While the system is designed to work reliably, there are times when you may experience a false alarm. Safety devices and their impact on your caravan insurance. A turn the steering wheel slowly to each side b accelerate to increase your speed c stop as quickly as you can d slow down very gradually. When alko atc activates, the driver will feel the vehicle being slowed down by the soft braking of the caravan.
Fitting a safety device to your caravan can go a long way towards avoiding a. For more information about our touring caravan insurance policy, you can download a specimen policy or policy summary from our touring caravan insurance documents section. How to stop your caravan from swaying galaxy caravans. These bands are fitted to the wheel of your car or caravan and lock into place should a puncture or blowout occur. If the van has begun to snake because its been hit by a bullet of side wind, and the road is wet at the time youve may have problems that no antisnaking device in the world can fix. The dodge grand caravan has plenty of safety and security features to help protect you and your passengers. Alkos atc is an antisnake system designed to stretch the caravan outfit by lightly applying the caravan brakes whenever the trailer starts to sway yaw beyond certain limits. We tell you why this happens and what you can do to stop it. Caravan snaking is at best pretty unpleasant and at worst the cause of a nasty accident. Mar 04, 20 q2 how can you stop a caravan snaking from side to side.
The snaking stability of passenger cars with light cargo trailers. Bulldog 200q anti snake stabiliser product details pot holes, speeding vehicles and uneven road surfaces are just some of the hazards that can make towing a caravan or trailer a dangerous experience. Electronic stabilisers, which have been developed with snaking prevention in mind, are definitely worth investing in. To play video and view the atc in action click arrow. On the way back we had 2 instances of the caravan snaking. Customer service award 2018 and claims team award 2019 winners at the uk broker awards. The innovative anti snaking system the emergency system reacts automatically when the swaying. These devices automatically apply the caravan brakes if a snaking movement is. The antisnaking device helps the driver of a towing vehicle handle unexpected driving hazards such as braking traffic and crosswinds from overtaking vehicles.
From then, the atc trailer control system can be fitted to caravans which have an alko chassis and will cost less than. This makes them ideal as a caravan antitheft device, and there are a range of options you can choose from. If your caravan trailer isnt properly balanced, is loaded unevenly, or if the hitch is located at the wrong height, then the caravan will put extra weight onto the rear of the towing vehicle, affecting driver control. One of the first things to understand is why snaking of caravans occurs in the first place. Tips to prevent caravan snaking and how to deal with it.
Really stop snaking forever practical caravan forums. Surely if your loaded correctly, and not driving hard, you should not need any extra devices. Hi folks having once experienced the bid daddy of all snakes, i am interested in the alko atc anti snake device, and depending on cost, perhaps getting one fitted to my van. On main roads and motorways it seems fine but on bumpy and straight roads the system kicks in and applies the caravan. While these are based mostly around hitching up and reversing on pitch, theres a healthy dose of ontheroad instruction and even more in the way of insight when it comes to issues such as what to do when your caravan starts snaking. Alko antisnake safety device for caravans and trailers.
The witi anti theft device detects movement via a highly sensitive gyroscope. The gentle braking pulls the touring caravan back on track. These days most caravans either come with, or can be fitted with, stabilisers and antisnaking devices making caravan travel much safer. I believe that the brain delay factor may mean that, even with an experienced skid control trained driver, steering with a caravan sway may be impossible to coordinate, so will make it worse. If this occurs the driver could lose control of both the caravan and the towing car. Alko trailer control atc anyone who has ever encountered critical driving situations with their outfit will know that trailers or caravans react very sensitively at high speeds and what the risks are. We have a 2015 challenger 584 gts which we purchased from new and had no problems in previous seasons. The atc electronic anti snaking device automatically applies the. Electronic antisnaking stabilisers available from experts such as alko. Fitting an appropriate safety device is also recommended and can often.
The device will then track the possessions location, giving you the best chance of retrieving it. However, the past two abbeys with alkos just dont feel the same when towing. These locks can be used to secure your camper trailer or caravan by clamping onto the ball coupling thereby preventing the coupling being placed on the ball of another vehicle. Anyone who has ever encountered critical driving situations with their outfit will know that trailers or caravans react very sensitively at high speeds and what the risks are. Bulldog 200q anti snake stabiliser bulldog security products. Anyone who has ever encountered critical driving situations with their outfit will know that trailers or caravans react very. The first symptom of a swaying caravan is lurching and in worst cases, the rig overcorrects or topples over. First of all, both caravan clubs run manoeuvring courses to prepare you before you get behind the wheel for real. Fitting an appropriate safety device is also recommended and can often result in a discount on your touring caravan insurance premium. The alko antisnake trailer control atc system is fitted to many new and recent caravans and or be retrofitted to an older model for around. A stabiliser bar, being a passive device, wont prevent snaking, it just raises the threshold when instability starts to set in. How to reset the security system on a dodge caravan it.
