Well, firstly to define the two independently, the Alko is a mechanical device and the ATC (Automatic Trailer Control) is a computerised device that's why the product is more expensive in comparison. However, if either of the two happen to malfunction the ATC would be more expensive to repair so the outlay of the initial purchase plus any repairs in the long term could prove to be rather expensive. The idea of both components is to stop the trailer from snaking and the Alko has been proved to work well (providing the caravan is loaded correctly) whereas the ATC is fairly new on the market and has had it's teething problems in the past since it was introduced so if I were to opt for either of the two I would choose the Alko stabiliser for reasons mentioned. Click on the link for further Information on the ATC device.
I would have an active system like ATC over a passive stabiliser. However if you need either you need to check your outfit. They are nit to stabilise an unstable outfit. I prefer not to use anything so I know if something is wrong before the ambulance ride.
The passive stabiliser will not prevent a snaking accident. They are not longer marketed as safety devices. It will give a slightly more comfortable ride. It adds nothing to safety, and should only be used on an already stable outfit.
The ATC is a safety device, and should help to prevent an accident.
If you have a well matched outfit, properly loaded with good noseweight and tyre pressures, you should not need either.
As DaveCoaches says, a stabiliser can ask the early signs of a problem, and you need every split second you can get to start the correction.
There was some research done by Bath university about 3 years ago or so and it clearly identified the issues with hitch head 'stabilisers' such as the AKS.
Having towed for about 40 years with and without various 'stabilising' devises I can honestly say that the only one that does not mask an unstable unit is the ATC (and BPW IDC) yet it will still put a unit back in line in the event of a sudden gust of wind or the suchlike. In a few thousand miles of towing I have only ever felt it activate the brakes twice. Once when I was taking a corner a bit too fast and once when a coach came past too close on the motorway and caused a suction sway.
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I'm with Dave on this one, I have'nt used any type of stabiliser in 40 years of towing caravans. Yes I have had a couple of mild snakes in my very early years of towing but that was down to my lack of knowledge regarding nose weights, car and caravan tyre pressures and caravan loading.
I actually HAVE used stabilisers, both hitch and blade stabilisers. I always made a point of driving a few miles before fitting / engaging the stabiliser although when we changed our caravan last, my AKS1300 was not suitable for the heavier van and so I no longer have a stabiliser fitted.
You would be surprised how much instability a stabiliser will cover up initially, but as the University of Bath research shows, it will not stop a snake, just reduce "minor oscillations" hence you don't get minor oscillations to give you a warning, just a full on snake.
When you are confident you have a stable outfit without a stabiliser then you will find the stabiliser will do nothing at all, nor will the ATC.
ATC will apply the brakes to drag the caravan straight, whereas trying to hold it firm on a 50mm ball with 4 tiny brake pads is never going to do much with over a tonne and a half of caravan waggling its tail and if it could hold the caravan tightly enough to the tow ball then it would probably rip the back off the car.
Absolutely in agreement with those thoughts. Just try to hold the business end of a sweeping brush with someone swinging on the end of the handle. And that's a small proportion of the forces involved here.
With a real snake, you have very little warning, and it happens faster than you can blink. Better to feel the small movements so you can take action early.
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Topic: Stabilisers
