How to change ALKO Hitch friction pads

In this very quick video I show how easy it is to change the ALKO stabiliser friction pads on an AKS3004 style ALKO hitch.
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AKS Friction pads :
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AKS Friction pad shims :
www.tauntontrailers.co.uk/al-k...

[@geoffclarke9157]

Great,clear, and easy to understand video. I won't be frightened to replace mine in the future. Thank you.

[@Bill1949]

Just picked up the van after some warranty work. Was advised pads need replacing for £30. The van is only 18 months old and has been in lockdown most of the time. Followed your removal guide and the pads had a film on them like sellotape. Cleaned them as you advised and there seems to be virtually no wear on the pads. Thank you for the money saving advice.

[@WebMedics]

Thank you for this video, not only did you explain things in great detail, but you helped me understand the most basic differences between a stabilised and non-stabilised hitch, and therefore whether or not to grease the towball. Thank you kindly!

[@albertsmith1048]

The last set of pads I purchased had the shims with them. So I did what the presenter did, cleaned up the old pads, shimmed them up and replaced them. Still got the new pair in reserve. Good little video for those who are worried about changing their friction pads, nicely presented.

[@jonnyandvonny]

Really helpful video Dan. Many thanks for the practical help with all these technical areas of caravan ownership. It is really appreciated. kind regards.Jon

[@karlsimpson3855]

Thanks for the video. Noticed some sway on the caravan on our last outing. Watched your video and decided to "have a go", so simple to do! Was surprised how worn they were, they had already been 'shimmed'. Thanks.

[@davehorne7207]

I just replaced the friction pads on my caravan and apart from removing the retaining rings, it went effortlessly. (I have the Al-Ko 1300.) Thanks for making the video.

[@lensmanonline]

Our van has the old type of hitch & we use a bulldog blade type stabiliser but we are getting a new van next year which will have the ALKO hitch so it was interesting to see how they work & how easy they are to service Great vid Dan

[@nickjennings8317]

Hi Dan,thanks for this video, I have just done this job on our 5 year old Coachman Pastiche. When cleaning the old pads I put them in the cordless drill and used the cleaner & wet & dry. Done in a Jiffy. Thanks again, regards Nick.

[@Sam-ch9mn]

That looks painless. Thanks very much for showing this. I thought it would be much more involved. Brilliant.

[@stevechurchman1824]

Wow. That was quick. Had our last van 10 years and never changed ours - thought it might end in tears. Probably should have given it a go as I did have two spares.

[@olivermarshall3052]

Thanks Dan great video as always saved my bacon this weekend when towing the caravan to Carfest. Keep up the brilliant vlogs 👍👍

[@jimbence4296]

Thanks Dan for the video and help changing the pads . Just arrived at Cirencester Park with a loud noise let’s hope all is quiet on the way home.

[@KevFromScotland]

Another good video explaining a lot i did not know. Thanks for doing these videos I am finding them very useful.

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Professional as always. Very well put together thank you. Wishing you & family many lovely summer days away with caravan.👍🏆

[@helgefrederiksen4102]

I did this today after seeing your vid. Thx. But I struggled with replacing the new f.p. Quite easy to demount, but I didn't realize, that the f.p.'s were held in place by a tiny, rubber "o-ring" and of course it broke and fell out . My good neighbour came to my help, and found out❤❤. So tomorrow he will fix it😊

[@rubberplantsandwich]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I checked my 10 year old van and guess what? - the pads were shot, one of them even cracked. One thing I wished you'd mentioned tho so I wouldn't have been surprised - the way these pads click in and out is via o-seals. Mine came out on the pad stems. Worried yes as the pesky o-seals were distorted and I didn't have spares. Fortunately I managed to fit them back in their location grooves and job done. Inspired to carry out some more maintenance on my van now.

[@brianpenn4441]

Everyone misses the O - rings inside the hitch. Yes there is a rubber ring that can snap if the stems of the pads are not lubricated sparingly on reinsertion. Not one video on KZbin mentions this!

[@maisiesullivan1999]

Interesting watch by us. Myself and hubby still very new to Caravan life. But something we could do ourselves if/when needed. Both enjoy your videos.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Clare, glad to have been of service. Yes this is quite an easy job that anyone could try themselves. Thanks for watching. Dan

[@andrewhenley3352]

Really helpful. Just changed mine in 5 minutes. Thanks.

