Information at http://www.alko-tech.com/en/recall-coupling-ball-k50

AL-KO Vehicle Technology announces that a potential product risk has been identified in the K50 hitch ball (AL-KO ref. 1275100). There is a risk of tensile separation due to a breakage of the hitch ball if it is used for a D-value higher than 17.2.In concrete terms, this means that cars with a maximum permissible gross weight of up to 3.5 tonnes are generally not affected.  For vehicles with a maximum permissible gross weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes, the D-value must be calculated according to the following formula:

Dreq = g   (T x R / T + R)

Dreq: Required D-value in kilonewtons (kN)

T: Technically permissible gross weight of the towing vehicle in tonnes (t)

R: Technically permissible gross weight of the trailer in tonnes (t)

G: Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s2)

T and R can be found in the vehicle documents of the towing vehicle with the K50 hitch ball.(Certificate of Approval Part 1 / Vehicle registration document)The entered weights/masses from the vehicle documents of the towing vehicle are decisive.Any smaller actual masses of the affected vehicle combination are not relevant for consideration.

If the resulting Dreq value is greater than 17.2, the hitch ball must be removed.

Based on the findings and in order to avoid any risk of accident, dealers are requested to immediately stop selling and/or installing these products and to contact AL-KO Vehicle Technology. The contact details in Europe as well as other information can be found at http://www.alko-tech.com/en/recall-coupling-ball-k50.

Customers whose vehicles are affected by the recall based on the criteria described above, please contact AL-KO Vehicle Technology by e-mail K50@alko-tech.com, fax to +49 8221 / 97 - 8612 or by telephone to +49 800 255 6000 (free of charge within Germany) in order to coordinate the further procedure.