Which Hitch stabiliser?

[nicholas_374570249]

I have a 2007 Bailey Ranger 550/6 and tow it with my Audi A4 Advant, I would like to get a hitch stabiliser just for pease of mind. Never had a problem but jsut in case is no bad thing.

So 2 question

First - which one will suit my van and car? seems to be a few around on the market, both used and new. Had a look at the towsure site and there was from memory 2 different ones.

And Second - has anyone got one forsale that would suit my van? and are they easy to fit etc?

Cheers

Nic

 

[Lutz]

There are basically 4 types of hitch stabiliser:

1. Integrated in the coupling (the most common being the AlKo or the Winterhoff). These just replace the standard coupling and are easy to operate. Once set up they don't require anything more than the operation of a lever every time you hitch up (the Winterhoff even makes do with just one lever, the AlKo has two). They do, however, require an absolutely oil and grease-free towball.

2. Frictional blade type (like the Bulldog or Snakemaster). This is the cheapest alternative but it needs to be connected separately to the car every time you hitch up.

3. Viscous type (like the Straightliner). Not very common. Basically the same type of connection to the car as the frictional type but in theory it has a certain advantage over the latter and is more expensive.

4. Electronic stabiliser. This is the only active type of stabiliser, the others above being purely passive systems which can fail if things get really out of hand. Electronic stabilisers are fail-safe, i.e. they will prevent instability rather than raise the threshold limit of where instability can occur. They are, however, by far and away the most expensive.

Which one you go for depends a bit on what you are prepared to spend. Generally you get what you pay for, but all type will provide an additional safety margin over an outfit without a stabiliser.

The following website provides some useful information to help you decide:

http://www.a-tconsulting.co.uk/caravan_tech/stabilisers.html

 

[nicholas_374570249]

Hi Lutz

Thanks for the reply, and all the info - I am aware of the different types (well basic knowlege anyway) I was after fpor example which Alko one wold suit my van and car as there seems to be a few different ones eg a 2000 and a 3000?

Cheers

Nic

 

[Lutz]

If I am informed correctly, the max. weight of a Bailey 550/6 is around 1300kg in which case any of the smaller AlKo stabilisers (1300/2004 models) will do. The 3004 model would be rather over-the-top for a caravan of that weight.

 

[nicholas_374570249]

Lutz

Many thanks again

And yes you are right about the weight.

That is just what I need to know

Now I just need to find one up for sale

Cheers

Nic