We've just upgraded to a larger unit and are looking into the benefits of using a stabiliser. I've towed for 15 years without using a stabiliser and had no problems in the past. However, now we've moved to a longer van I do sense a slight sway at 50+ mph.
Questions I need answers to:
1) Are there any really noticeable differences when using a stabiliser?
2) Which type is better. A bulldog type which slots onto a backplate or the Al-ko type all in one?
Please advise as we don't wish to purchase something which will not benefit us.
Many thanks
Nigel and Liz (NiLi)
------------- Cyclists don't get older, they just go rapidly downhill...
On my old van I used the seperate leaf type (snakemaster or something like that).
My new van has the Alko stabiliser system.
I can find no difference in the feel of the two when towing, I can only say that the Alko one is a lot less hassle, nothing to fit and remove at each journey.
Of course careful packing and the correct noseweight and tyre pressures are all very important for stability, the stabiliser just giving a little more control.
I towed for 20 years without one. I have since towed for 20 years with one. I really don't know what the difference is but in theory is is safer with, than without. So I always use one! From the very beginning I spent a lot of time on Continental Motorways.
The same applies to my old Leafspring type stabiliser to my newer Al-Ko type.
I imagine that if there is a noticable difference in normal towing then something is drastically wrong
I towed my van for a year, with no problems, but this year managed to get a stabiliser for it, and it does make a differance, it doesnt twitch the same when a truck or other high sided vehicle goes past, and has significantly removed the pitching of the car/van.
I was very scepical that it would make a differance, and got one mainly on safety grounds, but it does make towing easier.
I would go for the alko or winterhoff type, both work on the same principle, and are easier, and apparently more efficient than the leaf, plus you dont need to find somwhere to store it when your not using it.
IMHO and having towed 3 vans using 6 different cars and 3 different stabilisers there impact on an inherently unstable rig is minimal. As has been said before on this subject "..if the outfit is poorly matched the stabilser can actually mask a problem..". I personally would make sure that the tow vehicle and caravan were well matched and then consider any of the major types of stabiliser; probably the hitchhead type by Winterhoff or Alko just for convenience. The stabiliser would be there to belt and braces the situation not correct an unstable outfit.
Looking at the as new weights for your outfit Ranger MTPLM of 1240kg and kerbweight of around 1500kg (depending on exact model and spec of C5) your weight ratio is around 83% so you shouldn't really be having any problems at all.
I use and would highly recommend the Snakemaster stabiliser when towing my 'van. This is a leaf type but with the added advantage that it has a hydraulic system which actually pushes the 'van back in line if it starts to swing. I bought this VERY POSITIVE reviews in a number of Caravan mags.
I have used it all over the UK and Continent with 2 'vans and I would not be without it.
It is now marketed by Pyramid, I think. Expensive but worth every penny.
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Topic: Benefits of towing with stabiliser??
