Being a caravanner, and having moved along with technology in the course of changing cars and caravans, I have wondered how the above two pieces of equipment might either complement or conflict with each other.
I have had cars with ESP for over eight years and, for a little over a year now, a caravan with ATC.
Basically, the ATC reacts to cancel out any sideways 'swing' of the caravan, due to crosswinds, passing a high-sided vehicle, etc., by intelligent activation of the caravan's brakes.
Sometimes, the caravan's reaction has been no better than my previous one with non-ATC (all caravans having manufacturer-fitted stabilisers on the tow hitch). Also no changes in loading/weight distribution.
This has led me to wonder is the car's ESP should be switched off when the caravan is in tow.
In addition to all this, I have been looking at changing my VW Touran for a VW Caddy Maxi Life. Reading the brochure, it states: "Towing - Includes Trailer Stability Assist operated via the ESP"
This is yet one more additional 'system' in the chain. The question is, "does this add up to further improvement of trailer control, or is it possible that, collectively, they could induce less control?"
I have had cars with ESP for over eight years and, for a little over a year now, a caravan with ATC.
Basically, the ATC reacts to cancel out any sideways 'swing' of the caravan, due to crosswinds, passing a high-sided vehicle, etc., by intelligent activation of the caravan's brakes.
Sometimes, the caravan's reaction has been no better than my previous one with non-ATC (all caravans having manufacturer-fitted stabilisers on the tow hitch). Also no changes in loading/weight distribution.
This has led me to wonder is the car's ESP should be switched off when the caravan is in tow.
In addition to all this, I have been looking at changing my VW Touran for a VW Caddy Maxi Life. Reading the brochure, it states: "Towing - Includes Trailer Stability Assist operated via the ESP"
This is yet one more additional 'system' in the chain. The question is, "does this add up to further improvement of trailer control, or is it possible that, collectively, they could induce less control?"