Blade stabilisers

[zysko]

Hi.

I would like to install a stabiliser but talking to caravan store (who specialises in Alko equipment) they said that they do not fit blade stabilisers as those are not manufactured anymore. Doing some research, I did not get confirmation that this is true, but all blade stabilisers I could find are through ebay or amazon.
So is it true? Is it still good idea to put them on or should I go for hitch stabiliser (whis is dearer and not necessarily better as I read)?

Thanks for advice.

 

[otherclive]

Hi.

I would like to install a stabiliser but talking to caravan store (who specialises in Alko equipment) they said that they do not fit blade stabilisers as those are not manufactured anymore. Doing some research, I did not get confirmation that this is true, but all blade stabilisers I could find are through ebay or amazon.
So is it true? Is it still good idea to put them on or should I go for hitch stabiliser (whis is dearer and not necessarily better as I read)?

Thanks for advice.

For many years I used blade stabilisers and it wasn’t until 2005 when we bought a new caravan which came with the Alko hitch stabiliser. Never had any concerns on the blade stabilisers which did seem to dampen pitching better than the Alko. But they are heavier and bulky and are not so easy to engage as Alko. Also you need to ensure that the friction pads are correctly torqued whereas Alko are fit and forget (except for cleaning in situ) and do give a visual indication of pad engagement and wear.

 

[JTQ]

Having had both [Scott in my case] there is no way I would go back to it now the much more convenient Al-KO AKS range are available. Why now add the hassle to fit, apply it, plus then store it and all that extra weight, along with the inconvenience of using a greased hitch where technology as moved on so far?
Other than the little 1300 these have pitching damping, whereas the blade only offered undamped pitching load offset.

 

[Thingy]

If you really feel the need for a balde stabilizer, then
https://www.bulldogsecure.com/browse/bulldog-caravan-security/stabiliser/23

However, its such a simple job to change the hitchhead, it really doesnt make sense to have the weight, inconvenience and sheer hassle. When you subtract the price of the blade from the price of a hitchhead stabilizer, its win win with the AlKo.

 

[Raywood]

I tend to agree with Thingy as blade stabilisers can be very hard to lift on and if the rest on the a frame is only a little too far back they can come off on very tight corners.
Having said that they do work well in my experience.

 

[zysko]

Ok. I will go for hitch stabiliser then. Is it a good idea to look for second hand one?

 

[Thingy]

You could perhaps get a decent deal on Ebay for a second hand one, but make sure you use new bolts and nuts, and of course add a set of new friction pads. Also, check that your towball is compatible.

 

[zysko]

I have requested alko compatible towball so hopefully...