The sensors of the idc system continuously measure the lateral accelerations of the touring caravan. This safely issue can often be corrected through the use of sway bars. Atc detects lateral or snaking movements and will automatically apply all caravan brakes simultaneously when oscillations become severe enough to matter. Caravan snaking accidents have become a common problem, and there are a number of precautions that you can take to avoid this.
If your tow vehicle is fitted with selflevelling suspension then you must follow the manufacturers recommendations when. Electronic antisnaking stabilisers available from experts such as alko and bulldog will automatically apply the caravan brakes if a snaking movement is detected. Snaking is caused when the caravan is out of line from the car. May 07, 2018 who gets worried about leaving their van at free camps and caravan parks. The innovative antisnaking system the emergency system reacts automatically when the swaying of the. Alko helps prevent caravan snaking with atc trailer control.
The atc electronic anti snaking device automatically applies the caravan brakes if it detects a snaking motion begin to occur. Hi folks having once experienced the bid daddy of all snakes, i am interested in the alko atc anti snake device, and depending on cost, perhaps getting one fitted to my van has anyone any info about this device please, i. Bpw caravan and trailer anti snake stabiliser hitch. Alkos atc is an antisnake system designed to stretch the caravan outfit by. Several approaches to the modelling and evaluation of snaking have been identified 8. The pegasus gt70 range has now been replaced by the bailey pegasus grande caravan range. With club care, you will receive a 5% discount on your caravan insurance when you install an approved stabiliser or anti snaking device such as the alko atc trailer control. Steel safety frame a structure built with highstrength steel is the foundation of the steel safety frames construction, which contributes to overall vehicleimpact performance. The noseweight is correct, its correctly loaded with tyre pressure checked on the car and van. Alko atc trailer control system an antisnaking system for caravans. Worry about someone stealing or breaking into your van, you need to watch this.
In a car, the esc system uses sensors in the vehicle to compare differences between the cars actual course and the driver s steeringwheel input. How to avoid an accident involving a snaking caravan. Alko explained that it identified snaking as a rare, but publicly damaging occurrence for the caravan industry and set out to address the issue. Only an active system, like the alko atc and similar other ones, can do that. Tyron bands are a great way to avoid snaking in the event of a tyre blowout. Jul 22, 2017 i believe that the brain delay factor may mean that, even with an experienced skid control trained driver, steering with a caravan sway may be impossible to coordinate, so will make it worse. The alko atc automatic trailer control system is an antisnake system that detects lateral movement in the caravan. Alkos new anti snaking control system will be available for aftermarket fitment from october, the company has revealed.
Technically referred to as yaw or snaking, a swaying caravan has an equally opposing force of inertia to the towed vehicle. Bulldog 200q anti snake stabiliser bulldog security productss. These sway control devices or stabilisers limit excess movement when towing and ensure good tracking of the caravan or camper trailer behind the tow vehicle. In extreme cases, snaking can become so bad that the movement of the caravan will begin to drag the car along with it as it moves from side to side. Bpw antisnaking hitch the bpw antisnaking hitch and its friction linings ensure that critical situations cannot come about in the first place. The caravan will immediately without any action on the part of the driver brake gently and return to a stable driving condition. Esc was originally developed for use in motor vehicles, helping the driver to control the vehicle in an emergency situation. Aug 23, 2009 the acoustic warning signal ensures that the driver knows that the braking system has been deployed by the leas unit.
How to prevent caravan snaking and jackknifing caravan. A guide to electronic stability control esc for caravans. The motion often results in the driver trying to correct the snaking which can make it worse as a momentum builds as the outfit becomes more and more unstable. Whilst im delighted with my new affinity 482 can anyone let me know if they have a problem with the idc anti snaking system. The more stable the caravan is in the first place the less likely it is that a stability device will be needed. After snaking has been brought under control, a cam on the actuator is rotated back into its standby position by means of the electric motor and this reloads the spring ready for further use. If your tow vehicle is fitted with selflevelling suspension then you must follow the manufacturers recommendations when hitching up your caravan or camper trailer. However if your are unfortunate enough to experience snaking while on the road, there are a few tips in this video which maybe be useful if you are in that situation. Cost of caravan antisnaking system to increase caravan. Analytical approaches 2 and 6 to 8 utilise yaw plane models of the vehicletrailer system and implement the state space and routh criteria. Replaces the existing coupling and effectively reduces the effects of snaking and swaying.
Alko trailer control atc the innovative antisnaking system anyone who has ever encountered critical driving situations with their outfit will know that trailers or caravans react very sensitively at high speeds and what the risks are. I braking automatically puts the caravan back on track, i. Safe towing primarily depends on a good match of car and caravan, but many other factors are. Fitting an alko atc anti snake device caravan talk. I was moving the caravan from hawkes bay to taupo with the plan of. I sensors react even to slight lateral accelerations. Alarm, axle wheel lock, anti snaking device, security marking, tyre safety and reversing aid discounts do not apply to fifth wheelers. Snaking can occur when a caravan becomes destabilised from its towing.
