Towing

[MB72]

Just wondering if anyone knows if there have been issues with the Sprinter tow assist being incompatible with the alko hitch on a caravan that means the tow assist doesn't work. There have been problems with tow assist systems from other manufacturers.

 

[Benzowner]

Try asking here Caravan Talk Forum Caravaners may have a little more knowledge than MB drivers,

 

[BTB 500]

Just wondering if anyone knows if there have been issues with the Sprinter tow assist being incompatible with the alko hitch on a caravan that means the tow assist doesn't work. There have been problems with tow assist systems from other manufacturers.

Do you mean Trailer Stability Assist?

If so AFAIK that's just part of ESP ... I don't see how the tow hitch type would be an issue. What sort of problems are you talking about? AL-KO hitches are pretty standard.

 

[David404]

Just wondering if anyone knows if there have been issues with the Sprinter tow assist being incompatible with the alko hitch on a caravan that means the tow assist doesn't work. There have been problems with tow assist systems from other manufacturers.

The Alko tow hitch with the built in stabliser needs to connect to a swan neck tow bar. The old style bolt on tow balls can cause issues.

 

[MB72]

There have been issues where for trailer stability systems they have a ring of some sort fitted into the ball. The stabiliser hitch pads then clamp onto it making it inoperative. It also increases wear on the pads.

 

[BTB 500]

Check with MB but I'm pretty sure their system only uses the existing ESP sensors in the vehicle to detect that a 'snake' is starting.

 

[David404]

Think this is more of a mechanical issue then electrical. The Alko tow hitch to tow ball is all about the mechanical connection between the two and the design of the Alko hitch not allowing correct clamping of the ball head to the friction pads in the Alko head that provide the stability control.


Many caravans on Alko chassis will also have the Alko electronically operated stability control units but these would operate independently to such systems on the car.

 

[BTB 500]

Not sure about the Sprinter but the factory towbar on our Vito is a Westfalia one, which works perfectly with AL-KO hitches (after you're removed the black paint on the ball of course ).

The OP was specifically asking about the van's stability system I think.