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Everything You Need to Know About Caravan Sway Control

Everything You Need to Know About Caravan Sway Control

BM Pro vs. ALKO ESC

 

When it comes to travelling safely with your caravan, sway control is one of the most important features to consider. At Adelaide RV, we’ve explored various sway control options over the years, from the tried-and-tested ALKO ESC to the advanced BM Pro Sway Control. If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between these systems or why sway control is essential, this guide is for you.

 

 

What Is Sway Control and Why Is It Important?

 

When you’re towing a caravan on the open road, factors like side winds, bumps, or even a flat tyre can cause your caravan to sway. This sway often happens because the caravan’s tyres are rotating faster than your tow vehicle’s tyres. For example, if your car is travelling at 95 km/h, your caravan’s tyres might be moving at 98 or even 100 km/h. This imbalance can cause the caravan to try and overtake your vehicle, leading to dangerous instability.

 

In the past, drivers were advised to accelerate to regain control or use a manual brake controller. However, in high-pressure situations, these actions may not always be practical or safe. That’s where sway control systems come in — they automatically apply brakes to your caravan’s wheels, bringing everything back into alignment without requiring split-second decisions from you.

 

The Two Types of Sway Control Systems

 

At Adelaide RV, we offer two main types of sway controllers:

 

  1. ALKO ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

 

The ALKO ESC is a robust and reliable system that has been a favourite among caravan owners for years. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Functionality: When sway is detected, the Alko ESC applies braking force to all four caravan wheels simultaneously, helping to stabilise the caravan quickly.
  • Indicator Light: A small control unit with an indicator light is installed on the caravan’s drawbar. It lights up green when functioning correctly and red if there’s an issue.
  • Power Source: The Alko ESC is powered by a red Anderson plug connected to your tow vehicle, allowing you to disconnect it when not in use.
  • Off-Road Considerations: If you’re venturing onto rough terrain, it’s recommended to disconnect the Alko ESC, as corrugations can sometimes be mistaken for sway, causing unnecessary braking.

 

  1. BM Pro Sway Control

 

The BM Pro Sway Control offers a more advanced approach with additional features:

  • Adaptive Braking: Unlike the Alko ESC, the BM Pro system can apply braking force to individual wheels based on where the sway is occurring, providing more precise control.
  • Compact Design: The control unit is smaller and typically mounted underneath the caravan chassis.
  • Power Source: It’s wired directly into the caravan’s onboard battery, eliminating the need for external power from the tow vehicle.
  • Off-Road Ready: The BM Pro system is designed to handle off-road conditions. Its technology can differentiate between sway and rough terrain, ensuring it doesn’t activate unnecessarily.

 

Key Differences Between ALKO ESC and BM Pro Sway Control

 

Feature ALKO ESC BM Pro Sway Control
Braking Mechanism All wheels simultaneously Individual wheels as needed
Power Source Red Anderson plug Caravan’s onboard battery
Off-Road Compatibility Recommended to disconnect Suitable for off-road use
Installation Location Indicator on drawbar Smaller unit under the chassis

 

Why Sway Control Is Essential

 

Think of sway control as an insurance policy. You might never need it, but when an unexpected event occurs — a crosswind, a bump, or even a tyre blowout — having sway control could prevent a serious accident. Both the ALKO ESC and BM Pro Sway Control provide this critical safety net, ensuring your caravan stays aligned with your tow vehicle.

 

Tips for Minimising Sway

 

While sway control systems are invaluable, proper caravan setup is equally important. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of sway:

 

  • Load Your Caravan Correctly: Weight distribution plays a significant role in stability. Heavy items should be placed low and over the axle.

 

 

  • Use a Weight Distribution Hitch: This can help balance the load between your tow vehicle and caravan.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Whether you choose the ALKO ESC or the BM Pro Sway Control, having a sway controller installed is one of the best decisions you can make for towing safety. Both systems are available at Adelaide RV and can be installed by our trusted partners at Performance Auto Electrical.

 

If you’d like to learn more or see these systems in action, visit us at Adelaide RV or drop by our service centre. Have a different sway control system you love? Let us know in the comments — we’re always keen to hear about new innovations!

Stay safe and adventure ready out on the road!

 

Sway Control