Stable on the road – drive safely in your caravan with these safety components

Inseparable and in harmony even during tough times – what might sound like a romantic confession from a Hollywood film is actually essential for safe driving with caravan and towing vehicle. Critical situations in road traffic can't always be avoided, and often it’s technology that determines the outcome.

With a stabiliser coupling, for example the AKS 3004 for caravans up to 3,000 kg from AL-KO VT, you can prevent snaking and pitching movements that can lead to dangerous swaying of your caravan before they even begin.

By the way: With a stabiliser coupling from AL-KO VT, the safety indicator shows you exactly when the coupling sits correctly on the towball – thanks to the de-icer spray, even in the deepest winter. When you operate the stabilising handle, two friction pads on both sides press against the coupling. This increases the critical driving speed, although you should always observe the permissible maximum speed.

Left, right, left, right – swaying is fun at a concert, but when your caravan starts to sway on the road, the fun quickly stops. At higher speeds, caravans are very sensitive, and even the slightest lateral acceleration can lead to dangerous snaking movements.

Timely intervention is essential, and this is now automatically possible thanks to anti-snaking systems like AL-KO VT Trailer Control (ATC). Sensors react to the smallest deviations, and by gently braking, the system brings the trailer back on track, so you stay relaxed and in control of your outfit. This starts even before the journey with ATC. When the trailer is connected, a function test is carried out automatically. A clearly visible green LED signals full functionality, which you can also check at any time on the ATC display in the cockpit during your journey.

As a special highlight, AL-KO VT launched the 2LINK system at the beginning of 2017, consisting of the 2LINK Box with Bluetooth technology and 2LINK App. This gives you all relevant information about your chassis, including the ATC status display, conveniently on your smartphone. Soon, the connectivity system will also be able to show information such as tyre pressure and brake lining wear.

Bumps on uneven stretches of road don’t just reduce ride comfort, they are also responsible for disturbing oscillations of the bodywork. Reducing this risk is the job of shock absorbers and suspension.

A basic problem: Many standard axle shock absorbers only provide optimal damping at medium trailer weights. In the lower weight range, they overdamp, resulting in the caravan bouncing and jolting. In the upper weight range, underdamping can make the whole outfit sluggish, affecting handling. To achieve ideal damping performance, it is worth considering precisely matched shock absorbers. The AL-KO VT Octagon axle shock absorber, for example, significantly improves handling, increasing stability and ensuring optimal road contact.

AL-KO VT’s hexagonal rubber suspension provides an extra level of ride comfort and safety. Large suspension travel, strong inherent damping, suspension for each wheel via independent wheel suspension and the optimal adaptation to the weight of your caravan all ensure a safe and stress-free journey.

Shorter, smoother, safer – optimally adjusted brakes are an absolute must on the road. Only the highest safety standards should do for you. What makes a perfect brake? It impresses with above-average braking performance. It always works reliably. It brakes as gently as possible.

The AAA (AL-KO Automatic Adjustment) stands out with a braking distance up to 5 metres shorter, automatic brake adjustment, and the highest level of driving comfort. In addition, you save on maintenance costs thanks to extended service intervals and no need for the first workshop visit after 1,000 kilometres.

However, check whether your caravan is equipped with special brackets for axle Bowden cables and Profi Longlife Bowden cables from AL-KO VT. In general, always inspect where and how your Bowden cables are installed. These should be suspended high in the centre so that standing water in the sleeves cannot freeze.