Should I fit Alko ATC?

[ProfJohnL]

Fit it only if you want to "speed with confidence".A properly matched and loaded car and van shouldn't need any stabilisers

Not so, even the best balanced and loaded outfit can be badly affected in high winds or by the bow wave of an artic or large fast moving panel van.

If your outfit is so badly affected by the points you raise, then two things come to mind,
Firstly the match may not be as good as it should be, and secondly possibly you are travelling too fast.

 

[Mel]

I think there is a massive difference between a caravanner who loads the van any old how and drives at any speed they like, thinking that ATC is going to save their caravan; and the caravanner that loads sensibly and drives carefully, but is still HUMAN, and unlikely to totally cover every single snake inducing scenario. ATC is useless for the former but can make a massive difference to the latter.
Invoking a blame formulation that the van was badly loaded or the driver was going to fast is a simplistic way of approaching the huge complexities of the human/machine interface. Technology which helps to assist the human factor, has to be a good thing.
Mel

 

[Thingy]

If your outfit is so badly affected by the points you raise, then two things come to mind,
Firstly the match may not be as good as it should be, and secondly possibly you are travelling too fast.

Any high sided vehicle or flat sided vehicle can be badly affected by the wind. Or perhaps every artic driver on the road doesnt know how to load or oversee the loading of his trailor. Sorry prof, but I simply cant agree to your statement. why else would they close bridges to high sided vehicles. Even a car solo can be wobbled by a sudden crosswind.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I thank both Mel and Thingy, becasue between us I think we have covered it. As Mel correctly sates it is a very varied and complex matter, but whilst we can lay some of the blame on the weather and the effects of other road vehicles, we should not ignore the strong possibility that in some cases it is driver error, and it is usually carrying more speed than than they should for the prevailing conditions.

 

[Thingy]

The one we didnt cover is a blowout on the tow vehicle, particularly a steer.

 

[Gazbut]

Many thanks for the advice.

ATC ordered.

Regards
Gazbut