Yes, don't look here to start a war on "slow plastic snail boxes" and all that...     Read another topic.

 

I was wondering how much the Trailer Stability Assist (as part of ESP) on a modern car like the Yeti helps with a snaking caravan vs old fashioned stabilisers?  I'm thinking of getting my first caravan and not going to be spending much, since I want to try it out first.  So it will definitely not have ATS and I won't be fitting aftermarket ATS either.  And I'm not in the mood to clean my towbar every time I swap between my non ALKO equiped trailer and a possible ALKO equiped caravan either.  So with a normal hitch on the van and no stabilisers (due to the swan removable towbar I have) how much use is the TSA to keep things in check should the van start snaking?  Or is this a silly question since you won't really know that the TSA did anything as it just goes smoothly?

 

http://www.skoda.am/models/HotspotDetail?HotspotName=S05%20-%20TSA%20%5BOctavia%2C%20Yeti%2C%20Superb%5D&WebID=d7bed316-b6e4-470d-b39f-c90dfacc400b&Page=technology

Not quite your question Johann but the Caravan Club van insurance gives a discount if van is equipped with its own stability software but no discount if stability software is part of the towcar software. Yeti does tow a lot better than previous VW Bora ( both with Alko) but Yeti is a lot heavier and also 4WD. Never had any snaking/wiggling at all with yeti some of which could be down to control by TSA.

I suspect your last sentence might answer the question, Johann.

 

And you can fit the old "blade" stabiliser to a swanneck tow bar:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bulldog-stabiliser-swan-neck-bracket-LC-8-/231063189251?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item35cc707703

 

http://www.towsure.com/product/Snakemaster_Swan_Neck_Car_Plate

Our van has the ALKO hitch so, sorry, no direct advice for you.  I'm sure, though, that the Yeti (especially 140/DSG/4x4) has the right credentials as a tug, in its own inherent stability.  The short tail (rear axle-to-ball distance) significantly reduces the trailer leverage, too. 

I suspect your last sentence might answer the question, Johann.

 

And you can fit the old "blade" stabiliser to a swanneck tow bar:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bulldog-stabiliser-swan-neck-bracket-LC-8-/231063189251?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item35cc707703

 

http://www.towsure.com/product/Snakemaster_Swan_Neck_Car_Plate

 

 

Thanks for those Graham.  Ugly things eh!? 

 

I want to avoid hideousness like that to be honest hence wondering if TSA will be enough... Or if I should just carry a pot of grease (for my trailer) and bite the bullet and get an ALKO hitch...  Time will tell once I get my tin snail.

Judging by this video (and if the Škoda version works the same) you should feel it work especially in severe cases when it will also reduce torque:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIMxVzUnBSA

 

The Land Rover system on the other says the trailer does not even need to be plugged in for their system to work! Gosh. I thought the TSA on the Yeti only activates once something is plugged in as noticed by the differing order the lights in the dash go out.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNroM-RAxIY

Johann,

Agreed, not the best looking items, but they do the job!

 

How far or often do you use the "greasy" trailer? If not that often, and on short journeys only I'd go for an Alko hitch everytime, and de-grease the little one. The blade type are good as they also "control" pitching but the Alko or so much easier to use.

 

The LR system on the Disco uses the height/load sensors in the rear suspension, which is why it doesn't need the electrics plugged in.

Johann,

Agreed, not the best looking items, but they do the job!

 

How far or often do you use the "greasy" trailer? If not that often, and on short journeys only I'd go for an Alko hitch everytime, and de-grease the little one. The blade type are good as they also "control" pitching but the Alko or so much easier to use.

 

The LR system on the Disco uses the height/load sensors in the rear suspension, which is why it doesn't need the electrics plugged in.

 

Ah again thanks for that...  Makes total sense what you say about the load sensors! 

 

Degrease the trailer? But it will still have a normal hitch... so it will be a dry connection with my dry swan if I tow that?  Can that work?  I see now you said "short trips".  Well I will still use the trailer for camping (with tents) so it might be used for 300 to 500 miles at a time...

