Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: Stabiliser and Towing

Page: 1 2

LegsDownKettleOn

05/1/2011 at 6:09pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 17/10/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2782

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I would expect a caravan engineer or dealer to recommend a stabiliser...He has a chance of selling you one.

A well balanced outfit should not snake if it hits a pot hole, with or without a stabiliser.

Maybe you should try towing without a stabiliser and move things around the van to alter the noseweight and see the difference it makes. I have and you would be amazed the difference a few kilos makes to the way it feels without a stabiliser. Covering this up with a stabiliser just demonstrates my point that it can cover up the warnings and lets be honest, a beginner needs these warnings.

I have certainly not suggested that people suddenly drive at 90 mph because they have a stabiliser, however the highway code states that you should choose your speed depending on the prevailing conditions. An outfit with a stabiliser fitted will feel safe at a higher speed than one without. Note the emphasis on the word feel as it won't actually be safer.

G7ACU

05/1/2011 at 7:11pm
Location: West Mids
Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2617

Site Reviews Total:	11

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Both LegsDownKettleOn & Greendemon have made valid points, all of which I have to agree on.
Personally, I wouldn't consider a stabiliser to be of any benefit for the lightweight van the Op's mentioned however if they do feel the need to fit one I'd strongly urge them to tow some distance without the stabiliser fitted/engaged to check how the rig handles at each use. I cover at least 6-8 miles before fully engaging my Alko hitch type and am happy with towing performance.
It could be argued "why bother"; frankly while I appreciate the stabilisers benefit I'm also aware of it's limitations too.

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!

AndrewK

05/1/2011 at 8:09pm
Location: Oldham
Outfit: Burstner S500TS Nissan Patrol 3.0 SVE

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/4/2005

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1157

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by LegsDownKettleOn on 01/1/2011
For what it's worth, I have an AlKo hitch stabiliser and really cannot tell the difference whether the lever is up or down.

ditto

Andrew

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

5094 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024