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You misunderstand me. I would never want anyone to learn the hard way as you put it (although the hard way is the only way some people will learn) My point is that if a beginner gets to feel the movement of the van when a truck passes then he gets to know what the first signs of movement are so he can take action to correct it i.e slow down. He will also get a warning a little earlier that something is going wrong. This may only be a few milliseconds but could be the difference between an accident.

Given that a stabiliser does take out minor oscillations but cannot dampen out major ones which we are all agreed on then there must be a point where the minor oscillation becomes a bigger one. The period between things first going wrong and the oscillations becomeing too strong for the stabiliser to take out is the zone that could make all the difference as to whether a beginner can hold it. A minor oscillation is much easier to get under control than a snake, so let the beginner get that under control and not have to contend with the snake.

I am very surprised that an AlKo agent agreed with the idea of using two stabilisers unless they were going to sell you a second. When I bought a new AlKo stabiliser, the instructions from AlKo clearly stated it was not to be used in conjunction with any other stabiliser. If you want to call AlKo I am sure they will conirm this. 

Quote: Originally posted by LegsDownKettleOn on 04/9/2009

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I am very surprised that an AlKo agent agreed with the idea of using two stabilisers unless they were going to sell you a second. When I bought a new AlKo stabiliser, the instructions from AlKo clearly stated it was not to be used in conjunction with any other stabiliser. If you want to call AlKo I am sure they will conirm this. 

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NOOOOOO.   They didn't.  They said that a stabiliser can be used with the ATC!  It's a different animal altogether.  I would never EVER use two stabilisers.  The ATC ...... well I've tried to explain, try this link, maybe they will have more success.  Then read my comment again and you will see that I didn't say the use of 2 stabilisers is ok.  Bye for now while I go bang my head on a wall!

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/alko-Trailer.htm

Quote: Originally posted by Gram on 08/9/2009

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"...Given that a stabiliser does take out minor oscillations but cannot dampen out major ones which we are all agreed on then there must be a point where the minor oscillation becomes a bigger one..."
- unless the minor oscillation has been "taken out".....so what has ceased to exist (taken out) then creates something from nothing...
Once again, UoB actual summary - "...has been shown to be very effective at smoothing down snaking oscillations and reducing settling time...."

The unproven suggestion persists that use of a stabiliser tends to give a false sense of security and encourages higher speeds.
If so, it is equally valid that safety belts, air cushions, ABS, ESP will also encourage a false sense of security and encourage higher speeds. Whether these devices work or not is irrelevant; the "sense of security" is a perception - do these - have these - devices encouraged higher speeds?
When crash helmets were made compulsory for motorcyclists, did they increase their speeds?
Is there proof of any higher speeds because these devices/accessories have become standard and/or compulsory, rather than the modern tendency to rush and hurry through every part of life?
Unfortunately, a few/some people may well consider that the mere prescence of these aids/accessories/devices do make higher speeds permissable, but the blanket assumption that the majority will do so is totally unwarranted - the fact that I have some fault or failing does not give me the right to assume, let alone suggest, that the majority of other people also have that particular fault.

Gram

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 I'd like to put my thoughts down if I may..............

When I started caravannning the first thing I did was to go on a Caravan club course. Apart from being able to make a total prawn of yourself reversing we were also taught about the equipment and HOW TO LOAD THE CARAVAN CORRECTLY which was backed up with a handbook full of useful info. it was the best money I spent. Our first caravan had a blade stabiliser (down to budget) and our current 'van has an alko stabiliser and ATAC fitted. Nice stuff to have but doesn't excuse you from poor loading and i am still very careful about how I load with particular regards to weight distribution

With regards to the original question about using two different types of stabilisers I would recommend that  if in doubt contact the technical departments of either of the two main clubs. 

I thought this was supposed to be a helpful forum and not a mud slinging arena....

Quote: Originally posted by antjt968 on 08/9/2009

Quote: Originally posted by LegsDownKettleOn on 04/9/2009

I am very surprised that an AlKo agent agreed with the idea of using two stabilisers unless they were going to sell you a second. When I bought a new AlKo stabiliser, the instructions from AlKo clearly stated it was not to be used in conjunction with any other stabiliser. If you want to call AlKo I am sure they will conirm this. 

NOOOOOO.   They didn't.  They said that a stabiliser can be used with the ATC!  It's a different animal altogether.  I would never EVER use two stabilisers.  The ATC ...... well I've tried to explain, try this link, maybe they will have more success.  Then read my comment again and you will see that I didn't say the use of 2 stabilisers is ok.  Bye for now while I go bang my head on a wall!

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/alko-Trailer.htm

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