Well, if used the Alko on a greasy ball you'll have to replace the Alko pads every time, so it depends on how much you use the "greasy" trailer.

If it is only for short local trips then you could probably get away with cleaning the cup thoroughly and running it "dry". Otherwise the only option will be to clean the ball after each "greasy" use.

Well, if used the Alko on a greasy ball you'll have to replace the Alko pads every time, so it depends on how much you use the "greasy" trailer.

If it is only for short local trips then you could probably get away with cleaning the cup thoroughly and running it "dry". Otherwise the only option will be to clean the ball after each "greasy" use.

 

No I know that you ruin an ALKO with grease...  I'll see what happens and what the van I might buy comes with.  10 to 1 it will just be an old fashioned hitch.

As other have pointed out you can get brackets for swan neck brackets for blade stabilisers ... used one a while back, not that pretty but did the job.

 

Many older vans have been retro fitted with AKS stabilisers so you might be lucky.

 

I've been caravanning all my life, been towing since I was 18 and covered many, many thousands of miles ... I would not tow without a stabiliser.  I load carefully and drive with care ... but still think a stabilser is an essential.  I have also had ATC electronic stability system on my last three vans (and on the new one due in December - woop!) ... my feeling is it should be standard fit on all new vans!

 

If you need any advice on choosing a 'van Johann just holler .... oh and if you want a deal on a carefully used 2012 Sterling Cruach give me a shout! 

Edited 2 October, 201312 yr by IainM1970

As other have pointed out you can get brackets for swan neck brackets for blade stabilisers ... used one a while back, not that pretty but did the job.

 

Many older vans have been retro fitted with AKS stabilisers so you might be lucky.

 

I've been caravanning all my life, been towing since I was 18 and covered many, many thousands of miles ... I would not tow without a stabiliser.  I load carefully and drive with care ... but still think a stabilser is an essential.  I have also had ATC electronic stability system on my last three vans (and on the new one due in December - woop!) ... my feeling is it should be standard fit on all new vans!

 

If you need any advice on choosing a 'van Johann just holler .... oh and if you want a deal on a carefully used 2012 Sterling Cruach give me a shout! 

 

 

Thanks...  but I'm starting very cheap to see how I like it.  So my budget will pay perhaps for the rear bed in your van!  LOL

Just a thought. I wonder if you can get a second swan neck? Then you could have one greased one for the trailer, and the other for the caravan?

Just a thought. I wonder if you can get a second swan neck? Then you could have one greased one for the trailer, and the other for the caravan?

 

Good idea...  but I think they are pretty pricey things.  I think I've heard about £200 or something like that.

Johann

I polish my Westfalia removable each time I use it to remove surface rust so it shouldn't be too much hassle for you to degrease yours after use with the "little" trailer.

 

Fred

Johann

I polish my Westfalia removable each time I use it to remove surface rust so it shouldn't be too much hassle for you to degrease yours after use with the "little" trailer.

 

Fred

 

Indeed, indeed...  :-)  I'm just being a mamby pamby aren't I!  LOL

Indeed, indeed...  :-)  I'm just being a mamby pamby aren't I!  LOL

Can't you have your butler do it for you?

Fred

Can't you have your butler do it for you?

Fred

 

Alas my butler is but a figment of my imagination.

Once you have got the hang of putting a caravan onto the back of the Yeti, you then need to consider the finer points of caravan ownership and enjoying life in all seasons. :think:

A bit of bedtime reading for you    

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ltyjag1n39mlqno/getting%20started%20guide.pdf

Once you have got the hang of putting a caravan onto the back of the Yeti, you then need to consider the finer points of caravan ownership and enjoying life in all seasons. :think:

A bit of bedtime reading for you    

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ltyjag1n39mlqno/getting%20started%20guide.pdf

 

 

Thank you...  I have read a lot of that on the website version.  But thanks for that...

 

I might be picking up a 17 year old van this very weekend..................      I'll post pics later.

Tell us more??!!!!

I tried to pick up a 17 year old yesterday. You can visit me in St. Anne's Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd.