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The overall consensus is they are worth having.

I'd get one fitted. I've no idea how much they cost,our first one came as part of the deal & the new van has one on it so I can't help with prices. However, I would advise that if you fit one yourself, buy the longer bolts to go on the towing bracket & fit the new spring/locking  washers, it'll prevent the nuts working loose. Myself, I'd get one fitted & have it receipted as supplied fitted.

BB  

I think it's very much a personal thing whether you use one or not.  We've been towing with an Escort Estate and always used a stabiliser - folding camper and now caravan.  Just changed to a Nissan Mistral 4WD and we still prefer to use a stabiliser.

Best thing to do is see how your caravan tows.  If it pitches or sways more than you like, you might feel a stabiliser would be worth investing in.  We were lucky that, when we bought the caravan, we could chose from a free towbar or stabiliser.

Enjoy your caravan though!

Jazzycats.

Having bought a van two weeks ago, I bought a stabiliser. Towed the van home without it, fitted it at home and then took the van away for the weekend. Granted it was only a cheap one (£50 from towsure) but I could tell no difference at all, if anything it felt worse with the stabiliser fittes, although I put that down to additional weight. In hindsight I would say it was a waste of money.

The dearer ones doubtless sre better but I would save my money next time.

Quote: Originally posted by laird john on 23/7/2006

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Ive been towing for years and as long as you load the van right and have the correct tyre pressures there is no need for a stabliser,my personal view is there a waste of money.

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Don't agree, Laird John.  No matter how careful you are, another, larger vehicle (e.g. lorry) can pass too close and cause the start of snaking.  Many other factors can then influence your ability to regain control.  For years, I used a Bulldog spring leaf stabiliser, and was aware of the improved control.  18 months ago, a vehicle change made it necessary to employ a removable tow ball, so I converted to a Winterhoff hitch-cum-stabiliser.  This also control yaw as well as snaking, and is superior to my previous leaf type.  Expensive yes, but definitely worth the cost.  A small outlay when the overall value of your oufit is considered; the lot could be wrecked, not to mention the safety of people on board.

Whatever your views, I hope you keep safe.

Cheers, Bertie

I fully agree delburt0

One thing though.  I recently changed my van.  My Winterhoff was on the outgoing one, and the new van was already fitted with an Alko hitch-cum-stabiliser.  I have a VW Touran and a detachable tow ball.   The dealer had to change the Winterhoff over to my new van.  My tow ball is so close to the car's rear bumper that, on a tight turn, the Alko would foul the car.  It's aBrink tow bar assembly, and there is no choice of tow ball lenght.  Anyhow, if there was, the effective nose weight would be affected.   Anyone changing vehicle/van should bear this point in mind if a hitch-cum-stabiliser is in the equation.

Cheers, Bertie