Howard 😀 It is your forte after all 🤗 Sending our best wishes to you both, Keith & Michele.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

Good point to highlight guys 👍🏻 luckily we specified what type of tow ball we wanted at the time of fitting the Towbar and it cost us an extra £20. Not long until September now 😃 and we’re looking forward to our first ever rally! Xx

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Kaz & Pete, Many thanks, great to hear your experience 👍🏻 Our car came with the tow ball already fitted & we were totally unaware of the required al-ko tow ball 🙄 As we always say.....we’re not experts 😀 Sincerely looking forward to seeing you both in September, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele xxx

[@jamiehilton5195]

Well done Guys. Another useful tip. Hope your enjoying ur break away. We will be of at the weekend finally All the best

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Jamie, Many thanks, wishing you a safe & happy trip away with the family 👍🏻 Sending all our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@rickparry1505]

Hi Keith and Michelle Thanks for the info. We have an Elldis Rambler with the blue hitch (German make) so not sure it applies to us but we will certainly check. Better safe than sorry. We tow with a white 2ltr diesel BMW X1. Not quite the X3 but a great car for the job and for fuel efficiency when not towing. Off on our hols soon to Eye Kettelby Lakes after seeing your review. We also bought a magnifying mirror like yours after seeing you show it off. Your costing us a fortune!!:-) Rick, Carol and Jess ( Jess is the dog - also white).

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Rick, Carol & Jess, Wishing you a fabulous trip away to Eye Kettleby Lakes, it’s beautiful there 👍🏻 We’ve actually changed our tow car to a Kia Sorento, due to finances mainly, fantastic car & a great vehicle 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you all, Keith & Michele.

[@majorsprite3568]

Had exactly the same experience a few weeks back by chance seeing a post on Facebook. Compared it to the towball I had in the shed off the old car and sure enough it was slightly higher than the one on the car. Quick swap and sorted

[@keithandmichele]

Excellent news Major Sprite 👍🏻 Delighted you got it sorted. Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@CaravanningwithourWesties]

Hi Keith & Michele, we are ok with ours however, it’s so good to share this information as there may be quite a few Caravanners unaware. TYFS, Safe travels.👍🐶🐾😀

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for your kind words Guys, sending our best wishes to you all, Keith & Michele.

[@davidcutts2650]

A caution on the tow ball is also to aware of it’s size of 50mm as it does wear and a mm or so will make it loose on the hitch, believe it or not and as you say size matters! Mine takes a fair hammering as I do a lot of “rough Roading” in our game reserves here in SA.

[@keithandmichele]

Great advice David, Many thanks for sharing with everyone 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@philip9657]

Hi to both of you, just wanted to thank you for your review of concierge camping. It made us aware of the site. Were there now and its brilliant .

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Philip, Brilliant news to hear you’re away at Concierge Camping 😀 It’s absolutely fabulous there, please say Hi to Guy & Tracey from us, delighted they’re open again 🎉 Sending all our best wishes to you, have a great time, Keith & Michele.

[@philip9657]

Passed in your regards to guy. You must have sent them some trade !, only said keith and instantly new it was you two 😀 best site we have stopped on without doubt. Keep up the good work and enjoy the new van

[@keithandmichele]

LOL, Thanks Philip 😀 Have a great time 😎

[@noormancrabb6428]

Thanks for making us aware. Keep making theses handy videos

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks Norman 👍🏻 Delighted you’re enjoying our videos, thanks for watching, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@chilman6461]

Thanks you helped me out I'm picking my caravan up next sat and they never sed a thing to me

[@keithandmichele]

Delighted you found our video helpful Chil Man, Congratulations on your new caravan 🎉 Wishing you many happy travels & adventures, Keith & Michele.

[@andrewmuckley2277]

Thanks for the information, great advice as usual

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for watching Andrew 👍🏻 Best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@jamesmgreen15]

Super advice. Ex RCT I did ask a (well known small boat manufacturer) what type of tow ball and all I got was "standard". Something for the driver to look at every time in a considered way as any sales advice (these days more than ever) is the route of least resistance and then some. Strange the law does not cover it off fully but is what it is................Good idea to let insurers know of ANY modification made to the NEW vehicle delivery too.

