Stabiliser when reversing

[Rubix]

I have bought a new blade type stabiliser and was quite suprised that there was a poor manual.

I am the first to admit to being new (read incompetent) when it comes to caravanning and although the fitting instructions were adequate, there seemed to be no operating instructions, ie how to fit the stabiliser when about to tow, and it got me thinking about reversing with it fitted.

Should the stabiliser be removed when I need to reverse whilst towing, as I thought it may put strain on the mechanism.

There was a "dust cap" that was inlcuded, I assume this was to put in the hole for the bolt that holds the stabiliser in the towing bracket when i am not towing. If I do, then how am i supposed to get it out when I need to put the bolt in the hole.

This may seem pedantic, but for people like me new to 'vanning, I think it is poor.

Anyway, soapbox is now available for anyone who wants it

 

[Del_374232870]

We used to have a blade type stabiliser . One day when I started to reverse onto a pitch at a site a man quickly shouted to stop and it was just as well. Without me realising the blade had become detached from the caravan and whilst still attatched to the car was starting to dig into the ground. After that I always removed the stabiliser when reversing.

 

[mcghee]

With a single axle you really need to onhook the stabiliser for reversing or the caravan will not want to come out of the turn. It's not so important with a twin axle. I don't know what the dust caps for, Ive never in my life seen one plugging the bolt hole. Maybe someone can educate me?

 

[Oldfogey]

It would never have occured to me that you need to remove a stabiliser to reverse.

Back to the old days before auto-reverse brakes.

I don't think I shall be fitting one!

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi all

I allways leave mine on when reversing never thought of taking it off.

I find the bit of extra stiffness in the coupling makes reversing easier as the van has a tendancy to stay better in line from the straight position before making a turn (if you see what I mean)

I have never had the blade disengage even on full opposite lock and can only assume that del's was fitted with the anchor bracket too close to the end of the blade, mines about 6" from the end in the straight ahead position.

colin

 

[Del_374232870]

Hi Colin

My stabiliser was correctly fitted and not to near the end of the blade, however in certain instances when going over humps and changing direction the blade can come of the vans bracket. I used to always reverse with the blade on but after that I wouldnt take the chance. It may be a very rare occurance but it can happen. No problem if you are going forward, but if it has come adrift and you are reversing it could mean problems. Now got an Alko 3004 on the new van so its no longer a problem

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi del.

I don't doubt your word that you think it was fitted correctly however somthing must have been wrong somewhere surely, I am completely intrigued as to how it could disengage when reversing given the dynimics of the blade system.

I have used one for the last 30 odd years and never had one come off!! not impossible I suppose but very unlikly, apart from the usual maintainance & adjustment issuses,

if the blade hub is the right distance below the ball,

and the A frame bracket at the right height,

the correct overhang of the blade in the bracket,

the van and towing vehicle are level when coupled up,

and there is no fouling of any part on cornering to full lock,

and there is no wear on the A frame bracket pad and it turns freely,

if all this is correct I don't see how it could come off sorry.

mine takes 25kg of pull to lift it onto the A frame bracket when fitted and lifts the car rear suspension by about 10cm

 

[RogerL]

If the blade jumps out of the bracket, it's NOT fitted correctly, possibly because the blade/bracket heights are wrong, in relation to each other.

I've never had to remove mine while reversing.