‘Quick Release' Fixings for AL-KO Big Foot™ Leg PlatesAL-KO Big Foot™ stabiliser leg plate These leg plates can be purchased individually or as a set of four from on-line web sites such as Caravans Plus (www.caravansplus.com.au) for fixing to earlier A'vans which do not have these plates already fitted. We purchased a set in 2009 and fitted them to the stabiliser legs of our 1999 Sportliner, since when they have performed satisfactorily. The only problem we have experienced has been when reversing the A'van over a ‘dished drain' onto a sloping site where the there might be insufficient clearance under the A'van as the rear wheels of the tow vehicle passes over the drain. Typically, the front stabiliser legs dig into the ground and can result in a leg plate (or plates) breaking off the leg if this is not noticed in time. Being aware of this, we keep a close watch and take the appropriate plate off the leg if it is likely to dig into the ground. Removing the plate involves laying on the ground and using spanners to remove the nylock nut from the fixing bolt. To make it easier (especially when it might be raining), we have replaced the existing fixing bolts with a ‘quick release' version as shown in the photograph below: ‘Quick Release' fixing bolt for Big Foot™ leg plate The ‘new' bolt' is an 8 mm diam, 150 mm long, hex headed steel bolt. The threaded end is cut off leaving 110 mm from under the head. A 3 mm hole is drilled through the bolt, 100 mm from under the head to accommodate a 2.5 mm "R" clip: Big Foot™ stabiliser leg plate with ‘Quick Release' fixings When necessary, the ‘R' pin is pulled out which allows the fixing bolt to be pulled through releasing the foot from the leg. The spring is still attached which allows the foot to be ‘parked' above the leg as below: Leg Plate removed from leg and temporarily ‘parked' above leg Once the A'van is on the site, the leg plate (or plates) can be easily replaced before winding down the stabilising legs. You will probably need to remove them again before leaving the site to avoid them digging into the ground when crossing the dished drain.
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