[@CtiStu]

Another great vid Dan, I didn't realise how easy it was to change them! I was going to get my local mobile caravan guy to do it but I'll do them myself now 😊 Please the videos coming, been ages since the last one! Take care Stuart

[@TheTrudgians]

+Stuart Townshend hi, yes it's ridiculously easy isn't it? We upload a new video every Friday at 7am. Sorry we cannot make them any more frequent than that - we'd love to though Take care Dan

[@CtiStu]

Looking forward to next Friday then 😊

[@zammmo]

Very helpful...can't understand why anyone would dislike this video.

[@CharlieHawkes1]

Hi Dan very useful vlog I have just had my caravan serviced and they replaced my Alko pads,funny thing is mine now groans and creaks where as it did not before they changed them ?

[@colinquinton474]

I was worried about doing this job being new to caravanning, but this video shows how easy it is

[@StpBks]

I have a similar unit that has fore and aft pads in addition to the side pads. The pads are a little different, however starting with this vid the others are easily worked out. Thanks for the "Travel Tips"

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Jeffrey, I'm glad this video gave you some direction and has helped out. Take care Dan

[@timbodancer]

Thanks for the good discription! It is time for a change on my caravan!

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Tim, Glad this helped. Take care Dan

[@jmchughx]

Hi there, loving the videos - they have really helped me as a first time caravanner. Quick question: I've bought an older caravan and all seems in good condition. The towbar will connect fine with the caravan and clicks in but the stabiliser handle doesnt fold flat. Any ideas on what I might need to change?

[@tomnorton1152]

Thank you, that was very informative and useful and easy to understand. Regards Tom

[@nickg2661]

great video Dan, looks easy to do, i must remove mine and check them out next time im up the storage facility - top work

[@TheTrudgians]

+Nick G thank you Nick, let me know how you get on. Dan

[@JohnRawlings5]

Well done Dan. I'd never thought about needing to change the pads - unless they're damaged from using a greasy towball. Looks easy to do though.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you John. this really did turn out far easier than i anticipated. Speak soon Dan

[@AJ-sc3tt]

Great video - are you able to show the front and rear pads please? Thanks again for a great video

[@richardmarsh292]

Thanks for the video,always wondered how to change these.

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Richard, no problem. Its easy to pop them out and check the condition too. Take care Dan

[@jimcalder5732]

JIM Great video Dan. About to change my pads, the old ones were shimmed, can I assume I don't need shims for new pads

[@davidmason2690]

Very useful. Is there a video about the front and rear friction pads?

[@TrapaniSicilia]

Love your videos they are a great help thank you

[@TheTrudgians]

Glad to help

[@stevescet]

Hi Dan good video as usual. I noticed a wear indicator on the hitch lever , would this show the pad wear or just acceptable clamping force ?

[@phlimac]

HI Dan, and troops, I have a touring caravan for the first time this year with an alko 1st gen stabiliser. I have towed for years but trailer with tractors on. My question is, have you released the alko while on winding country roads or towing at low speeds. It was recommended to my by a seasoned tower who has his own motorbike repair business and caravan too. My answer is it worked and allowed very easy turning with no uanessacry friction.

[@juliehop63]

Hi Just watched the tutorial on friction pads and gave mine a thorough clean but was wondering how do l know how many shims do l need to put in to get the correct preloaded thanks

[@philmclaughlin1154]

Cheers for the video. If one came off and snapped when coupling...would we be OK to continue the tow until we can get it replaced ?

[@tonytotten408]

👍 Dan thanks for posting really good advice 👏👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@MrVM41]

What no lube? I usually put a dab of oil or a tiny bit of grease on the shaft and once in with clean hands rotate the pads 360 to make sure there is a nice smooth action, and spray and clean pads beginning of the season with brake cleaner, great vid and thanks for the link to the shims, I will give them a go in the future and save some money. Just to let you know your link for motor mover brushes doesn't work anymore, it just says account closed or suspended or something like that, again cheers for your help 👍

[@aajlrrecruit]

Five star information. Many thanks

[@GalaRobbo]

thanks for the info, I had no idea this was a job that needed done so changed my pads. should have seen the state of the ones that come out :-(

[@TheTrudgians]

Glad to be of service !! Take care Dan

[@davidturner2951]

Really interesting and useful clip - I noticed that, like my hitch, the green retaining clip (under the handle) for the red wear indicator was missing and had possibly snapped? Anyone know easy is it to change the green retaining clip?

