Message Forums

In 2005 I started out with a 1989 Avondale Cheviot to which I fitted a Bulldog-style blade stabiliser. In 2008 I briefly owned a large five-birth Eldiss that came with an Alko hitch stabiliser already fitted. I've also had a Conway Cruiser (no stabiliser), a tiny ABI Sprinter 4 birth (loved it - no stabiliser) and now a lovely Bailey Ranger (just acquired, with no stabiliser). As I was shopping for a new-ish van (5 years old or less) I kind of expected them all to come with an Alko device already fitted. Mine didn't, however, and I was surprised at how many used vans didn't have them. So should I rush straight out and buy one before our first trip away in a few week's time? I have to be honest and say that in the past, I haven't been able to tell the difference between using them or not. I did (only once) inadvertantly end up with a tail heavy van, and that was a nightmare. It was obvious from the outset that something was wrong. At all other times, we've achieved a sensible nose weight (never weighed it though) and put anything heavy as close to the axle as possible. Would it be heresy to say I'm not sure that anti-snake devices are quite as useful as they are made out to be? A stabiliser can't make up for a poorly or overloaded van, or inadequate tow car. I am genuinely not sure if I am going to bother this time around.  Will anyone advise me otherwise?

I have been towing for about 30 years now and for about the last 26 I have been using some sort of stabilising device. The reason for starting to use one was because of a similar situation mentioned by Angus. I over took a slow moving car and had plenty of room to pull in but did so a bit too quickly. Having the caravan swaying around behind the car was quite scary. A stabiliser would have damped that movement. In all other circumstances the combination was perfectly stable. As you rightly say a stabiliser will not combat a poorly matched/loaded outfit but it can help in certain circumstances.

As an aside if they don't provide any real help I don't quite understand why caravan manufacturers fit an expensive bit of kit to new caravans! Also in Germany if you want to obtain yout Tempo 100 certificate (which allows you to tow at 100kph, 62 mph) it is require you have a stabilising hitch fitted to your caravan.

There will be purists that say you should never use a stabiliser in any circumstances but I don't subscribe to that view. Fortunately it is a relatively free country so within bounds we are able to make our own decision on such things.

David

They fit the expensive kit so you will buy it.  Anything they can add on increases their profits.  It's up to the individual of course, but it's worth noting that a few years ago stabilisers were sold as anti snake devices.  Now it has been proved they don't stop snaking, they are sold as a comfort device.

My current caravan has the hitch stabiliser, but if it didn't I would never buy one.  They do mask early warning signs of problems, and I like to feel what's going on.

To each his own.

Jim

We have an alko 3004 on ours.  They aren't an anti-snake device in the way the alko ATC device is and it could be argued that by just damping minor oscillations they mask an oncoming dangerous situation.

We don't have a stabiliser on our horse trailer and to be honest i have never seen a stabiliser on a horse trailer.

You pay your money and make your choice.  I think with sensible driving a stabiliser is unnecessary. 

I have an Alko 3004 and am having ATC retro fitted on Monday. My view is similar to Angus, willing to make the investment to reduce the risk of the "unforeseen".

Don't want two ton of caravan going off on a wobble even if it is matched to the car and properly loaded it could still happen.

'Don't want two ton of caravan going off on a wobble even if it is matched to the car and properly loaded it could still happen.'

The ATC may well prevent it happening, but tests carried out by bristol university suggest that stabilisers just delay the onset by a few mph.  I am not sure if anyone but alko have tested ATC yet.

A stabiliser damps down oscillations but if people think it will stop a snake and drive accordingly then they might be in for a nasty surprise.  We always engage ours but don't have any doubts about its role.  The ATC is an active device that promises to help stop a snake.

Quote: Originally posted by brianconwy on 11/3/2011

---

'Don't want two ton of caravan going off on a wobble even if it is matched to the car and properly loaded it could still happen.'

The ATC may well prevent it happening, but tests carried out by bristol university suggest that stabilisers just delay the onset by a few mph.  I am not sure if anyone but alko have tested ATC yet.

---

Brian - I have looked at the output from Bristol Uni and also the info from Al-ko, the proof of the pudding etc. will only come in time with use of ATC, but problem is, will we ever know what help it has provided if it functions as described?. I am willing to make the investment for the "belt and braces" approach but we all make the choice we are most comfortable with.

I am sure the ATC will have a positive effect on preventing outfits going out of control. 

Equally, as most vans have stabilisers fitted, I would also imagine that most vans that overturn have stabilisers fitted.  I use a stabiliser and am not against them, but I do not think they offer a lot in protection against the circumstances that lead to vans overturning.  This is probably why alko have done further research and come out with the more sophisticated ATC.

Quote: Originally posted by Conosseur on 11/3/2011

---

Thanks, I am glad I asked the question now. This puts a new perspective on things. I could do without the haslle of a separate device, however. I guess I need to look into an Alko unit but they do look quite dear.

---