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks for that James 👍🏻 Our advice would be, when it comes to insurance, if in doubt always ask your insurance company. Better to be safe than sorry! Thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.

[@lizleonard3681]

Hi Keith & Michele we have just purchased a new Kuga ST line and they fitted a TT tow ball on watching your video we thought we would check this out as we have just arrived at Criccieth on first time use of it. We tried to measure it but we still were not sure so we called into a caravan shop near by. He brought out an alko tow ball and compared and told use the one we had was just standard it was £23 to purchase the alko one and he said do you want me to fit it now, we said yes of course and he fitted it there and then and didn’t charge for fitting it . Thank you both so much for that advice we would not of known like yourselves we thought a tow ball was a tow ball I dread to think what could of happened on our journey here with the wrong one anyway we are having a lovely time with glorious scenery and weather many thanks once again 👍👏♥️

[@keithandmichele]

Sincerely delighted our video was helpful to you both Liz 😀 Glad you got it sorted before any problems may have occurred 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, have a great trip, Keith & Michele x

[@paulm4637]

I would never have known.. BIG thanks !

[@keithandmichele]

You’re welcome Paul, we didn’t know either .....just a trip to the dealership & it was spotted! Many thanks for watching, sending best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@ItchyFeetcaravanners]

Great tip! Sometimes, its good not being an "expert" so you can explain in laymans terms to us other non experts 😊 Thanks for sharing. Mart & Jo

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Mart & Jo, Many thanks for your kind words, thinking of getting a t-shirt with that slogan 😆 Thanks for watching, sending our best wishes to you both, Keith & Michele.

[@andrewmoorey6103]

Well done guys. Nice to see you both out there again. Are you enjoying your Kia? We loved ours, best towcar we ever had until we discovered pick ups!

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks Andrew, Absolutely loving the Sorento 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Tows like a dream, more spacious & more comfy!!! Best decision we made changing it. Sending our best wishes to you both, Keith & Michele.

[@skf957]

Yesterday I had a different but very similar issue to this that had it not prevented the hitch from dropping onto the ball I would have had this very problem - with the attendant damage to the hitch. I had a non-Alko ball that was bolted to a very tall back-plate on a Land Rover Defender. I have used this setup with no problems for 11+ years towing trailers. However, when I attempted to hitch the Bailey caravan, the hitch actually fouled the back-plate. My first thought was to buy a spacer plate and longer bolts (under £10), but actually decided to spend £23 on an Alko ball and new bolts. I could immediately see that the new ball projects further back than my old one, but after watching this, I’ll bet that it’s taller as well. Thanks for posting - good info.

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for watching CG, delighted you found our video helpful, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@Tony-nv1gv]

Not much help now kieth Michel but realised I had a flange type tow ball on my last car for 7yrs but it had an extended neck to accommodate the Alko hitch.and worked fine.they are easily available. I have now a detatchable swan neck type.

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks for the info Tony 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@Tony-nv1gv]

I've been caravanning 33yrs and these titbits can make all the difference to help things run a bit smoother.

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for your kind words Tony, delighted you enjoyed our video, thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.

[@TheBeckwiths]

When we took the caravan for a service last year it was pointed out to us. So we had to have another fitted.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi The Beckwiths, Good to know you got it sorted 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@rma64]

Keep up all the good content Keith and Michelle . something I didn’t know about either has I’ve always had swan neck type towbars Something to remember for future reference . Another great information video 👍👍 . Don’t have to be experts Just passing on informative information and explaining your caravan experiences . looking forward to the next video Great to meet you both last week see you again in September. Mark and hazel

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Mark & Hazel, Many thanks for your kind words 👍🏻 It was an absolute pleasure meeting you both recently, very much looking forward to catching up again in September 😀 Sending all our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@davecrouch44]

Having a Towbar fitted today so I check that many thanks 👍👍👍👍😀

[@keithandmichele]

