Trailer control - Alko versus vehicle system
Various tow cars (especially 4x4s) have a built in automated system designed to guard against/correct undue trailer snaking. Does anyone have any views or experiences as to whether this serves exactly the same purpose as the caravan Al-ko system? Does one
need both, or will either suffice? Current van has Al-ko, but on proposed new one, it is an extra. Help appreciated.
Comments
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The car-based systems can't replicate the Al-Ko system, because the Al-Ko works by applying the caravan brakes to restore stability.
The car system on the other hand is a specific program for the ESP/ESC skid control system that can apply individual car wheel brakes and/or cut engine power to try and keep things under control.
To quote Volkswagen -
The latest generation of ESC also offers trailer stabilisation. If it detects your trailer is starting to yaw, the anti-skidding technology automatically reduces engine power and applies the brakes to the right wheels dynamically, in phase with the yawing.
This counteracts the snaking motion and stabilises the car and trailer. When everything is stable again the brakes and engine power return to normal control. The automatic braking process also turns on the brake lights to warn other drivers, even if the driver
is not touching the brake pedal.As to which is best, I don't know...though intuitively I suspect it's the Al-Ko.
Another point - the car one almost certainly depends on using the manufacturer's dedicated towbar wiring, because the car has to "know" when a trailer is attached; so if you value the feature, it's probably best to have the towbar either factory fitted
or done with the correct harness either by the franchised dealer or a third party fitter. Beware, even franchised dealers sometimes use third party fitters and aftermarket wiring to keep costs down. If you want the official towing kit, specify it.0 -
Alko ATC is a passive and has to be said, fairly crude and clunky in its operation. Whilst most vehicle trailer stability programmes are also normally active albeit in stand-by even when no trailer is attached. It is just an extension of and forms part of the Esp/Esc stability/traction control/abs system. You may have an extra visual indicator to show when the trailer is attached if you have used a dedicated wiring loom but nothing else is actually getting "switched" on.
Tj
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The ATC is not a “passive” system it is very much an active system in that it senses the onset of trailer instability and then actively addresses reducing that by lighly applying the van’s brakes.
Car trailer stability systems can as presently offered only remotely detect the onset of trailer instability, as I know of none with sensors physically within the van. They only detect the trailers instability after it has started to effect the towing vehicle in some way and then the only tool they have is control of the towing vehicle itself.
I believe they can complement each other, but they address the issue very differently. Importantly they act quite independently of each other, a failure in one does not affect the other operating.
I would now ATC is available, not have a caravan without it, despite what I drive and even though I drive a vehicle with trailer stability control. It is a very effective, if crude technology system offered at a price well within what I would willingly spend for the job it does.
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... Whilst most vehicle trailer stability programmes are also normally active albeit in stand-by even when no trailer is attached. It is just an extension of and forms part of the Esp/Esc stability/traction control/abs system. You may have an extra visual indicator to show when the trailer is attached if you have used a dedicated wiring loom but nothing else is actually getting "switched" on.
Tj
Write your comments here...That's not my understanding, TimJim, and I would have no confidence that a non-dedicated wiring set up would enable TSC.
Typical advice here, found on a quick Google -
http://www.fyldecoasttowing.co.uk/ESP.htm
"When fitting a towbar using aftermarket electrics these safety systems are effectively bypassed and will not work. The only way to enable these features is to fit what is known as a DEDICATED WIRING LOOM."
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As many have said before I wouldn't pay extra for Alko ATC on a new van and feel far more confident in the the towing vehicles stability package to ensure good manners. Ocsid, it may be called 'active ' trailer control , but it is re- active NOT proactive
therefore passive in its operation. It sees an anomaly then attempts correction. It does not prevent the anomaly occuringJust my opinion of course.
Tj
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All very interesting comments, with (no surprise) differing points of view. Thanks to all who responded.
as the towing vehicle in question is a solid 4x4 well capable of handling the new van, I think i will save the £395 for the alko as an extra. In fact, the Swift retailer advised against adding it, knowing my Cecile and weight ratios.
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I have had atc on last two caravans and I would never have a van without it now. Just got home from a 750m tour around Scotland in some very demanding and very windy conditions I could feel it kick in many times and can report the outfit was rock solid stable
even over Glencoe in wind you could only describe as untowable.0 -
I have had Al-Ko ATC fitted to all my caravans and I have found it to be very effective. You never know when a snake is going to develop. Side winds and poor road surfaces have triggered ATC to operate on my outfits on a number of ocasions and it has pulled
them back into line in seconds by aplying the caravan brakes.I was always told never to aply the car brakes to stop a snaking trailer, it could make it worse, so I am sceptical about trailer controls that operate the brakes of the towcar. Slowing the car by lifting off the accelerator was always the method in the
old days so if this is done automatically this is the right method of car/trailer stability.0 -
But you cannot apply individual wheel braking so 'the old days' does not apply to modern car braking with TSA.
As I got quickly timed out for some reason
I'm sure ATC is better as it controls the exact problem area, but a modern cars TSA is better than nothing if you don't have the ALKO product on your van.
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I have had Al-Ko ATC fitted to all my caravans and I have found it to be very effective. You never know when a snake is going to develop. Side winds and poor road surfaces have triggered ATC to operate on my outfits on a number of ocasions and it has pulled
them back into line in seconds by aplying the caravan brakes.I was always told never to aply the car brakes to stop a snaking trailer, it could make it worse, so I am sceptical about trailer controls that operate the brakes of the towcar. Slowing the car by lifting off the accelerator was always the method in the
old days so if this is done automatically this is the right method of car/trailer stability.Even without TSA I can confirm from my own experience that a snake can be brought under control by moderate but resolute application of the brakes.
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Various tow cars (especially 4x4s) have a built in automated system designed to guard against/correct undue trailer snaking. Does anyone have any views or experiences as to whether this serves exactly the same purpose as the caravan Al-ko system? Does one
need both, or will either suffice? Current van has Al-ko, but on proposed new one, it is an extra. Help appreciated.Write your comments here...All i can say is both my car and van have both these systems and seem to work fine together .A friend of mine had a van with no alko system on and he put a anti sway bar on think it worked ok just a thought may be a cheaper option
for you.0