[@unpredictable_iq9098]

Hi. First off all great video. Thx for that. I have the same alko hitch like yours. My question is how to change front and back pads ? and do I have front and back or just side pads? I'm new on caravan no experience yet. Thank you so much. Appreciate it

[@jerrycuthbertson1122]

We found that the Soft Knock rubber device goes slightly hard/brittle making it harder to re-fit once removed. A quick soak in hot water and it was a doddle to slip back on.

[@stevencrabbe3998]

Cheers Dan. Great vid

[@carolegough1359]

Brilliant, helpful, funny, shows what we can do. Lot more use than Clarkson 😀

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you !

[@colinmackenzie7322]

Hi. Good useful video but you make no mention of the need for 'O'rings. When I removed the old pads I did not notice that the O rings had been damaged and when I came to fit the new pads they, the pads, were loose. After contacting Alko I found out that you need an O ring which they provide. Suggest that you mention this in future and also show where the 'O' ring fits on the pad.

[@robwarren5747]

Hi Colin. Same here. I seem to have dislodged an O ring, which is now damaged. Did Alko supply the O ring? and would you mind telling me how you get it back in it's original place. Any help would be gratefully received as i go away in a weeks time.

[@briandouglas5098]

You read my mind. I am getting a squeaky door sound from my hitch. Any thoughts. ? Disregard... You just answered it. Thank you.

[@catlikelemur2760]

Fantastic bit of advice

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you ! Take care Dan

[@gn1512]

dankjewel voor de informatie, Thanks for advice I have placed sjims.

[@hyperburst]

very useful tutorial thank you

[@TheTrudgians]

Our pleasure Chris. Take care

[@kiwigecko1]

Fantastic thank you.

[@TerryMilesPiano]

Hi there. I'm new to towing and need to replace my Friction Pads on my 2003 Eriba. It has the ALKO hitch. Will the friction pads you recommend fit and what are the shims? Do I need the shims? The replacement friction pads come with and some without the shims. Please help. Cheers. Terry Miles

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Terry, Have a look on your hitch for a hitch type number, if you se AKS2004 or AKS3004 on the hitch these pads will do the job. Also, if your hitch looks the same as ours in the video - again these pads will fit. The shims look like washers, and they are designed to be used on pads that have had some wear on them and in extends their lifespan. In all likeliness your new pads will come with these shims, and you possibly will not need them. I hope that helps, any questions - please feel free to ask. Dan

[@TerryMilesPiano]

Thanks alot Dan. That's a great help. Maybe 'bump' into you on the sites one day. Cheers. Terry

[@andrewjditton]

Very useful Mr T! Although I'm a BPW kinda man, always have to be different ;@)

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you! Well, I'm guessing a follow up video showing the Winterhoff stabiliser and how to change the pads could be worthwhile ??

[@ses6jwg]

Did mine today looked like the original pads on a 2005 van. Old ones came out ok but couldn't get the new ones to click in. I applied a small amount of fairy liquid to the shaft and they clicked in easily.

[@ianabarrow9366]

Hi Dan I went to replace my pads and as I did I small rubber washer came out also in two pieces. Now when I place my pads back in they don’t click like yours! Can you advise please Thanks Ian

[@mikesims9157]

Hello Dan phew my ALKO stabiliser hitch is quite different to Yours. I have a red lever on the left and a large diameter knob on the left that clicks like a ratchet when you turn it clockwise to tighten it. It doesn’t seem to expose the little black centres to get access to the friction pads. Now I’m rather concerned

[@azza1793]

How you done a video showing how to change the front/back friction pads?

[@rozeeboy74]

I have just replaced mine but the new pads don't seem to go into the hole as far as the old ones, and they feel a little loose. Do I just need a bit more brute force. or a wiggle/jiggle to get them in further?