Delighted you found our video helpful Spike, hope the fitting goes well 👍🏻 Best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

I am so old I remember the first time ALCO made the change. Well before the 13 pin electrics. We also used to run on the black plug only with a painted steel chassis. The good old days 🤣🤣🤣 Trev

[@keithandmichele]

LOL Happy Days Trev 😀 Many thanks for watching, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@Gixer750pilot]

Angle changes !!! Getting very pro . DT will need to up his game now

[@keithandmichele]

LOL 😆 Delighted you enjoyed it Gixer750pilot 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@GaetanHobby]

It's so nice to see you both again.big kisses from France 😘

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks Gaetan, Sending all our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele x

[@GaetanHobby]

@@keithandmichele Thank You keith and Michele.xxxxxxxx

[@painterscastle]

We discovered this when we bought out new twin axle. Towed our previous caravan with a kia sedona that came with a swan neck as you say thats fine. But them my husband bought a Nissan navara with a dealer fitted tow ball and it wasn't compatible with the alko chassis. My husband replaced it and then then someone torqued it for us as our tongue wrench didn't go to a high enough torque.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Louise, Great to know you’ve got the tow ball sorted 👍🏻 Thanks for sharing. Sending our best wishes to you both, Keith & Michele.

[@patrickmurphy1654]

Hi Keith we love watching your videos and we are planning to get a Bailey Unicorn soon. We have enough space on our drive but are concerned what this would display to burglars. Do you have any tips regarding this matter? Also do you have any hints on how to search for a good lockup in the Radlett area? Many thanks keep up the good work.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Patrick, Firstly, please check with your insurance company that you will be allowed to store the caravan on your drive, not all insurers permit this. Insurance companies that do allow it will inform you of the required security measures you need to put in place. Be prepared for them to request that you have at least a locking metal post installed on your drive. The benefits of parking your van on the driveway are that you can check on it at anytime & it will save costs on a storage site. The negative aspect is that obviously anyone can see when you’re away from home. Unfortunately we don’t know of any storage sites in your area, (Please DO NOT consider the one in Slip End, Beds) please take a look at our video on Storage Sites & What To Look For, you may find this helpful in your search for one. Hope this helps, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@patrickmurphy1654]

Thanks Keith for the good advice and love all your video's . :-)@@keithandmichele

[@philldownes8685]

and the alko sticks out a touch further so you can use the 3004 hitch with built in anti-sway.. (most caravans have this now)

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks for this additional information Phill, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Forgot to mention Alko towball is backward compatible with non alko hitches. But ball socket will need decreasing first. Cheers from George

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks for the information George 👍🏻

[@davefowler7091]

Good advise as usual guys 👍 and yeah its good to be away this is our second trip out since lockdown. Keep safe guys

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks Dave, Have a great trip 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@davefowler7091]

Carefree Caravanning Hi Guys I have a question for you regarding tow cars? We are in the process of changing our car and we aren’t sure if the best tow car is a manual or auto . We would prefer an automatic but are unsure about whether they are the best for towing. Do you have any advice or experience in towing with automatic against a manual? Kind Regards Dave and Joy

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Other problems. Also towballs with extra height. Cannot open, up and over back door on some estate cars etc. Also do not apply grease. Over run plate may not be high enough Cheers from old George.

[@keithandmichele]

Great advice George & Jane, Many thanks for sharing, very helpful information 👍🏻 Best wishes to you both, Keith & Michele.

[@gillgregory6327]

Just had to check and I’m ok! Off on my big 8 week trip on Friday 😀 Have a great holiday and see you in Sept ( hopefully) Gill

[@keithandmichele]

Excellent news Gill, now you’re all set for your big adventure 😀 Wishing you a wonderful trip, looking forward to seeing you in September ❤️ Sending all our best wishes, Keith & Michele x

[@krippleinacaravanxxx707]

I’m all for a bigger ball! Have fun on your hollibobs! ❤️❤️❤️

[@keithandmichele]

😆😂😆🤣 Thanks for watching, sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@Venomator.]

