Alko - Without a Hitch
  • Caravan
    • How To
    • Products
    • Reviews
  • Trailer
    • How To
    • Products
    • Reviews
  • Boats
    • How To
    • Products
    • Reviews
  • Travel
    • How To
    • Products
    • Reviews
  • Caravan
  • Trailer
  • Boats
  • Travel
How To • Products • Reviews
How To • Products • Reviews
How To • Products • Reviews
How To • Products • Reviews

Adjusting Ball Couplings

The process is quite simple and requires only a 21mm ring spanner and a good flat blade screwdriver.

Caravan

17 October
2018

> Caravan > Adjusting Ball Couplings

Adjusting Ball Couplings

Caravan

17 October
2018

The process is quite simple and requires only a 21mm ring spanner and a good flat blade screwdriver.

Share
this
story

Ball couplings are by far the most common form of hitch used to connect trailers to their tow vehicles , and everyone using a trailer would be familiar with the very basic routine of hitching up their trailer with such a piece of equipment. But it is not always understood how such couplings should be adjusted to suit the ball, and the simple need to occasionally check that coupling’s adjustment.

If you are fitting a new ball you will need to adjust your ball coupling, and as it wears you will also have to adjust to accommodate that wear. The loss of the chrome coating off the ball will require an adjustment. It is for these reasons that it is highly recommended that the couplings and balls have a coating of grease or similar lubricant, to reduce that wear.

The process is quite simple and requires only a 21mm ring spanner and a good flat blade screwdriver.

Note: The adjuster screw on an AL-KO tow ball coupling is designed to minimise the design clearance of the tow ball within the coupling socket. The adjuster is not designed to compensate for a tow ball that is under size. Careful attention should be paid to the ball size in the case of excessive wear.

Step 1

In order to adjust the ball adjustment screw, the coupling must be first fitted to the tow ball.
Loosen the lock nut with the ring spanner by turning it anti-clockwise.

Step 2

Using the screwdriver wind in (clockwise) the adjusting screw until it stops while holding the adjusting nut stationary with the spanner. Do not use excessive force.

Step 3

Back off the screw until the point where you are able to lift off the ball coupling (using the jockey wheel) from the ball.

Step 4

While holding the screw stationary re-tighten the lock nut. Check that the coupling will reattach and will lift off the ball. If not repeat the process from Step 1.

Once adjusted check occasionally that ball wear has not created the need to readjust.

The spring loaded trigger attached to the handle when correctly connected to the tow ball will be positioned over the protruding lug on the coupling.

The securing of the coupling to the tow ball is achieved by the coupling tongue and it’s not a bad idea to fit either a ‘ring pin’ or ‘R clip’ which will make sure you have latched the coupling correctly before driving off.

When the handle is lowered the tongue locks the coupling to the ball.

The anti-rattle screw reduces the clearance between the ball and the cavity reducing rattle within the coupling.

PREVIOUS
NEXT
You may also like...

Most Popular

Recent

  • > AL-KO Toughest Tow Test 2018: Part 1 - ...
  • > Heading Offroad With AL-KO ESC
  • > How To Fit An Anderson Plug
  • > 2017’s Most Innovative Caravans
  • > Roughing it: What makes the best off ...
  • > Dump Points
  • > Do You Need A Snorkel On Your 4WD?
  • > Weight Matters
  • > Replacing An RV Entry Door Handle
  • > AL-KO Toughest Tow Test 2018: Redarc Tow...
View on Facebook

Unable to display Facebook posts.
Show error

Error: Error validating application. Application has been deleted.
Type: OAuthException
Code: 190
Please refer to our Error Message Reference.

Download towing e-books

Alko

Categories

  • Caravan
  • Trailer
  • Boats
  • Travel

Tags

  • Caravan safe
  • replace trailer lights
  • caravan tv antenna
  • masthead lights
  • manual vs auto

Popular

  • AL-KO Toughest Tow Test 2018: Part 1 - The Tough Assignment
  • Heading Offroad With AL-KO ESC
  • How To Fit An Anderson Plug
  • 2017’s Most Innovative Caravans
  • Roughing it: What makes the best off road caravan

Recommended

  • Australia’s Greatest Shortcut
  • Come Rain or Shine: Ideas for a Perfect Easter Caravan Holiday
  • Five Things To Consider When Budgeting For The Big Lap
  • 10 Caravan Storage Tips

© 2016 Without A Hitch. All Rights Reserved.
Terms & Conditions | About Without A Hitch | Privacy Policy

Connect With Us :

Subscribe to Without a Hitch

Without A Hitch is the place you can turn to for up-to-date information, practical advice, "how to" guides and handy tips for your caravan, trailer and anything else worth towing. To receive regular towing hints, tips sign up to our newsletter today! Without A Hitch is the place you can turn to for up-do-date information...