I was recently towing back from Cumbria to Brum on the M6. Range Rover and Bailey Pegasus 4 berth with an 85lb nose weight. Around Preston I was in the inside lane doing about 55 in quite heavy traffic. I was going past a slip lane coming in from the nearside. The combination of the ruts from the lorries and an an adverse camber got the caravan snaking quite badly. I gently eased off the throttle and then I felt the ATC kick in. It soon had the outfit straightened up. First time I have ever needed it and I was damn glad it worked.
Alko ATC
- Thread starter GW5
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- Nov 16, 2015
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I have had the ATC activate going around the Milton Keynes roundabouts, esp the larger ones, when suddenly turning off onto a new straight, a very slight slowing jolt, but you know it has happened.
Also had it happen on the M40 passing an HGV, that was a mixture of passing too close and badly balanced caravan on my part.
Also had it happen on the M40 passing an HGV, that was a mixture of passing too close and badly balanced caravan on my part.
I have experienced it "checking", again on coming out of roundabouts, where I have travelled at the traffic flowing speeds.
I have also had it at near creeping, this on bumpy rally fields that throw the van about.
My "take" on this activity is that it doing so is very reassuring, its there working. Even though there not really needed, giving confidence it likely will if it ever is.
- Nov 11, 2009
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I’m quite surprised that at 55 mph the caravan outfit “snaked” enough to concern you. I know that the furrows and ridges do cause movement but a heavy car like a Range Rover is very well matched weight wise to your caravan. You say 85 lb noseweight do you mean 85kg. If it’s only 85lb that could explain the jitteriness. Otherwise I’d suspect things like tyre pressures or weight and weight distribution. But good to know the ATC kicked in and calmed it down.
- Mar 14, 2005
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Caravan towing instability always has speed as a major factor, and I am concerned the OP had a sway at "55mph" That is far too low and means the outfit is not set up correctly. Revisit your caravan loading techniques to get the centre of gravity as low as possible. and ensure you trim for a nose load that does not exceed either caravan chassis limit or the cars limit details should be stamped on the relevant parts.
- Nov 11, 2009
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The OP did mention ruts on the motorway lane and an adverse camber. There used to be lorry induced ruts on Lane 1 on the M4 eastbound between Bristol and Bath and no doubt they did create swaying of the caravan, but it wasn’t a “snake’. They also caused my BMW E30 M to wander too. So Lane 3 became its natural environment !!!
I never had ATC on a caravan, but I’m sure the OP’s ATC kicked in because of such induced lateral movement. If however it was caused by poor set up and loading it is something to be looked at particularly with such a capable outfit as a Range Rover/Pegasus 4 berth.
- Mar 14, 2005
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There are some vehicles which have always been good tow vehicles, the Range Rover is one, But unless the outfit is both properly matched and loaded, even if apparently well matched but poorly loaded then it can be a pig to drive.
Good towing is not simply about achieving a good weight ratio between car and trailer, it is a combination of a range of items including;-
Good towing is not simply about achieving a good weight ratio between car and trailer, it is a combination of a range of items including;-
- Minimised trailer mass relative to the tow vehicles.
- good payload distribution to achieve a sensible nose load.
- Correctly inflated tyres for towing.
- Ensuring that both car and trailer are maintained to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Never overload or exceed any of the load limits of the car or trailer.
- Allotting extra time for the journey compared to a solo vehicle.
- Being aware that when towing different speed limits may apply.
- Remember that speed limits are just limits, not targets.
- Consider other road users and give them the opportunity to safely pass you if possible.
- Understanding how much extra space is needed to manoeuvre the outfit.
- Planning the route to avoid unsuitable roads.
- Sensible driving techniques, including not driving too fast for the conditions, and thinking ahead even more than for solo driving.
- If unsure about road or weather condition be prepared to postpone your journey, or if already committed, slow down a little before it becomes a problem.
- Understand that other vehicles can affect your outfit when passing.
- If you do detect the onset of instability, slow down gently, drive until it's safe to stop, then adjust your loading to improve handling.
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- Jun 20, 2005
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What we don’t know is how many oscillations did the OP experience before he felt the ATC kick in?
A correctly functioning ATC will react as soon as the first oscillation occurs. Apply the brake and stop the sway. Reading the OP script again it does appear he felt “snaking quite badly”.
Is it possible there is a fault with his ATC?
A correctly functioning ATC will react as soon as the first oscillation occurs. Apply the brake and stop the sway. Reading the OP script again it does appear he felt “snaking quite badly”.
Is it possible there is a fault with his ATC?
- Sep 4, 2011
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Never ever had problems with motorway tramlines to cause any sway. Suspect caravan loading the most likely cause. What does cause our ATC to kick in hard is railway crossings with the rails uneven. I think his ATC unit needs checking.
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- Nov 16, 2015
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When I had my "Snake" on the M40 at about 60 mph, there was a definite right, left and then the ATC brought the van straight and slowed m e down to maybe 45 or 50 mph before releasing. All done within 2 maybe 3 seconds. I have no idea how for out the caravan moved from straight.
A very noticeable silence in the car for 15 seconds.
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