Jacking points
Our dealer was keen to point out that our new caravan came with a spare wheel and a wheel brace. Great, now we were covered in the event of a tyre change. Wrong. He failed to point out that the van does not come with the means to jack it up – not just the absence of a jack, but also jacking points. I have since learned that the Al-ko chassis has no jacking points fitted (although it does have two holes for them on each side). They sell a kit for this (at cost) as an aftermarket fit.
This is an omission that, in my opinion, could be put right in one of three ways. First, the chassis manufacturer could fit jacking brackets. Second, if chassis makers won’t or can’t do this, caravan manufacturers could fit the bracket themselves. Third, if these options are not met, dealers should inform buyers that brackets and jack are not provided and offer to fit them before delivery (at cost).
At the very least, dealers should inform buyers they will need to fit brackets and buy a jack, and offer suitable products to purchase. Fortunately, in the few trips we have made since we took delivery of our van, no tyre changes have been necessary, and I have now fitted brackets; but this is a situation that I believe needs addressing by the industry. Kenneth Walsh
Contributor Nigel Hutson replies... I agree that it is frustrating that caravans don’t come with fitted jacking points. You either have to fit the Al-ko points or go to another aftermarket supplier – but again, you have to fit the kit. In the absence of a dedicated kit, you need to use a ‘normal’ jack (hydraulic/scissor/trolley) on the chassis directly beneath the axle tube. Under no circumstances should you use a jack on any other part of the chassis, because it will cause damage.