[@AdamWelchUK]

Thanks. Top and the bottom next?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Adam, yes I think so. and a more detailed maintenance and cleaning regime on the hitch will also be a good move. Thanks Dan

[@crazybearmotorcycletouring]

Hi Dan Coincidentally this is one of the things that's been brought up on my service last week. Is it really as easy as your video shows ? How long should they last ?

[@TheTrudgians]

it really is that easy, they are designed to be replaced. I would pop them out and have a look at the condition. as i did on this video I roughed up the surface and gave them a really good clean. They should last for a few years.

[@customcruise]

Looks easy Dan..but my stabiliser is a WS3000 for a BPW chassis... im hoping its the same principle ....

[@TheTrudgians]

+customcruise hi, I genuinely have no idea. I could research and get back to you just to confirm. Thanks

[@customcruise]

It's ok Dan..just keep doing the videos...

[@billgordon7240]

Very good video many thanks! Can I just ask your advice Dan?? We are currently on only our second caravaning holiday and we are loving it but when we arrived here I couldn't get the alko tow hitch off the tow ball on the car I actually wound the jockey wheel up that far that it separated and I had to get the site attendant to help me get it together again which he did many thanks to him!! So I'm quite concerned now that this will happen again and I may not be so fortunate next time! Can I just ask if you have any ideas about this situation, like is this common do you know? Or should I buy a new alko hitch? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@albertsmith1048]

Apply your van handbrake. Lower down your jockey wheel. Pull up your large stabiliser handle which releases your friction pads. Pull up your hitch handle as far as it will go, keep hold of it with one hand and turn your jockey wheel handle with the other, after a couple or three turns it will release the ball from the hitch. Hope this helps.

[@craigchristensen6854]

How long do the pad's last .We are from New Zealand and have just got a import caravan ten weeks ago and i am going over it to see if there is thing's to fix . Me and my wife came across your You Tube vidoe's and we fine them great our caravan is a 18 foot and is a Swift make . We are in our winter time so she is parked up all ready to when the weather is good to go.Can we send you some photos of her some time on your face book it would be cool to shear photos and things with you .From the camper's down under Cheers Crai & Wendy..

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Craig, The pads we swapped out were as old as the caravan so 6 years old ! if i cleaned them, they would have been fine to re use. I would say check them each year (and when the hitch is creaking) and judge if they need replacing at the beginning of each season etc. As for photos, yes please - share them with us on Facebook, would love to see where you guys are - and also share them on Twitter and take Swift in them too - they would love to see their vans across the world. Take care Dan

[@doppy1983]

Dan, do you know if the winterhoff stabiliser pads are removed in the same way? i need to clean mine this week as they're covered in grease

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Andy, I am 100% unaware how to change the pads on a BPW hitch. This is something I will be addressing in the coming weeks however Sorry, i cannot be of assistance. Dan

[@BillSikes.]

Thanks for the info, any idea how to change them on a Winterhoff Hitch ?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, sadly not yet, I will be on the look out for a Winterhoff hitch and put something together.

[@BillSikes.]

@@TheTrudgians Thanks :)

[@shanemichaels1762]

Is there front and back friction pads as well?

[@rachaelibbotson9092]

I have the same hitch and it has been reversed over with another trailer. That button in the centre of the red rubber on your hitch has been sliced off and whatever goes through from top to bottom has fallen out. Do you know what used to be in there? I need to replace it for my dad's caravan!

[@prjwarren]

Hi, notice you have what looks like the same van Lunar Clubman SE and hitch, was it a 2004 or a 3004 alko hitch ?

[@michaelpucci1871]

What about changing the front and rear pad as well

[@alanpostma5861]

Hi Dan any chance of you knowing how to put the rubber nose pad back on thanks

[@ThorsTreasure]

Please redo this for the eorst that can heppen ie shims stuck or pads dont fully go in please

[@fenwanderermiller]

Any idea how to change winterhoff pads

[@K3vly]

Any tips on replacing the O rings inside the al ko hitch... TIA

[@jeffcalvert4917]

A pair of 'tweezers' is handy for this task.

