Good Morning Fellow Caravaners.

I am experiencing a problem with my tow hitch shock. I had the standard Al-Ko tow hitch shock and replaced it with the Al-Ko heavy duty type. Ever since I replaced it, the ball won't turn and the shaft pushes in with difficulty and won't return. When I loosen the bolt holding the front of the shock then everything works as normal. My question is does the new heavy duty shock work with the older Caravans such as 2001 model Gypsey Regal? I need to go camping and this is the last thing to sort out. Please assist with advice. 

i would contact AL-KO they should know best

Maybe put back the correct shock.  It is not a good idea to tamper with such systems as your brakes might not work correctly.

Hi Trent. Ask a caravan repair shop or Campworld.

Alfred - 073 252 5312

Otto - 082 454 1387

It sounds like the two shock absorbers are not interchangable.

If the standard shock is worn out the caravan tends to slap into the tow hitch when you brake hard.

wilst iv no real experience on this subject an alarm bell sounded when you mentioned that when you loosen the bolt the secures the front of the shock it all returns to normal.

i suspect the bolt in question is there to hold the shock in place and not to tighten the shock in place, meaning that when the bolt is tightened in place the shock should be able to move freely on that bolt, 

if the bolt tightens the shock up its pulling the unit out of line [ bending it if you wish ] hence the problem you have, 

Hi Trent

I replaced the damper(shock) with the heavy duty damper on my Sprite Splash in March 2019 and posted the details with photos on this forum under FAQ & General Chat - search for "DIY AL-KO strutt (damper) replacement." Post was done on 21-March-2019.
The heavy duty shock was "fatter" than the standard shock so I had to grind a portion of the supporting bar to get it to fit - maybe this is what is causing yours to bind when tightened.