Caravan range if you are looking for the ultimate caravan, nothing beats. Even minor avoidance manoeuvres, side winds on bridges or wind pressure when overtaking trucks can soon cause the trailer to start snaking. Three ways to protect your caravan with antitheft devices. The motion often results in the driver trying to correct the snaking which can make it worse as a momentum builds as. This allows the tyre to run flat, and the driver to retain control. Caravan tips why do caravans sway and how do you stop it. The cost of having the alko kober antisnaking device fitted to a caravan is increasing from april. New for old option available on fifth wheelers up to 5 years old only, and the alarm, axle wheel lock, anti snaking device, security marking, tyre safety and reversing aid discounts do not apply to fifth wheelers. Alkos new antisnaking control system will be available for aftermarket fitment from october, the company has revealed. Antisnaking stabilisers are available, often attracting a discount on your caravan. The antisnaking control system helps ensure the driver has power over the touring caravan at all times and is a direct response to proposals to limit who can tow a mobile home in europe. The cost of having the alko kober anti snaking device fitted to a caravan is increasing from april. A swaying caravan or trailer while towing can lead to disastrous outcomes just see this spectacular video of a crash caused by poor weight distribution.
If youve ever considered having alkos atc control system fitted to your caravan, watch our video with expert john wickersham. For your security, our quote engine uses the most powerful ssl encryption commercially available today. The security system on a dodge caravan acts as an anti theft deterrent. Electronic anti snaking device automatically applies the brakes if the caravan starts snaking unit bolts onto the axle most caravans since 2008 already have the bracket on the axle. I was towing my 2008 jubilee courier, loaded as instructed, at 50mph on a dual carriage way when the van infront, towing a trailer loaded with aliminium scaffold, lost some poles, i swerved to avoid the poles, and the van. Sway control coupling is specifically designed to reduce trailer sway by clamping down on the sides of the tow ball, slowing down any tendency for the trailer to sway or veer. When the lateral swaying, or yaw of a caravan that is being towed becomes excessive, thats when the caravan begins to snake from side to side, and in more extreme cases it can begin to pull the car too. Being buffeted by wind from passing vehicles is the caravan. Euro overrun device and atc trailer control system for smooth towing performance and exceptional stability. Lateral acceleration sensors in the alko atc unit, monitors for slight side movements or a large swinging motion of a caravan. When a compatible device leaves or enters the geofenced area, such as your house, a reminder, alert or sms is triggered from the device. A caravanners life on the road can take many unexpected twists and turns, many of which can be a total joy, but for. Premium shown is paid lunar monthly and based on minimum insurable value including introductory discount on the trip policy. The innovative anti snaking system the emergency system reacts automatically when the vehicle combination swaying exceeds limit values.
Witi offers a revolutionary anti theft system and is the only anti theft system designed specifically for caravans and trailers fitted with electric brakes. Just as you can equip your caravan to help make towing safer, you can also equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to tow a caravan safely. This normally happens when the driver has not corrected a snaking. Every experienced caravanner has had to deal with a little caravan sway in their time.
Get a quote today 01422 396 777 caravan guard insurance. Towing mirrors are therefore essential in alerting a driver to approaching vehicles. Alko launches antisnaking electronic control system. Its an electronic antisnaking system for touring caravans.
Swaying refers to the loss of control of the caravan when driving on an uneven terrain due to wind, overload, imbalanced loading and other causes. If a caravan trailer is hitched or moved slightly whilst the anti theft is active then witi immediately. The security system uses a proximity sensor and ignition kill switch to help prevent unauthorized vehicle use. Alko and bulldog both produce reliable stabilisers. How to prevent caravan snaking and jackknifing caravan guard. Fitting the alko atc control system to your caravan youtube. Fitting a safety device to your caravan can go a long way towards avoiding a snaking incident. This makes them ideal as a caravan anti theft device, and there are a range of options you can choose from. Sometimes you just have one of those days when everything goes wrong. The front tyres have only a tenuous grip because there may be the equivalent of 500kg or more pushing down on the towball and lifting the front.
Lamps must flash at a rate of 60120 flashes per minute, whilst a warning device in the car must inform the driver, by means of a visible or audible signal, that the system is functioning correctly. The ark coupling lock is an easy to use anti theft device which is installed in minutes. The caravans tendency to snake is significantly reduced. Some caravan movement is natural, but if the carcaravan weight ratio is okay, the caravan loaded properly and the outfit is being driven properly, any yawing should soon damp itself out. Anti snake devicecaravan towcars and towing advice. The anti snaking control system helps ensure the driver has power over the touring caravan at all times and is a direct response to proposals to limit who can tow a mobile home in europe. Not so easy a task, stopping a caravan from snaking or swaying should be handled calmly. If you have a newer caravan, chances are it will have been fitted with an alko antisnake. Why do caravans snake, and how to prevent your caravan from snaking. The caravan was a little lighter than the subsequent ones we bought.