which type of stabiliser?

[sally-ann_374425557]

Morning all

I am a total newbie at caravanning apart from family holidays with my parents years ago!! We have decided to take the plunge and purchase our first cravan a Swift Challenger 530 SE 2001, we are due to pick it up in a couple of weeks, can somebody please suggest the best type of stabiliser to use, I am the one that will be towing the caravan and I have done all the calcs and out fit is a good match (BMW X3 2.0D) I would just like a few suggestions on the best type of stabiles all help would be gratefully received.

 

[Parksy]

Hi Sally Anne

There is a strong possibility that your caravan will already be fitted with an Al ko stabiliser which you will see because there will be a red handle on the hitch.

Check with whoever is selling the caravan first.

Assuming that your new caravan is fitted with an Al Ko stabiliser you will need an Al Ko towball and it's important to clean off any paint, grease or any other contaminant before using the stabiliser.

If your new caravan doesn't have a stabiliser fitted they can be bought from accessory shops such as Towsure.

Stabilisers are no substitute for correct loading of the caravan, correct tyre pressures on your towcar and caravan and regular servicing.

Have a look on the home page of this website and follow the links to 'beginners'.

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/beginners/stabiliser.html
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/beginners/stabiliser.html
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/beginners/stabiliser.html
Good luck with your new caravan - enjoy!

 

[sally-ann_374425557]

Hi Sally Anne

There is a strong possibility that your caravan will already be fitted with an Al ko stabiliser which you will see because there will be a red handle on the hitch.

Check with whoever is selling the caravan first.

Assuming that your new caravan is fitted with an Al Ko stabiliser you will need an Al Ko towball and it's important to clean off any paint, grease or any other contaminant before using the stabiliser.

If your new caravan doesn't have a stabiliser fitted they can be bought from accessory shops such as Towsure.

Stabilisers are no substitute for correct loading of the caravan, correct tyre pressures on your towcar and caravan and regular servicing.

Have a look on the home page of this website and follow the links to 'beginners'.

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/beginners/stabiliser.html
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/beginners/stabiliser.html
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/beginners/stabiliser.html
Good luck with your new caravan - enjoy!

thanks for this , i'm just waiting for the dealership to get back to me i phoned this morning, I have read through the begineers guide (the husband thinks i'm weird and taking t too seriously!!) would you recommend he hitch stabiliser or the blade) i have already got a nose weight gauge so i plan to load it to th recommeded weight

 

[Parksy]

Personally I'd recommend the hitch type stabiliser. It is easier to use, it stays attached to the hitch unlike the blade type which has to be taken off and stored and although the blade type exerts a greater down force onto your towball which can help to prevent pitching good loading practice would limit or eliminate pitching anyway.

When you use your nose weight gauge don't forget that your hitch needs to be at the same height that it would be when hooked on to your towball.

The more knowledge that you gain the better chance you will have of enjoying your caravan to the maximum, if you have any questions or concerns at all it's better to ask and someone on this forum will usually be able to help.

By taking the matter of towing and using your caravan seriously you are joining the ranks of responsible caravanners who do not break the law or come unstuck in other ways so well done.