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When you say the old tow hitch, do you mean the very old cast iron type or the pressed steel version? This all depends on the age of the caravan of course.

You could fit a leaf spring type stabiliser on either of the two but If it's the pressed steel type hitch it would be advisable to replace with an Alko stabiliser instead for several reasons if you can afford to invest in buying one. Depending on the weight of caravan depends which one you require but the smallest one is an Alko 1300 which is designed to cope with a maximum of 1300 kgs. laden weight but my advice is to go the next one up for anything 1200 kgs. and above. To give you an idea of the sort I am referring to see the link but if you did decide fit an Alko stabiliser you would have to change the standard towball to an Alko one which is also provided in the full kit as shown.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alko-AKS-1300-Stabiliser-AL-KO-Anti-Snake-Device-/220728670707?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item33647439f3

Rod -

It's not difficult but there are a few things to pick up when you first start towing a caravan, like nose weight, correct loading, tyre pressures etc.

I found this site invaluable when I first started, lots of useful info in the archives.

If you want some more info you can visit either the Caravan Club or Camping and Caravan Club web sites, they both have advice sections open to non-members.

HTH

it is just possible after picking up the caravan that the nose weight was too light,this can cause sway because as you drive it gets lighter from the lift.find your max cars nose weight and meet this but not over this and it should be more stable.a good balanced caravan is the first requirement.no heavy weight at the rear end as this gives a pendulum effect.tyre pressures must set to the correct pressure.

http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/gettingstarted/newtocaravans/whatcanitow/

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/advice/loading-your-caravan-safely