Forum Discussion
- RobertRyanExplorer
Francesca Knowles wrote:
From what I can see of the underside of the trailer in the O.P. (below), it looks like the trailer may have Al-Ko's very ingenious braking system that does practically all the work- and even the thinking- of stopping the trailer.
When equipped with "ATC", it even automatically controls sway by brake application. Demonstration at this link
I think this to be a much more efficient sway control method than the cumbersome hardware so many depend on in North American built trailers.
Francesca it was developed by Al Ko's development facility in Melbourne, that is why a lot of local Caravans are being fitted with it.Notice the braking and avoidance ability of the car towed lightweight sedan.
Al Ko Australian Research Centre stability control - The_Dung_BeetleExplorer@ Francesca K..
Ok.. I'll report back. I have already put in for the day off work. I'm realllly looking for to it even tho' I DREAD Seattle traffic. I may just park at Bainbridge, and ride the ferry over.
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. - Francesca_KnowlExplorerNot sure the Al-Ko or anything like it is being used by any N. American mfr.s - I'll be interested to hear if you do see it at the Seattle show.
- The_Dung_BeetleExplorer
Francesca Knowles wrote:
The Dung Beetles wrote:
Sure.. it can tow it because it rolls ... but can it STOP IT??? Having hauled a lot of horses around the PNW (live shifting weight) - STOPPING is my fear of that set up!
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One of the important differences in overseas-designed trailers is the way braking is provided for.
From what I can see of the underside of the trailer in the O.P. (below), it looks like the trailer may have Al-Ko's very ingenious braking system that does practically all the work- and even the thinking- of stopping the trailer.
When equipped with "ATC", it even automatically controls sway by brake application. Demonstration at this link
I think this to be a much more efficient sway control method than the cumbersome hardware so many depend on in North American built trailers.
Ahhhhh! Like that concept a lot! We are going to hit the Seattle RV show in Feb 6-9. I hope they have some display units there with this concept. Hub would love to get a better look at that. I'm a super cautious/wary driver but... bad things can and do happen fast. My hope once I retire is to be RVing at least 3 -4 months out of the year. It never hurts to have as many safety features as possible when on the open roads. Thanks! - Francesca_KnowlExplorer
The Dung Beetles wrote:
Sure.. it can tow it because it rolls ... but can it STOP IT??? Having hauled a lot of horses around the PNW (live shifting weight) - STOPPING is my fear of that set up!
.
One of the important differences in overseas-designed trailers is the way braking is provided for.
From what I can see of the underside of the trailer in the O.P. (below), it looks like the trailer may have Al-Ko's very ingenious braking system that does practically all the work- and even the thinking- of stopping the trailer.
When equipped with "ATC", it even automatically controls sway by brake application. Demonstration at this link
I think this to be a much more efficient sway control method than the cumbersome hardware so many depend on in North American built trailers.
- The_Dung_BeetleExplorerSure.. it can tow it because it rolls ... but can it STOP IT??? Having hauled a lot of horses around the PNW (live shifting weight) - STOPPING and/or having to maneuver away from some idiot fast is my fear of that set up!
. - SlowmoverExplorerA unit-body vehicle is stronger than any comparable body-on-frame. The latter is simply cheaper to build. Same for an aero, all-aluminum TT over the buggy-sprung white plastic boxes. Design makes for superiority. Does more with less.
A mid-60's big-block Chrysler sedan is pretty much a better TV than any current pickup. Add a few safety features of today and it would be a walk-away.
Sad that todays buyer -- with no idea of the history of travel trailers -- believes that a pickup is not only better, but the only choice altogether. And as a result spends more to have less . . as the day in and day out costs of running a pickup are higher than a car. Not to mention being less safe in any circumstance.
. - notevenExplorer III
MontanaCamper wrote:
When we were over in the UK visiting my wifes brother and his family. Their neighbor had a boxy square diesel wagon that towed a 22' single axle trailer..he said he towed it up to Ireland, we were in Edinburgh. I asked him how it towed, he said we didn't set any land speed records, but were not the slowest either...they don't push it. He had 14" brakes (metric of course..I measured with a US dollar bill. I told him what I towed with and what I towed (pic below) he said hop in..we will take it for ride and get a nip...soon as we got in the country he let me drive...Man, that boxy square wagon was snappy...lots of horse power. Was a 4 banger with a turbo and a 5 speed. Felt a lot like my friends supra when I was shifting through the gears.
UK's cars have a lot more spunk then the US that's for sure...I'm sure the Ozzy's are the same...
made this disbeliever...believe.....
So are you saying an engine that makes it's torque at low rpm (due to high compression pressure and direct fuel injections) is more suitable for towing...even if it isn't in a one tun dually?
Oh oh... - TerryallanExplorer II
Doug33 wrote:
The major issue with towing using a car nowadays is not necessarily the power, it is that they are not actually framed vehicles.
Ditto. The cars in the day. Had real frames, and that makes a big difference. - Doug33ExplorerThe major issue with towing using a car nowadays is not necessarily the power, it is that they are not actually framed vehicles.
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