Touring Caravan Stabilisers Explained

Caravan stabilisers, otherwise known as hitch stabilisers or anti-snaking devices, are one of the most effective ways to make towing safer and more comfortable. They reduce unwanted, improve control and give drivers extra confidence on the road.

This guide explains how stabilisers work, the types available and why they matter for both safety as well as the importance of touring caravan insurance.

What Is A Caravan Stabiliser?

Stabilisers are devices that reduce snaking (yaw), the side-to-side movement caused by things like crosswinds, passing lorries or uneven loading. They also reduce pitching, the up-and-down movement caused by bumps or dips in the road, as well as roll, which is the sideways tilt when cornering or during sudden manoeuvres.

By dampening these movements, stabilisers make towing smoother, safer and less fatiguing for the driver, particularly on long journeys.

How Do Caravan Stabilisers Work?

Most caravan stabilisers use friction to resist unwanted movement; the specifics depend on the style of stabiliser you’ve opted for.

With hitch stabilisers, friction pads grip the towball to resist yaw and pitching.

Blade stabilisers attach to the A-frame and use a spring with friction pads to resist sideways and vertical movement.

Geometric stabilisers alter hitch geometry to move the pivot point closer to the tow car's axle.

Advanced systems like AL-KO ATC (Active Trailer Control) go a step further, using electronics and the caravan’s own brakes to correct instability in real time.

Why Should I Use A Caravan Stabiliser?

Even a perfectly matched tow car and caravan can become unstable in real-world conditions such as crosswinds on exposed roads, overtaking by large vehicles, sudden steering or braking, potholes and uneven surfaces, which is why a caravan stabiliser is so important.

A stabiliser will not compensate for poor loading or a mismatched outfit, but it will reduce the severity of the sway, help the caravan return to a straight line more quickly and increase driver comfort and confidence.

Safe loading is paramount. Stick to the 85% rule where the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) does not exceed 85% of the tow car's kerbweight. Store heavy items low and close to the axle and always check the noseweight as being too light or too heavy can trigger instability.

Driving to Prevent Snaking (Yaw)

Careful driving also reduces the chance of instability and will mean you're less reliant on mechanical aids like stabilisers. If you feel yourself snaking, try not to panic and instead:

• Keep steering straight
• Take both feet off the pedals
• Change down a gear to regain control when going downhill
• Gently apply the brakes once your speed has reduced and the outfit has begun to straighten

Never brake harshly as you risk jack-knifing, which is where a towing vehicle and its caravan fold in on each other at an angle, forming a 'V' or 'L' shape similar to the folding action of a pocket knife.

When snaking, do not try to accelerate out of it, as this momentum can increase the swing. Steering against the sway is also not advised, as this exaggerates the movement, and by the time your steering takes effect, the caravan may have already begun to swing the opposite way, making the correction counterproductive.

Types of Caravan Stabilisers

There are three main types of stabilising devices for touring caravans.

1. Blade Stabilisers

This is a physical link between your towing vehicle and the caravan that's fitted along the A-frame. The friction pads resist lateral movement, and the springs help reduce pitching.

It's quite a simple and inexpensive type of caravan stabiliser; however, the pads do wear and must be replaced when they do.

When your caravan is detached from the towing vehicle, you must remove your blade stabiliser.

For larger outfits, you can get twin-blade and gas-damper versions like the SAS Straightliner.

2. Geometric Stabilisers

Geometric stabilisers alter the geometry of the towing system to move the hitch point closer to the car's axle. They're also known as trapezium-type stabilisers. Due to regulations, these are no longer legal for cars registered after August 1998 despite their popularity.

3. Towball-Mounted (Hitch Head) Stabilisers

These are now the most common type of stabiliser to be fitted to modern caravans. The friction pads in the hitch grip the towball to resist yaw and pitching. The most popular options include AL-KO AKS and Winterhoff stabilisers. AL-KO systems might require a special extended towball, whilst Winterhoff versions fit standard towbars.

They require a dry and grease-free towball, and their friction pads last up to 50,000km but should be replaced once they've worn.

Advanced Stabilisation Systems

Active Trailer Control (ATC)

This is offered by AL-KO and tends to be already fitted to many new caravans. It can also be retrofitted onto compatible caravans.

It works by monitoring sideways movement electronically and applies the caravan brakes if sway increases beyond safe limits.

Every time you hitch up, it requires a self-check.

BPW iDC

A BPW iDC is similar to AL-KO ATC insofar as it draws power from the tow car's electrics. It will provide autmoatic correction of dangerous sway.

Maintenance and Safe Use

Regular maintenance of your caravan stabiliser is critical to ensuring it continues to work as it should. Clean your towball before every trip, avoid greasing it and replace worn friction pads as recommended by the manufacturer.

To get the most out of your stabiliser, you should:

• Keep towballs free of grease, paint, or coatings.
• Clean with spirit-based products before every trip.
• Inspect and replace friction pads when worn (signs include groaning noises at the hitch).
• Follow fitting instructions carefully to avoid compromising chassis strength.

Caravan Insurance

Pairing a stabiliser with a touring caravan insurance policy from Eversure allows you to have protection both on and off the road.

Final Thoughts

A caravan stabiliser is a smart investment for any tourer, as although it can't make up for poor loading or bad driving habits, it provides essential damping. This helps you to stay in control when crosswinds, road conditions or passing lorries try to unsettle your caravan. Combined with sensible caravan loading, proper noseweight checks and comprehensive caravan insurance, a stabiliser ensures your touring adventures are safe, smooth and enjoyable.