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I have just purchased my second caravan and would like to know if the spring loaded stabilisers ie Bulldog 200Q are adequate to stabilise the caravan. My previous van had a Winterhoff type stabiliser and I am unsure how the bulldog will compare

Any coments appreciated

Hi DLBU

I was given a bulldog 200Q by a friend when I purchased my first caravan a few months ago. Went to Blackshaw Moor in April for my first time in the van and it performed really well I thought, no problems even when overtaken by an artic and coaches doing in excess of 60!

I am just up the road on Oldbury Halesowen Quinton border btw.

Lee

Quote: Originally posted by DLBU on 04/6/2008

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I have just purchased my second caravan and would like to know if the spring loaded stabilisers ie Bulldog 200Q are adequate to stabilise the caravan.

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You might find this interesting.  http://people.bath.ac.uk/en8cjk/Caravan.pdf

Stabilisers do not seem to stabilise caravans.  All they do is reduce minor oscillations to give a slightly more comfortable towing experience, in some cases. 

I used to have a Bulldog 200Q when I towed a Lunar Saturn with a Peugeot 406 saloon.  Eventually, I gave it away because it didn't seem to do anything - apart from creaking, which could only be cured by either replacing the friction pad on a regular basis. 

Cheers
Andrew

We use a Bulldog towing our 1250Kg Elddis and yes it creaks but I can 'tell' when its on and when its off so I would rather go with it than with out it

Quote: Originally posted by Richl812 on 05/6/2008

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We use a Bulldog towing our 1250Kg Elddis and yes it creaks but I can 'tell' when its on and when its off so I would rather go with it than with out it

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The original question was about whether they stabilise caravans - and for the answer to that, all you need to do is read the Bath Uni research.

I have heard that following on from that research, Alko are developing a stabiliser system that does have an effect on caravan stability.  I understand that it involves the automatic application of caravan brakes during a snake.  Fitting hydraulic dampers, as many (mainly German?)  new caravans now have, should help too - as does using an adequate towcar, ensuring an appropriate noseweight, loading the van sensibly, ensuring that all tyres are inflated correctly - and driving more slowly.

Cheers
Andrew