Stabilisers advice - Alko hitch or leaf type

[Paul_374411475]

Hi all.

Having done the camping scene and several years with a trailer tent, the Brit weather got the better of me and we've bought our first caravan.

The Bailey tows very well, but from a safety point of view I feel a stabiliser is a must and would welcome advice from others who might have experience of the Alko hitch type and/or Bulldog leaf stabilisers.

I've carried out a fair bit of research and the Alko seems the more popular, but that doesn't necessarily mean the best...

I've read topics of very noisy Alko hitches (regardless of how clean the pads and ball are), plus from an engineering point, I'm not convinved the restriction of articulation imposed by a hitch type is the better method due to possible stresses in ball/coupling etc. There are several posts too about the friction lever becoming released in use.

To be absolutely frank, the immediate cost of a hitch type is restrictive too, however I'm not interested to waste money on a leaf stabiliser, is the hitch version is by far the better option.

Any opinions please ...?

Cheers - Paul

 

[Lutz]

An integrated stabiliser like the AlKo (or Winterhoff) is less prone to incorrect adjustment and is better protected against the elements and possible inadvertent damage than a blade stabiliser. Besides, an integrated stabiliser is so much more convenient to use.

However, if properly designed and adjusted, both should do the same job. A blade stabiliser will impose direct loads on the towball whereas an integrated one imposes a torque, so the two aren't really comparable, but in the end durability shouldn't suffer either way as a consequence.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Paul,

I think you have taken a sensible approach, you know your outfit is good to tow so the addition of a stabiliser is a belt and braces, rather than a cure for a poor match.

From a practical point of view the hitch version is simpler to use, and it can't be forgotten. I have seen some caravanners who have fitted a blade type but simply forgotten to engage it.

I have also seen those where the blade has disengaged, often through reversing to turn an outfit round, when the caravan has gone to almost full lock the blade has not been long enough to remain in engagement and it drops out. Because the driver has not got out to check, they drive off with the blade disengaged!

Technically both types do add friction to resist turning, and that can help to improve stability.

There are other systems, that use electronics to sense rapid lateral oscillations, and then begin to activate the caravan brakes to damp out the swing. Lutz has more information on these systems. They are not cheap, and they may not be compatible with your caravan.

 

[Lutz]

Regarding the electronic stabilisers that John is referring to, I know of 3 on the market: The AlKo ATC, the BPW iDC and the LEAS systems. I believe Reich also had one once, but it was rather crude and I haven't seen it being offered anywhere lately. The AlKo can definitely only be fitted to caravans with an AlKo chassis. I'm not sure about the BPW iDC, but I would assume that it is only suitable for BPW chassis. The LEAS is universal.

All systems sense lateral sway and if it exceeds a certain predetermined threshold value, the brakes on the caravan are applied gently (about 10% of full performance). This is adequate to straighten out the outfit again. Once straightened, the system resets itself by releasing the brakes again.

 

[Paul_374411475]

Regarding the electronic stabilisers that John is referring to, I know of 3 on the market: The AlKo ATC, the BPW iDC and the LEAS systems. I believe Reich also had one once, but it was rather crude and I haven't seen it being offered anywhere lately. The AlKo can definitely only be fitted to caravans with an AlKo chassis. I'm not sure about the BPW iDC, but I would assume that it is only suitable for BPW chassis. The LEAS is universal.

All systems sense lateral sway and if it exceeds a certain predetermined threshold value, the brakes on the caravan are applied gently (about 10% of full performance). This is adequate to straighten out the outfit again. Once straightened, the system resets itself by releasing the brakes again.

Hi both.

Thanks for your trouble in replying. I've had chance to speak with some other 'van folk who tend to recommend the hitch type, so I'll likely look into that route as opposed to the leaf. I hadn't considered the liklihood of the leaf disengaging and can appreciate this would be an issue; this alone is enough to sway me towards the (example), Al-ko. I understand too that the leaf type can be problematic to setup correctly.

To be honest, I was after some reassurance that the extra cost was worthwhile and the genral consensus is that it is.

I'm aware of the electronic stability systems, but not interested in this avenue. Incidentally, the van is an '07 Ranger 500/5.

Not to close this thread, if anyone has any other further information or advice on stabilisers, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Paul_374411475]

Whoops, think I posted this as a comment instead of a reply, hence the retry to keep the thread straight...

Hi all.

Having done the camping scene and several years with a trailer tent, the Brit weather got the better of me and we've bought our first caravan.

The Bailey tows very well, but from a safety point of view I feel a stabiliser is a must and would welcome advice from others who might have experience of the Alko hitch type and/or Bulldog leaf stabilisers.

I've carried out a fair bit of research and the Alko seems the more popular, but that doesn't necessarily mean the best...

I've read topics of very noisy Alko hitches (regardless of how clean the pads and ball are), plus from an engineering point, I'm not convinved the restriction of articulation imposed by a hitch type is the better method due to possible stresses in ball/coupling etc. There are several posts too about the friction lever becoming released in use.

To be absolutely frank, the immediate cost of a hitch type is restrictive too, however I'm not interested to waste money on a leaf stabiliser, is the hitch version is by far the better option.

Any opinions please ...?

Cheers - Paul

 

[Royston]

Hi Paul

When I started caravanning chose the leaf type mainly to save money on the initial costs, as the caravan was set up for the leaf type.

These can make a lot of noise when the pads get slightly dirty, also found trying to push the fixing rod down, was quite a effort.

When alko introduced their 1300 stabaliser, wow so much easier to use .

The really main benefit was the fact that the tow ball was dry and not covered in grease , which on many a occasion caught my trousers, causing unprintable language

Royston

 

[Dustydog]

Paul;

I had the classic Scott stabiliser for years. It did the job.

If the 90s hadn't given us the Al-ko ones I'd still be on the Scott.

In truth The Al-ko is so easy.

Cheers

Dustydog