ALKO - Tow Hitch Cap / Verschlußzapfen

thingiverse

I connected my trailer but soon realized that I'd misplaced the cap for my tow hitch, a European ALKO removable model with an interior mechanism prone to damage from dust. The prospect of driving without it weighed heavily on me. A replacement costs approximately 35 euros, an expense I deemed excessive for a plastic component. This notion resonated within me; most people lose one in their lifetime, I'm certain. I dedicated several hours to creating this solution and voila, the result was achieved! Assuming all ALKO tow hitches conform to the same standards, my version is compatible with the Mitsubishi Outlander model. The opening measurement of 55.75mm ensured its relevance to this specific application. I cleverly included a string hole at the base, providing a convenient feature for retrieval when needed. Perhaps it will also spare future owners from this identical predicament! For those in need of guidance, I provide the following: the printed piece, fabricated with ABS plastic at 250C and no cooling fan while maintaining the Bed temperature at 100C. However, PLA could suffice as well for this application. To facilitate successful assembly, it is essential to print each clip individually due to its orientation during production. They are best laid flat on their broad sides; any deviation may lead to immediate breakage upon use. After completing the printing process, carefully position each clip with a small amount of modeling glue in place. Patience and caution will be your greatest allies as you navigate this final stage. If all goes according to plan, congratulations will soon follow! In the event that you elect to try acetone vaporization on these components, proceed with extreme care. It has been suggested that exposure may lead to distortion, negating its snapping potential into place. Ultimately, the decision lies in your hands!