North
Coast Caravans are the South West approved AL-KO ATC Trailer
Control dealers, fitting centre and service engineers.
Anyone who has experienced a
‘Snake’ when towing a caravan, knows how sensitively an outfit
can react at higher speeds. Any slight evasive action, side wind
or turbulence from overtaking a heavy goods vehicle, can quickly
create an unstable driving condition that results in the loss of
control of the car and caravan. When this happens the results
can be extremely visual and devastating.
AL-KO ATC Trailer Control is an
ingeniously simple electronic control system that reacts quickly
to maintain the stability of the car and caravan. AL-KO ATC is
similar to the ESP-system on some cars, continually monitoring
the stability of the caravan during a journey and only operates
when an unstable condition is encountered. When AL-KO ATC
activates, the driver will feel the vehicle being slowed down by
the soft braking of the caravan.
To play video and view the ATC in action - click
arrow.
Lateral acceleration sensors in
the AL-KO ATC unit, monitor’s for slight side movements or a
large swinging motion of a caravan. Even before an ESP system
has detected the swinging movements of the car, AL-KO ATC
applies the brakes on the caravan to slow the outfit down,
before the situation becomes critical. The braking operation
lasts only for a few seconds, long enough to re-establish
control and to bring the car and caravan back to a safe driving
condition.
Al-KO ATC is a passive emergency
safety system that connects to the car via the normal 12S and
12N connection cables. When the system is ‘plugged in’ the AL-KO
ATC automatically starts a ‘Pre-Flight’ test that engages the
plunger, applying the caravan brakes. Once this test is
complete, the LED warning light on the front fairing changes
from red to green to indicate the system is monitoring the
caravan and in a ‘ready for travel’ state.
AL-KO ATC has been
designed to be an integral part of the complete towing
safety system:
AL-KO ATC system which
(like the vehicle ABS) detects and controls caravan
instability automatically.
AL-KO AKS Stabilisers,
an effective stabiliser that raises the “CRITICAL SPEED”
beyond the normal legal speed limit.
The Driver, who is responsible,
under law, to ensure that the basic elements of safe towing are
met, and is comfortably in control of the outfit.
The AL-KO safety systems of AKS +
ATC operating together with responsible driving is a complete
solution for improved safer towing.
AL-KO ATC can be retrofitted to
most caravans with an AL-KO Chassis. A number of variants are
available dependent on the number of axles and the gross weight
(MPTLM) of the caravan.
North Coast Caravans are the
South West approved AL-KO ATC Trailer Control dealers, fitting
centre and service engineers. Please phone for more details
01288 359 365.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: Can ATC be retrofitted to my
caravan?
A: Yes, ATC is retrofittable to most caravans with
AL-KO chassis.
Q: Where does ATC get its power
from?
A: ATC is connected to the caravan distribution box and
the supply is provided by the
constant live (pin 4) from the
grey 12S plug.
Q: How much power does ATC
require?
A: When ATC is activated, it instantly draws 15 amps
and must take priority over any
other 12 volt equipment
using the same pin – I.E. caravan battery charger.
Q: Can ATC also be fitted on
caravans with a (7-pin) plug?
A: Yes. The system requires the use of electrical
connections from the 12S(grey) plug.
It also works with
caravans fitted with the new 13-pin plug.
Q: Where does the LED need to be
fitted?
A: Near the overrun device on the front fairing.
Q: Do the brake lights function
when ATC is activated?
A: No. The ATC brakes the caravan and car softly. The
driver will feel when ATC has activated.
Q: Does ATC need maintenance?
A: No the system is maintenance free.
Q: How do I know that ATC is
ready to use?
A: As soon as the 7-pin plug is connected to the towing
vehicle, the ATC completes a pre-flight test.
The function status is shown
via a green LED on the overrun device.
Green (or flashing green) =
ready for use.
Red = ATC not functioning,
but car can be driven.
Flashing red = caravan
brakes are applied. Car and caravan should not be driven.
Q: How do I recognise that the
ATC system is working in the car?
A: Soft braking is noticed in the car.
Drive with Safety
have North Coast Caravans fit your ATC now - 01288 359 365.
North
Coast Caravans are the South West approved AL-KO ATC Trailer
Control dealers, fitting centre and service engineers.
