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I think there are some very valid arguments for not using a stabiliser which is why I don't, but I can argue till I am blue in the face and boring the pants off people, if they prefer to use one then they will.

The condom comparison is a nonsense - condoms prevent 90% of pregnancies if used correctly, a stabiliser will not prevent a major snake.

to quote noodle mum.As i said imo using an anti snaking device works.They wouldnt sell then if they were of no use.

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hmmm loads of useless things spring to mind here like mobile phone signal boosters ....12v hairdriers...dont work but people still buy them stabalisers only damp slight movements they WONT  help you if you get a serious snake on infact they could make people too confident...its ok ive got a stabaliser and would hesitate to try and correct at first sign ...

Quote: Originally posted by noodlenumnum on 15/6/2006

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Yes - and that really worries me.   Folks who have more confidence and find towing more enjoyable drive faster and are less safe.

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Dunno where your comming from with that comment?
Your saying confident drivers are less safe?

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I'm saying that drivers who have a wholly unwarranted confidence because they have a stabiliser fitted and who then drive faster because of that are less safe than they would be if they recognised the limitations of their "tug", didn't fit a stabiliser, felt less confident and drove much more slowly. 

 

NOW I know what you're getting at! It's a bit like how some drivers seem to think that switching on their fog lights or hazard flashers envelops them in an invincible force field which defies all known laws of physics. Actually, for some people all it takes is a BMW badge...

Simon H

Quote: Originally posted by Shytot4x4 on 16/6/2006

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NOW I know what you're getting at! It's a bit like how some drivers seem to think that switching on their fog lights or hazard flashers envelops them in an invincible force field which defies all known laws of physics. Actually, for some people all it takes is a BMW badge...

Simon H

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Once took a caravan maintenance course at night school a long time ago. One week we had manouvering lessons from the guy who used to rally for Swift Caravans. He was asked his opinion on stabilisers, his reply - "I woul'nt drive 5 yards without one".

Since then I've used one for the last 25 years.

Quote: Originally posted by Paul + Wendy on 16/6/2006

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Isnt that the same thing as I haven't got tatto's and I don't push weights, but I drive a 4X4 so 'it's my road'

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I'm more than happy to share my road with other 4X4s (Well, proper 4X4s anyway, not poncey X5s, RAV 4s or X-Trails and the like) - the rest of you had better keep out of my way

Simon H

And I am horrified by caravanners who do not drive sensibly and take unnecessary risks because they have a stabiliser fitted and so they do not feel when the outfit starts to become unstable and thus do not correct it early enough.

Interesting and as always controversial.

As the tower of a far more stable caravan than todays plastic ones I can honestly say that a stabiliser can be a help and at the same time is not entirly needed.
At 50mph with a correctly loaded caravan and car with correct tyre pressures on both car and caravan. By increasing the speed to 55 or 60 I have had a different reaction from the unit which after fitting a stabiliser has been cured. At speeds over 60mph in the UK a driver is breaking the law, a law which was put in place to keep the roads safe for the user of either the solo vehicle or one with a trailer in tow.

The use of a stabiliser is recommended by the main clubs but they do not (according to the info on their websites, manuals, or pamphlets) mention that it should be mandatory or that they have any plans to push to make it so.

Safe driving every one!

Quote: Originally posted by bordercaz on 16/6/2006

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And I am horrified by caravanners who do not drive sensibly and take unnecessary risks because they have a stabiliser fitted and so they do not feel when the outfit starts to become unstable and thus do not correct it early enough.

 

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And i for one am in total agreement with you Caz, what gets my goat is the caravanner who passes me on the motorway doing in excess of 70mph, overtaking on the outside lane. just because a stabiliser has been fitted it is no reason for these kind of idiots to test it to well over the limit!
It also makes me wonder why they are in such a hurry, we start our holiday when we leave the front door of the house, the journey being an integral part of the holiday, if I or Nana were to drive at faster speeds then we would not be able to admire the scenery as we drive , relaxed, along the highways en route to our chosen camping site. Absolutely no need to speed and rush around demented, if you have planned the whole holiday including the journey then the whole experience will be a great one.

Quote: Originally posted by Jason L on 13/6/2006

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I dont currently use a stabiliser. mainly due to the fact that I have a detachable swan neck towbar and the one I have wont fit. Can anyone tell me that even though I load up correctly and drive carefully, how much more at risk am I to snaking etc, than someone that does use a stabiliser ????

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Jason, I also use a detachable towbar, mainly because there is no other towbar available for the meriva which is legal. As i was one of the first people in the UK to have a meriva and ask for a towbar I had it fitted by Vauxhall, who at the time were the only manufactureres of a towball for the car.
When I pointed out that I used a stabiliser and that I would have problems fitting the bracket the vauxhall dealer said that if the one for a swan neck fitted, 'and I felt safe to use it' then he didn't see a problem. I was a bit worried about this so contacted the stabiliser manufacturer who pointed out that as the bracket fitted the stabiliser would 'probabbly' do its job.

I took it that as it was a new vehicle I was going to be one of the guinea pigs. Well after 30 months of towing with the Meriva and using the stabiliser I have not had any problems, although I did find that towing without the stabiliser was not a problem it does make a slight difference when travelling at over 50mph as per the statement in my previous post. I hope that tis helps in some way and that you find a solution. That is apart from fitting one of these posh new hitches with inbuilt stabiliser which cost more than I could afford!