Alko stabiliser shortages

A bit confused why the stabiliser is not fitted as it is an integral part of the Alko chassis.

So just too confirm, do you mean the hitch stabiliser or the Alko ATC or, possibly, the wheel lock?

If either the hitch stabiliser or the ATC then I personally would not accept the van until it has been installed, especially the hitch stabiliser.

As mentioned, not sure which bit you are not getting but if it is a reflection of the car industry you are probably referring to the electronics bit of the ATC which can be fitted to the chassis at a later date.

Hard to resist collecting your new caravan but just imagine that one in a million chance and how you would feel if you lost control of the caravan before it had been fitted.

To me it is a bit like a car being sold without the ABS system, I wouldn't accept it.

Like others I'm guessing that you mean the ATC (Automatic Trailer Control) unit. It can't be the stabiliser as that is an integral part of the tow-hitch. If the dealer is saying "it is fine" it implies that the caravan has a tow-hitch which has the stabiliser built into it. 

Personally I wouldn't be too concerned. An ATC unit is an item that is easily retro-fitted once the dealer gets them back in stock. Up until 7 years ago when I bought my latest caravan (and having caravanned continuously since the late 1980's), my caravans never had one fitted and I never had any problem with controlling my trailer (caravan). I'm not sure that all caravans sold today have one fitted as a matter of course.

'Tippsy', as it seems you have been towing for a good number of years and more than likely talking about 'ATC', I wouldn't be too worried especially if your previous caravan didn't have it. 

Pick the new van up and enjoy it.

Having had the “tail wag the dog” on my Nissan navara by my bailey unicorn and feel the caravan pull it back, i personally can vouch for the ATC system. 

The questions are;-

why accept something incomplete

how long will it take to arrive and be fitted

and, how gutted would you be if it was needed and you didn’t have it to save you.

we have loads of safety  equipment that we never use, but are very thankful that’s its there should an emergency arise  

I recognise the disappointment and the draw to get hold of your new caravan but I am surprised to hear that some members would accept a new caravan with bits missing. I wonder how much has to be left off of a new caravan before it is worthy of being rejected.

Other items to consider!

The electronic anti snaking device is listed in my insurance schedule so I imagine my insurers would have something to say (probably financial) about it not being there 

When will the part get fitted? Once they have your money and you roll off of the forecourt the pressure is off for the dealer.

More importantly as Tippsy mentioned is the insurance fact.  If you get a discount for having the ATC I think the insurance could be invalidated if its not functioning or fitted.

That’l be why the dealer said to inform the insurance company. 

Double post

 ...  as it is an integral part of the Alko chassis.

I see where you're coming from, but the stabiliser bit is a bolt on part .... I had one fitted to my previous caravan as a part of the deal.