Al-Ko help

Phoenixrver

I've got several questions regarding the Al-ko frame system. Are the wheel bearings sealed or do they need to be packed? How and where to service surge brakes? Where do I get a replacement tongue Jack? Or service manuals. Thanks

jgram2

@Phoenixrver Which year and model of T@B do you have? 

PS-welcome to the forum! I hope we can help.

Sharon_is_SAM

Our search function works well.  I just entered “Al-ko surge brakes” and all kinds of discussions popped up.  I found a file in the Category area under User Manuals.  Check out the Category area!

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6382/dutchman-t-b-resources#latest

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6091/rod-and-cable-surge-brakes

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/5845/brakes-overheating-surge-brakes

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/5833/2006-tab-clamshell-surge-brake-adjustment

ChanW

Ours has the hydraulic surge brakes, 2014, the last year Tab (Little Guy) used them. But sometime before these they used mechanical (rod) surge brakes. A completely different beast, so service procedures would vary. Hydraulic brakes require that you check the fluid, change it every 3 or 4 years, and adjust the brakes (and check them for wear, by pulling a drum). Also you need to be sure the surge mechanism, incorporated into the hitch, is operating freely (clean and use a "dry lube" on the moving parts).

Also our 2014 does not have the sealed bearings, but look for a grease zerk under a rubber cap on the center of the wheel, for easy maint. I believe some earlier models did have sealed bearings.

Thus @jgram2's question about the year of your Tab!

These service procedures are common on many cars and trailers, not unique to the Tab, so any competent shop could take care of them for you. You might want to let the mechanic know not to put a jack under the axle tube, as it's a torsion tube and a jack can crush it. It needs to be jacked under a frame member.

Etrailer.com probably has a tongue jack.