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Sorry Bryan, that's simply not true in some cases.  Read the earlier threads, and it may become clearer.

Jim

Again, Bryan, that's not what I said...

Of course you're right about other causes of snaking.  What I did say is that the stabiliser can mask signs that something is wrong.  The newcomer to caravanning needs to learn what these signs are, and hasn't developed the "feel" that you need to tow safely.

The stabiliser is a passive device, and by itself, won't cause any problems.  It will, however, prevent the signs of a problem being passed on to an inexperienced driver.

Also, of course, it will not cure an unstable outfit.

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by Murfanco on 29/6/2011

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I have a problem on occassions unhitching my Bailey provence from my towball which incidently I have changed, it can be a nightmare to get it to disengage, any thoughts appreciated.

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Hi Murfanco, you havent mentioned the set up on the van, is it an Alko anti snake on their.  If so is it the 1300? this unit has a small handle with which to apply the presure through to the pads rather than the larger handle.

If you are refferring to a 1300, then yes, I've had the same issue.  I do remember reading a thread here on a problem with pins bending in them so it would be worth doing a search.

I've now started spinning the tightening wheel around until it clicks once or twice before applying the additional presure with the handle, as opposed to turning it around repetatively once it has started clicking, clicking it about 10-20.  This change seems to have done the trick, no problems for two trips, though I've been carrying spanners with me just in case.

I've thought this through, and suspect that if you manage to over tighten the set up, they can probably be removed easily if you do it straight away, however, if you've towed for a couple of hours, the thing is warm, and therefore all parts have expanded slightly and it becomes tighter on the ball again.  I've not tested this theory, so it's just a theory.

Tony B

Quote: Originally posted by birder99 on 29/6/2011

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Jim, have you got any references for the research into 'stabilisers' that you mentioned as it might be better reading than "does it, doesn't it" on these threads.

Thanks

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If I remember correctly the original question was about unhitching the van.  At this stage it is customary for both the caravan and the towing vechicle to be stationary and therefore stable!

This is a bit counter intuitive but we seem to have problems when the hitch is "stretched".  The answer is to reverse the car or pull the van forward to compress the hitch a bit just an inch or so.  Works for me.

As a PS my 16 Daughter who is desperate to learn to drive took an online practise theory test and one of the questions was what was the purpose of a stabiliser on a caravan

Hi

I know this is a contensious issue regarding stabilisers but having looked at the University of Bath's report http://people.bath.ac.uk/en8cjk/Caravan.pdf here is the summary.