Quote: Originally posted by Paul_B on 20/7/2017
I've never had a snake but I feel better having a stabiliser to help me control one, just in case.
I had a snake once, the trailer tent with hitch stabiliser just went and it was difficult to control and took ages and 3 lanes of a fortunately almost empty motorway to stop. I was down to 20mph before it was stable again. So much for the stabiliser.
I'm convinced that without the stabiliser I would have had some early warning.
Nor am I convinced a so called caravan "stabiliser" is even that, a "stabiliser", or they could help you control a snake.
In all current forms they are only frictional "dampers", ie they damp the magnitude of the momentary "amplitude". [Previously there were available permutations on a linkage device that altered the geometry thus moving the ball.]
The snake that causes issues is one at the natural frequency and once that is reached then only changing the excitation or fundamental characteristics determining the natural frequency will offer any help.
The so called "stabiliser" though adds a lot to the comfort of towing by damping amplitude, making the experience towing less physically fatiguing on all concerned, so they have a valuable role.
"Damp the magnitude of the momentary amplitude"......."changing the excitation or fundamental characteristics determining the natural frequency"....."damping amplitude"
Quote: Originally posted by Mike3003 on 22/7/2017
"Damp the magnitude of the momentary amplitude"......."changing the excitation or fundamental characteristics determining the natural frequency"....."damping amplitude"
Glad that's cleared that up then! 😀👍
I think it means that it cuts out some of the bouncing!
Ask if the van is fitted with the new alco tow hitch,if it is you dont need a stabiliser as there are "Shoes"inside the head to stop the van from swaying.Take note tho,dont grease the tow ball on the car as it wont work..
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Topic: Stabiliser for towing ????