Live ‘n learn guys, another valuable tip for caravaners old & new! That is exactly the same tow ball type I had fitted to my Defender, although I was, fortunately, not a caravan owner at the time. Those things are about, although I would have thought it incumbent on caravan sales dealers to ensure you have the correct towing set up for whatever it is you are purchasing, as yours clearly did guys... 👍🏻✅😉

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks Rog, We had the X3 when we got the caravan which obviously had the correct tow ball, just lucky that the dealer was eagle eyed when we popped in without the caravan 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you both, Keith & Michele.

[@kevinburrows1705]

There’s still a lot of Learning for me to do. Every day is new. Cheers you two

[@keithandmichele]

Delighted you found it helpful Kev 👍🏻 Many thanks for watching, sending best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@Tony-nv1gv]

I have fitted a new beakaway cable with karabina type hinge to connect on dedicated position by tow ball. Better and more scure I read. £6

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks for the info Tony 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@niall5181]

Great advice thanks..can I ask what model Kia you have and what’s it’s towing capacity..what is the MTPLM of your van ...cheers

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Niall, We have a Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDI Auto with a towing capacity of up to 2.5kg. Our caravan MTPLM is 1681kg with a payload of 165kg. Hope this helps, sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@adamlee6082]

Don’t forget to polish your tow balls people, tow balls should be paint, rust and grease free, as shout your stabilising pads and hitch. Dry metal on dry metal. Love this channel

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for sharing your advice Adam 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@garydavis1528]

👍 Will help people. (Thought everyone would know as made very clear by alko and all (good!) dealers. Enjoy your trip.)

[@keithandmichele]

Absolutely Gary, If we hadn’t gone to our dealership in the Sorento we wouldn’t have known so huge thanks to Andrew at Oxford Caravans for informing us 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you, thanks for watching, Keith & Michele.

[@nickjennings8317]

Hello Keith & Michelle, I was aware of this but the. thought I would pass on your tip. Seems a lot of people are NOT aware. Thanks for the tip. Cheers Non Stick Nick

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks Nick 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@stephenclarke8876]

Just wondered what you think of the sorento as a car and a tow car.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Stephen, We absolutely love the Sorento! It’s actually better than the X3. More spacious in the front & back, tows like a dream. Definitely recommend it 👍🏻 Thanks for watching, sending best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@jampot20000]

@@keithandmichele I was going to ask the same I had a BMW X5 great car, towed effortlessly but after spending £6000 on repairs decided it was far to expensive to run. I changed cars on the day before lock down. Be interesting to do a review on the car. You had me checking my tow ball at 7am which is good as you take these things for granted. Excellent video as always best wishes James

[@keithandmichele]

Hi James, Good to hear you felt the same re expenses 👍🏻 Many thanks for watching, will try to review the car if we get the chance. Best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@grimreaperbadboy]

My awning same as yours its the revolution 520 air awning is it that what u have there?

[@keithandmichele]

Hi John, Our awning is a Rally Air Pro 390. Probably very similar to yours 🤔 Thanks for watching, sending best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@grimreaperbadboy]

@@keithandmichele hi yes very much thanks quick reply we hoing Dorset in 2 weeks time first one of year for us have a nice break

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks John, Wishing you a fabulous trip away 🤗 Have a great time, it’s fantastic to be out on our travels again 😎 Best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@matthewstevens7486]

Great heads up......this issue has been around for years but for the untrained you wouldn’t know......it’s called extended neck tow ball.

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for watching Matthew 👍🏻 Best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@nickpeake5644]

I watched this video a month ago and found it very useful - checked my tow ball and it was the right height! But I'm now changing my tow car because of noseweight problems (next week) and I think it might be the smaller (9cm.) type. But here's the question - the chassis on my Buccaneer Cutter is a BPW chassis, not Alko, (and Winterhoff Stabiliser), so does your guidance on ball height apply??? BTW, I used to direct Richard & Judy on This Morning. You two are every bit as good as the Top Team!

