anti snake

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

no wont make worse, but point is you need to know how outfit handles without and that
its well matched, suspect if policy dictates to that degree likely will say have to keep
under the 85% ratio too, its all adding to peace of mind.

tbf even the current trailer on the t2 is only 85%, back in troll days was down to about
62%!

[(RIP) PLANK]

Originally Posted by Lazy-Ferret

Agree.... But it is unlikely to make things any worse.

Our camping and caravanning policy does. We are covered for third party damage on the car insurance, but if we want the fully comp and recovery benefits of the club policy, then we have to have a stabiliser.

I have to say the T2 tows a dream, the only vehicle that I enjoyed towing with as much was my Automatic V70, but I love the height of the T2, and the ease of how you can go up the gears and stay there for all but the more major hills.

I have two caravans insured with the camping and caravaning club and neither policy states that i have to use a stabiliser I tow caravans right up to the maximum 2800k capacity of ahttp://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/221208/ne_nau.gif T2 and only use a stabiliser if it's already fitted (i.e. and alko hitch) I have even removed these hitches and found no benefit to them at all

[Lazy-Ferret]

When we first took our policy out, stating we had a stabiliser, and the tyron bands reduced our premium, IIRC, I think having both saves us 20%.

This is a new version of the policy.

Safe and secure caravanners can save up to 30% on their insurance premium with the new Club Care Reward product.

Available on all makes and models of caravans, including imports, this new insurance product is aimed at higher value caravans of £15,000 or more. With savings typically over £100, Club Care Reward will benefit members who have enhanced the security of their caravan.

To benefit, the member must have either a Club Secure/Phantom Pro-active tracking device fitted and/or a 2006 AL-KO Secure Wheel Lock fitted when not in use. They must have had no more than one claim in the last three years and must use a stabiliser when towing or have Tyron safety bands fitted.

http://www.campingandcaravanningclub...-by-club-care/

[rustic]

We tow our boat and twin axle trailer, weighing over 2 tonnes, and 26 feet long overall, we have never used a stabiliser.
It's all about weight distribution.
For a caravan, which we also towed years ago, without a stabiliser, it is essential to get most of the weight over the axles.
Anything heavy at the back will cause the tail to wag the dog.

Weight should be kept low, and the hitch weight close to the max allowed for the rig and car.

OK what it means is 10 minutes sorting the equipment in the van to the high cupboards and rear lockers, when you get to site, but it really makes for a stable tow.

As said before, staibilisers DO NOT CURE an unstable unit.
What they do is help to reduce the chances of the snaking starting with a stable combination. Some designs of stabiliser can also reduce the pitching of the rear of the vehicle which is uncomfortable for rear seat passengers.


My father one towed a fletcher power boat for a friend, with a Mercury 140 hp outboard on the back with a Short wheel base Series IIa LR,
BOY OH BOY... did this tail wag the dog.... a few hundred kilos of engine so far back was the trigger. The LR was not that heavy to start with.

Which makes me say...
I think LWB vehicles are better tow cars than SWB, due to the longer wheelbase.


Best regards,

Rustic

[s2k_adz]

I pretty regularly tow a car trailer with various different cars on it. I used to use a 4.2 Nissan patrol years ago but have mainly used estate cars due to not having a big 4x4.

Had snaking a few times now, twice pretty violently where I was very lucky to get it back, once in the Patrol going down a hill with a full car and a second engine. We fitted a snake bar and it did help alot, but after playing around with loading lots I feel this is what makes the most difference to snaking. I always tend to load more to the nose now instead of trying to spread the load equally.

[TONUP]

I guess this question is all about your attitude to risk. Our caravan has an Al-Ko stabiliser hitch, and the electronic trailer control device fitted. I am very careful when loading it, and even use a proper noseweight gauge before setting off.

I don't have a lot of experience of towing (four years and maybe 13 trips), but I do think that these safety devices can only serve to improve safety.

I have a very cautious attitude to risk, and never tow above the legal speed limits, and I ensure my caranvan stays below the 85% recommendation.

This wont guarantee that I never have an accident, but I dont agree that it creates complacency through a reliance on technology, which I know some others believe.

Regards

Alan

[solarman216]

Yep load distribution is the key factor, I only have to load my off road car two inches out on the trailer and can feel the difference, never had it snake but can feel the urge is there if it is loaded wrong, and on the odd times I have loaded wrong (for various reasons not just error) I then just keep the speed down, Rick

[panelbeater]

got a good debate going on,all over a snake.

[Lazy-Ferret]

Originally Posted by panelbeater

got a good debate going on,all over a snake.

You can only get a good "mass debate" taking place on a forum, just worried that it is only guys joining in...

[melissachels]

I have never used a snake bar as I have nowhere on me horsebox or car to attach it too, Plus its a pony so he moves about, but thankfully no too much. but In my opinion its just common sense stay under 55mph & drive to conditions, mega windy just don't go.

[firebobby]

Originally Posted by panelbeater

thanks guys.i cant afford a alko hitch,i normally overtake the lorries,.

Ah, but vans and coaches travel faster than lorries and when you can tow legally up to 60, they will be able to over take you.
I find the worse time is going down hill, this is when I take note of what's coming up behind me...once bitten

Now our expensive add ons (kids) don't come with us any more, we travel fairly light, so not so much clutter and added weight

[panelbeater]

yes when coaches etc past me i can feel the rig move but its stable.
i only go past the lorries when they are just under 60 so past then at 65 just to get in front .
some lorries just try to overtake but just have not got the power to and i back of a bit otherwise they hold the flow up.
i was towing a loaded trailer with logs and a left hooker decided to overtake me,it tried for ever and motors were backing up behind us both,so i just pulled away from him to make him pull over to let the traffic through.
he gave me a long blast on his horns.right or wrong i felt he could not get past and as i had a line of traffic behind me i just pulled away.

[rustic]

Originally Posted by panelbeater

he gave me a long blast on his horns.right or wrong i felt he could not get past and as i had a line of traffic behind me i just pulled away.

He just made him self look a pratt...
What happens then though, is the frustrated drivers well behind, see an opportunity to get past the lorry and several cars in one go, by undertaking on the inside.

Undertaking... sounds an appropriate word really.

Too many people not allowing enough time for their journey is the cause of many accidents.

A pratt driver gets away with it when alone, but put two together on the same road... Crrrrrruuuuuunnnncccchhhhhh.

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

on subject of swb, my parents once borrowed a swb series 3 landy from fiiends as our
car was in garage for repairs. was dream come true for me in landy but nightmare for
mum and dad, was a 1973 astral ranger caravan 12 foot body back in day was hundred
weight per foot so clearly pretty light even for old style construction. ok no stabilizer
but boy did the van wag that pup. didnt dare go over 40mph and the 2 and a quarter
petrol drank for england, could see fuel gauge moving. Was supposed to be a tour of
scotland but with economy and handling only just got over border to north berwick!

[AD Ent]

Originally Posted by Thomas-the-Terrano2

could see fuel gauge moving. Was supposed to be a tour of
scotland but with economy and handling only just got over border to north berwick!