Determining the suitable Al-Ko wheel lock for your caravan: Which Al-Ko wheel lock is compatible with your caravan?
Al-Ko wheel locks are a popular choice for securing caravans, offering drill-resistant and anti-pick systems for enhanced security. These locks come in three main model types, each designed to fit different caravans based on their chassis and receiver setup.
Identifying the Right Al-Ko Wheel Lock for Your Caravan
If you own a used caravan or are planning to buy one, it's essential to determine which Al-Ko wheel lock fits your vehicle. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Check for an Al-Ko wheel lock receiver on your caravan's chassis. This is the part that the lock clamps onto.
- Identify the production date of your caravan. Caravans made after September 2005 tend to have receivers compatible with the Compact wheel lock kits.
- If your caravan is older or lacks the receiver, you may need to look at older or alternative Al-Ko wheel lock models or a more universal clamp lock.
Understanding the Al-Ko Wheel Lock Types
| Lock Type | Fits | Notes | |----------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Compact Al-Ko Wheel Lock | Caravans with AK wheel lock receiver (post-2005) | Attaches directly to wheel spoke via receiver; most secure and common today | | Older or Universal Clamps | Caravans without receiver or pre-2005 | May require alternative wheel lock clamps (not detailed in the sources) | | Hitch Head Locks (e.g. AK301/AK351) | Al-Ko locking hitches on trailers/caravans | Locks hitch handle; prevents towing handle movement and vehicle coupling |
Where to Find Your Al-Ko Wheel Lock
- For Compact kits, these can be ordered easily online from the Al-Ko store.
- The other two types of Al-Ko wheel locks, Plus kits and Premium kits, need to be ordered and fitted by a local Al-Ko service centre or dealer.
Additional Information
- Aligning the lock receiver with the lock cylinder can be challenging, especially with twin axle models.
- Al-Ko wheel locks fix directly onto one of the wheel spokes via a receiver, potentially making them more secure.
- Not all new caravans come with an Al-Ko wheel lock provided, and users may need to determine which Al-Ko wheel lock fits their caravan.
- Wheel specific inserts for Al-Ko wheel locks start at £109.95 with free delivery.
- A new brake plate needs to be fitted to the brake drum on these caravans before any wheel lock receiver can be added.
- Al-Ko has a near monopoly in providing chassis for today's caravans.
- Premium Kits are designed for any caravans produced between September 2000 and August 2005.
- Plus kits are designed for any caravans produced since September 2005 that do not have a receiver.
- You can find the appropriate Al-Ko wheel lock size by visiting the Al-Ko secure site and entering your details.
- Lost keys can be replaced by registering the key with Al-Ko.
- The best caravan wheel clamp is frequently the Al-Ko wheel lock.
Insurance and Al-Ko Wheel Locks
Many insurance companies insist on fitting a wheel lock for coverage, even in secure storage depots. Fitting an Al-Ko wheel lock could also earn you a substantial discount on your insurance premiums.
Remember, when dealing with electrical products, it's important to exercise caution and be aware of the risk of electrocution. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing or using any electrical product.
[1] Al-Ko (n.d.). Al-Ko Wheel Lock. Retrieved from https://www.alko.com/en/products/accessories/caravan-accessories/wheel-locks/wheel-locks/ [2] Caravan Guard (n.d.). Al-Ko Wheel Lock. Retrieved from https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/security/al-ko-wheel-lock [4] Caravan Guard (n.d.). Hitch Head Lock. Retrieved from https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/security/hitch-head-lock
- Reading caravan reviews can provide insights on the effectiveness of Al-Ko wheel locks for securing caravans, and lifestyle benefits of owning a secured caravan, as well as tips on maintaining home-and-garden security when a caravan is not in use.
- When establishing a caravan lifestyle, investing in a high-quality Al-Ko wheel lock is essential for ensuring home-and-garden security and peace of mind, as many insurance companies prefer homeowners to use these locks before offering coverage.
