Al-Ko's 3.5-tonne pin coupling locks
automatically onto the supplied tow pin.
AL-KO 3.5-TONNE OFFROAD PIN COUPLING
Al-Ko’s offering in the fully-articulating offroad
pin-coupling market, like the Hitch-Ezy, offers
‘hands-free’ hitching-up. types of bolts to use – and you’ll need to check
with the bolt supplier for the recommended
torque setting.
Just wind down the jockey wheel and the head of the
coupling will automatically engage on the specially-
designed pin that bolts to the towbar in place of a
towball. The primary and secondary locking required
for ADR compliance occurs automatically. In most cases, retro-fitting this coupling should
be simply a matter of bolting it into place after
removing the old coupling. However, if replacing
a coupling that has an integrated handbrake,
you’ll need to also fit a new Al-Ko handbrake.
It’s reasonably straightforward: the handbrake’s
base plate sits underneath the coupling and uses
the same bolts, but because the handbrake cable
will likely also need adjusting, it would be worth
having this done professionally.
A ‘positive locking indicator’ pops out of the
coupling’s red head to show that it has engaged
the pin.
This coupling also features a built-in cover that seals
the inner workings from the elements (there are no
loose parts). Its height of 83mm makes it one of the
lowest-profile offroad couplings on the market.
In our experience, it offers some self-guiding
characteristics – but the pin has to be almost
perfectly aligned with the coupling, otherwise
the head of the coupling tends to roll forwards or
backwards on its vertical axis.
To unhitch, press on the cover while pressing in
the positive locking indicator – which can be done
with one hand – and wind up the jockey wheel.
If retro-fitting, be aware that it doesn’t come with
its own bolts; however, the manual specifies the
26 \
The Al-Ko coupling hasn’t been on the market
anywhere near as long as its nearest competitor,
the DO35; however, it is being fitted more and
more as standard equipment on Aussie-built vans.
AL-KO 3.5-TONNE
OFFROAD PIN COUPLING
RRP: $478
WWW.ALKO.COM.AU