tow ball weight!
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tow ball weight!
I went to the caravan and camping show today.Many of the vans had the AlKo stability control as standard equipment.Of course the dealers were very quick to say how good the system is.NONE could answer what if the vehicle has trailer stability control,does it counteract the vehicle system.One dealer was very clever,he told me AlKO had a stand,where it was and to ask them.I did.
The Alko system is actually european,and its been modified to suit electric brakes which are mainly an Australian and USA preference(perhaps why there isnt a factory electric brake controler).
The system detects any sway before the vehicles trailer stability program and applys gentle increasing brake load to all brakes on the van at once until the sway is gone.They did know of the Land Rover system and say it improves the effectiveness,also mentioned a few other vehicles that have trailer assist and say all work better with an AlKo equipped trailer.
Andrew
Quote:
Originally Posted by SBD4
I think it also has a lot to do with design components and materials.
Let's face it, granite bench tops, solid wood cupboards.
People are getting 3,500kg and dragging it along.
As a guide for optimum stability the tug should out weigh the towed.. And the vans need to be better designed..
For me, this ALKO system is a bandaid for manufacturers to not put any thought into making their vans stable to tow straight off the showroom floor and car manufacturers are designing cars to compensate for the van manufacturers inability to design vans that you can tow safely.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tombie
Personally I feel that not only should cars have to meet design safety rules, but Van manufacturers should also.
How many times do you see these big things swaying around behind cars, and the driver absolutely oblivious to the fact or just thinks it's normal and when you finally get to overtake them, see how badly they are set up, with the cars arse and the vans drawbar almost draging on the ground.
A single axle van I can almost understand, but when you see dual axle vans like that, that is unexcusable, if you can't set your vehicle and van up properly, you shouldn't be towing period:twisted:
Baz.