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.
Quote: Originally posted by Murfanco on 29/6/2011
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.
Murfanco, we had the same problem with the Winterhoff Hitch on our old caravan. You need to make sure that the hitch is not fully compressed as that stops it disengaging. We used to have to go backwards and forwards a few times in the car with the caravan's handbrake on. It seemed to need the hitch compressed at exactly the right amount! Luckily we have been ok with the new Alko hitch.
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
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
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.
Quote: Originally posted by birder99 on 29/6/2011
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
The University of Bath did a study on stabilisers. Jim and I have read the report many times. Try looking for it on the internet it makes interesting reading.
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
Any pull or push on the hitch seems to impede it. Best thing if it sticks is to apply the caravan handbrake and release the car handbrake. Watch out on a hill though, have someone ready in the car.
That sometimes eases it off.
Jim
Can I say I had this problem on my previous van. In fact it was a real pain. #i did all the same as suggested on here pull back push forward but it still would not release easily. So eventually after having it looked at during a service and them saying there is no problem I wrote to Alko they said it was a segment or something like that which needed oiling or would stick stopping the unhitch but had to be careful not to get oil on the pads. It seemed to do the trick but after a couple of false hitches I lost confidence in the hitch. Eventually I bought another van which had a winterhoff hitch never had a problem since. I like the way the lever snapps down when fully engaged.
I hope this help[s give Alko a call.
------------- A barman is just a pharmacist
with a limited inventory
I have an even simpler option when mine does this. Its usually when my car and van aren't in a straight line. I simply open the boot and sit on the lip and my voluptuous derriere does the work and it comes off. Simples!
Many thanks for all your advice,didn't mean to start world war 3 though!! When the unit is in line and level it definitly seperates more easily, must admit I don't wind back the pads so maybe it is catching beacause of that!? Will experiment with all the tips though,thanks again, Mike.
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.
"The performance of the Alko 2004 tow ball friction damper has been shown to be very effective at smoothing down snaking oscillations and reducing settling time."
but it does also say
"But this does not necessarily mean that it makes the coupled combination any safer, i.e. increase the snaking speed.
So if your combinations was going to snake at 60mph anyway without a stabiliser it does not mean that with one fitted it will start snaking at 65mph instead. However it does help reduce smaller snaking motions, which has got to give a better driving experience!!!
Cheers
Richard
------------- If you Don't ask, you Don't get..............
Easter - Alton Towers
May - Aveniemore
Summer - South West London (theme parks all Around)
September - Not Sure
October - Blackpool (Yet more Theme parks and attractions
Life is a Roller coaster and we will be on loads this year...
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Stubborn alko hitch