[@simonhill3281]

Great video thanks

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Simon. Take care Dan

[@lindadown9451]

Can I ask where to purchase the pads and shims ? Thank you

[@georgesendall2569]

Did what you said to release hitch pads they released but do not come out just wobbles about any ideas thanks in addvance

[@DesmondsDonders]

Great video. The first time I heard the groaning I thought the tow bar was coming adrift :-)

[@TheTrudgians]

Ha, Thats exactly what we thought. Tom said the tow bar is loose. It really sounds horrendous in the car ! Thanks again Dan

[@davidmcgrath7555]

When I removed mine a small rubber ring also dropped out from one side, where would that have come from ?

[@blackvulcan100]

Great, but how do you know if the pads need changing ? does the pressure arm become easier to apply ?

[@TheTrudgians]

HI, if the hitch handle locks in place with little effort, or if the hitch is groaning these are good indications of the pads needing either replacing or some attention. ON the hitch itself there is indicators that show how far the handle has to move before the pads need replacing. Search google on ALKO hitch handles and read the manuals for further info. I hope that helps.

[@blackvulcan100]

@@TheTrudgians Many thanks, love your videos.

[@michael6692]

thats good bud ,, but i hvae the one with the clip at the end

[@bruceirving3375]

Hi, can you offer any advice on how to change an Alko gaiter?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Bruce, i haven't done this, but will look into it. Dan

[@liamahearne1645]

I got new friction pads each pad has 3 washers do I fit then also or what ?

[@mikesims9157]

I am not sure if I’m meant to sign in somewhere to be able to make contact with You. I already left a public note and I made an error where I said the large knob that one tightens is on the left but I meant on the right. Sorry. Mike Sims

[@moxymagic]

I have just worked out that I have lost one of the 0 rings holding the pad in place. One side clicked in fine but the other comes out with no resistance. Are they easy to replace?

[@markwidgery1922]

No they are not, which is why this video is misleading. As a caravan technician I can say 9 times out of 10 the O rings need replacement, also there is no mention of fitting shims🙄

[@alexcox8791]

How do I know what friction pads fits my 2006 swift caravan

[@davethompson449]

great, how about the other pads? front n back?

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Dave, i will be showing the front & rerouted pads in a separate video, its quite simple to do, the easiest thing is to clean inside the hitch head to start with. take care Dan

[@graemewakerley4062]

Being a newbie I had a new tow bar fitted to my car and didn't realise I had to take the black paint off. I have done one journey with van. I don't have any creaking Tec..should I still clean them ? Thanks for this grill video

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Graeme, I would clean them. you will find that some of the paint would have transferred to the pads and made them glaze or shine. Use some wet and dry to clean up the surface, also look inside the hitch to check if paint has contaminated the front and back pads or the hitch housing in general. Its a simple mistake, you won't be the last to do it, so don't feel too bad. Hope that helps Dan

[@TimSmyth23]

Can I ask how to keep the freshly cleaned-up towball from rusting?

[@hansruedisueli1091]

Thans very usefull indeed

[@philldownes8685]

what about the other linings you didnt change ? these hitches have 2 pads plus the front and back lining as well

[@TheTrudgians]

the front and back do not create any friction, they are simply guides to locate the ball, these seldom wear out but can be cleaned using a degreaser. To change them takes a bit more work, but is quite straight forward.

[@JayDee-xj9lu]

Is it ok to use chrome tow balls?

[@Fixingthingz4u]

I have Groaning on the trip but it wasn't my pads it was the wife lol

[@FitzsMum1]

Our engineer replaced our pads on a service and the hitch is now far too tight to clamp the handle down. What can we do please, if anything?

[@ozmid40scouple]

What a complicated setup, thank goodness we don't use that system here in Australia!

[@stevehagues4380]

I suppose a way to tell they need changing is when theirs little resistance when pushing handle down Just bought my caravan and have no idea if or when they were changed Cheers dan the man

[@paddybloomer]

good instructional video, but i cant belive thease litle bits of plastic will be any use in preventing snaking, iam gona bin my atisnake coupler and fit a standard head

[@thomaspridmore106]

Thanks

[@jeffcalvert4917]

When removing the friction pads, beware of damaging the rubber 'O' rings that secure the pads in the head. They are expensive to replace and fiddly to insert.