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Nick, Not quite sure on this one as we don’t have any experience with BPW chassis. Probably best if you ask advice from your local dealership for clarification. Many thanks for your kind words, very nice to hear such a positive opinion from you 😀 Sending all our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@andrewpaley9914]

When I saw your video a few weeks ago I thought well everybody knows you need an alko towball on a flange type towbar. However after returning from a holiday away in the van and looking at some of my fellow caravanners tow cars I saw several tow cars with the wrong tow ball. You do not need a ruler to check the dimensions they alko tow ball looks very different has a label on the words alko and has its own distinctive towball cover because standard towball covers do not fit.

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for the info Andrew 👍🏻 Best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@mrx1509]

do you know the torque settings as i want to add a shield to protect my bumper

[@keithandmichele]

Hi, The torque setting is 210 nm. Hope this helps, best wishes, Keith & Michele

[@mattspaull8302]

Thanks for the advice 👍🏽

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for watching Matt 👍🏻 Best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@candyburton106]

Hi Keith, What car do you tow with now plse

[@keithandmichele]

Hi Candy, We now have a Kia Sorento 2.2 Auto. Tows brilliantly 👍🏻 Hope this helps, sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@candyburton106]

@@keithandmichele thanks x

[@colinrimmer789]

Never too old to learn 👍

[@keithandmichele]

Absolutely Col 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Many thanks for watching, sending all our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@iancampbell7684]

Greta wee video and very informative. Away on our first break this year and it’s so easy to remember why we all love caravan life. Keep up the videos and btw love your new van

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks Ian, Hope you’re having a fabulous first trip out 😀 Enjoy! Best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@anyadutton1085]

Thank you so so much

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for watching Anya, We’re delighted you found our video helpful. Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@marcrufus5814]

Everyday is a school day, even though we have a detachable on this car it’s good to know incase we change.

[@keithandmichele]

Many thanks for watching Marc 👍🏻 Delighted you found it useful. Best wishes to you all, Keith & Michele.

[@Tony-nv1gv]

More clearance needed for the Alko hitch agreed.

[@keithandmichele]

Thanks Tony 👍🏻 Sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@Tony-nv1gv]

There is a flange type tow ball easily available with an extended neck to accomodate the Alko hitch. cant see my original comment on this. saves changing the whole towing bracket.

[@ashleybennett6532]

Great advice.... not to sure on the switching in camera angles though 🙈

[@keithandmichele]

LOL 😆😂😀 Thought we’d just switch it up a bit Ashley 😋 Thanks for watching, sending our best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@johnstonstewart7950]

Just shows you every days a school day , didn’t know that 👍

[@keithandmichele]

Delighted you found it helpful Johnston 👍🏻 Many thanks for watching, best wishes, Keith & Michele.

[@martinjones1387]

Had to do the exact same thing on my KIA Sorento which is an easy job.

[@keithandmichele]

Hi @martinjones1387 Many thanks for watching ❤️ Sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele xxx

[@Youtube_deleted_my_favourites]

I thought you had an X3

[@keithandmichele]

We did, but changed it early last year. Many thanks for watching, Keith & Michele

[@retro423]

And don't forget to remove the paint on a new towball

[@keithandmichele]

Absolutely Retro 👍🏻 We have mentioned this before but forgot to say it it in this video. See......we’re not experts 😆 Many thanks for watching, sending our best wishes to you, Keith & Michele.

[@janscott3031]

Guys, sorry to be a pain but your info is not strictly accurate !! The Alko towball is also further away from the tow bar as well and is designed as such to allow the "Stabiliser Hitch 3004 etc" to rotate arround the ball and not foul on the tow ball itself. Its not to do with the Alko chassis but the hitch type itself. You may have an Alko chassis without a stabiliser hitch and would not need the "ectended neck" towball. My brother inlaw made this mistake and really damaged his hitch and towbar as a consequence. Also importand to add that you must remove the black painted finish on the new tow ball or it will ruin the stabiliser pads within the hitch. Nick T.

[@keithandmichele]

Excellent advice Nick, Many thanks for sharing this additional information 👍🏻 Sending all our best wishes to you & Jan, Keith & Michele.