Weekend Weather

[RobKnapp2]

Hi All,
Not really a question or anything like that, just wondering if anyone got caught up in the weather around somerset this weekend? We did, Monday morning we woke up to plenty of water - hopefully there is a picture attached!:
/sites/practicalcaravan.com/files/images/send%20more%20ducks.JPG
Although lots in the awning got wet, I managed to change my gas bottle (got to have a shower in the morning or I get grumpy

) and towed it out withought wheelspinning even though it was well past the ankle deep!
It was the first time I have towed with the Alko hitch Stabiliser, and the outfit seemed more behaved over the bulldog stabiliser. Maybe a placebo, but there were strong winds on the way back, and being inexpereienced towing I was a little aprehensive. Is it possible that the stabiliser is just better? All went well though.
Cheers
Rob

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

We stayed at various sites in the West country over the the latter part of last week and the weekend (see 'Free Nights' in UK parks & touring). The first site we were on (near Highbridge) had a permanent sign up in the toilet block showing the evacuation point in the event of flooding - premonition? We also drove up the M5 from Dawlish to Glastonbury on Sunday in torrential rain and listening to the local radio on Monday morning after a night of rain we wondered if we would get home.
With all that rain Sunday night I wish I still had the older van without roof lights. It would have been significantly quieter with the old roof insulation rather than the drum effect of the Heki.

 

[Parksy]

It was the first time I have towed with the Alko hitch Stabiliser, and the outfit seemed more behaved over the bulldog stabiliser. Maybe a placebo, but there were strong winds on the way back, and being inexpereienced towing I was a little aprehensive. Is it possible that the stabiliser is just better? All went well though.
Cheers
Rob

There is no evidence to suggest that an Alko hitch stabiliser would have a greater or better effect on caravan stability than the old Bulldog type stabiliser as far as I'm aware, the main advantages of the Alko are that it is lighter and more convenient and does not need to be stowed after use.
It might have been that you were much more aware of the behaviour of the caravan when you towed it home and if the wind was blowing from directly in front of the caravan it might have produced more downforce and drag and caused you to tow at a lower speed which would give the impression of greater stability.

 

[RobKnapp2]

Woodlands Camper, It was an interesting experience to say the least! Even though people had things damaged, breaks called off etc, there was very much a 'blitz-spirit' going on, I really exepected to listen to lots of moans and groans whilst in the queue at the elsan point!
I hear what you say about the noise too...although I fell straight to sleep, Mrs K didnt really sleep atall, so needless to say I got it in the neck a little!

Parksy, to be honest, the only reason I changed from the bulldog was that the new car on order has a swan neck type tow bar fitted, and although I appreciated if properly loaded and driven accordingly, a stabiliser probably shouldnt be needed, I like the fact that it might help should some form of 'worse' happen! I must admit, I did like the bulldog for the way it reduces the pitching a little - the octavia has a long overhang and on a rutted road can be a little suceptible to it which can be a little uncomfortable.
I think you're probably right with regards to towing home... I spend monday to friday getting from A to B in rush hour traffic, whilst trying to maintain a sensible calibre of driving, the speed limits and turning up to client sites on time, so when towing...im on holiday, so usually tuck in behind a lorry, set the cruise control, and chill out a little! The outfit just seemed to be less effected by the crosswinds and passing vehicles....maybe im just getting more used to towing and a little more relaxed! Who knows, either way, happy person!
Cheers all.
Regards
Rob