Snakemaster stabilizer - Page 2

reworht · 1st July 2012, 20:47

If you have a look on Towsure's website, I think you can get these as spares.

HarryM1BYT · 1st July 2012, 23:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssizefive

Well the caravan is now home & quite a bit cleaner

Still a lot of 'bits' of jobs to do but everything seems to work except the fridge, but that could be just me as i haven't spent too much time at it.
I couldn't use the stabilizer as the long locking arm rod is missing & also the pin that goes in the towbar end. I have seen a new rod on ebay that isn't expensive but would it be ok to use a nut & bolt through the hole that the pin is meant to go in?

Steve.

I think your 'pin' is an R spring clip. It fits through a narrow hole, where the bracket slides into the towbar bracket, to prevent it sliding back out. They often get lost, when you get one, put a brightly coloured tiewrap around it - it makes the pin easier to pull out gripping the tiewrap and it is easier to see on the grass.

I have loads of R clips here, if you are passing by - but bring the bracket with you for a free fitting.

ssizefive · 2nd July 2012, 05:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

I think your 'pin' is an R spring clip. It fits through a narrow hole, where the bracket slides into the towbar bracket, to prevent it sliding back out. They often get lost, when you get one, put a brightly coloured tiewrap around it - it makes the pin easier to pull out gripping the tiewrap and it is easier to see on the grass.

I have loads of R clips here, if you are passing by - but bring the bracket with you for a free fitting.

Excellent & thanks for the tip.

Steve.

Shortfella · 8th July 2012, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

If you keep it to 56mph, you will be able to save fuel and be able to cruise in lane 1 with the heavies.

Another 'wobbly box' mixing it with us 'heavies' just what we need.

ssizefive · 11th July 2012, 20:08

Have just been setting the stabilizer up as per the instructions but it seems very stiff on the side to side movement when pulling it with the scales at 70lbs,in fact i can hardly pull it - does this seem right?

Steve

HarryM1BYT · 11th July 2012, 22:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssizefive

Have just been setting the stabilizer up as per the instructions but it seems very stiff on the side to side movement when pulling it with the scales at 70lbs,in fact i can hardly pull it - does this seem right?

Steve

That seems to be correct.

reworht · 12th July 2012, 09:46

Yes - my Snakemaster is quite difficult to move by hand (and I set mine up on the bathroom scales too) - it needs to be pretty tight to do its job. Just remember to disconnect it before reversing the van!

HarryM1BYT · 12th July 2012, 10:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by reworht

Yes - my Snakemaster is quite difficult to move by hand (and I set mine up on the bathroom scales too) - it needs to be pretty tight to do its job. Just remember to disconnect it before reversing the van!

Why do you need to disconnect it to reverse?

Mine is another make, but similar principle and I have never needed to disconnect it to reverse.

reworht · 12th July 2012, 11:09

It was a 'warning' with the original instructions when it was new - I have to be honest and say I haven't investigated the scientific principles behind it - I've just got into the habit of doing so!

reworht · 12th July 2012, 12:50

I knew I had it somewhere (it was a scanned letter, filed on a 3.5"" floppy disk

).
This was the answer from the Snakemaster manufacturers when I queried the "disconnect before reversing" warning many years ago:-
With car and van coupled, on level surface and both in straight line, there should be 100mm of the leaf spring protruding to the rear of the locating shoe.
If the stabiliser is mounted to the right of the towball, full lock to the left will pull the leaf forwards in the shoe, and full right will push it further into the shoe.
If reversing on full right lock, the retracting action of the hitch will push the spring still further into the shoe. Because of the arc in the spring, downward pressure will reduce, and it is likely that the spring will "hop" over the edge of the shoe - which could damage your A frame fairing. This is probably why disconnecting the stabiliser for reversing is recommended.
If the stabiliser is mounted to the left of the towball, the situation is the same, but the opposite steering locks apply.

I'd go out and see if the theory is right - but guess what? - its raining

1st July 2012, 20:47	#11
reworht This is my second home Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE Navi 5dr Diesel Hatchback Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: North Yorks Moors Posts: 14,446 Thanks: 782 Thanked 2,156 Times in 1,497 Posts	If you have a look on Towsure's website, I think you can get these as spares.

11th July 2012, 20:08	#15
ssizefive I really should get out more....... Mg Tf160 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Keighley Posts: 2,605 Thanks: 756 Thanked 749 Times in 366 Posts	Have just been setting the stabilizer up as per the instructions but it seems very stiff on the side to side movement when pulling it with the scales at 70lbs,in fact i can hardly pull it - does this seem right? Steve

12th July 2012, 09:46	#17
reworht This is my second home Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE Navi 5dr Diesel Hatchback Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: North Yorks Moors Posts: 14,446 Thanks: 782 Thanked 2,156 Times in 1,497 Posts	Yes - my Snakemaster is quite difficult to move by hand (and I set mine up on the bathroom scales too) - it needs to be pretty tight to do its job. Just remember to disconnect it before reversing the van!

12th July 2012, 11:09	#19
reworht This is my second home Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE Navi 5dr Diesel Hatchback Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: North Yorks Moors Posts: 14,446 Thanks: 782 Thanked 2,156 Times in 1,497 Posts	It was a 'warning' with the original instructions when it was new - I have to be honest and say I haven't investigated the scientific principles behind it - I've just got into the habit of doing so!

12th July 2012, 12:50	#20
reworht This is my second home Honda HR-V 1.6 i-DTEC SE Navi 5dr Diesel Hatchback Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: North Yorks Moors Posts: 14,446 Thanks: 782 Thanked 2,156 Times in 1,497 Posts	I knew I had it somewhere (it was a scanned letter, filed on a 3.5"" floppy disk ). This was the answer from the Snakemaster manufacturers when I queried the "disconnect before reversing" warning many years ago:- With car and van coupled, on level surface and both in straight line, there should be 100mm of the leaf spring protruding to the rear of the locating shoe. If the stabiliser is mounted to the right of the towball, full lock to the left will pull the leaf forwards in the shoe, and full right will push it further into the shoe. If reversing on full right lock, the retracting action of the hitch will push the spring still further into the shoe. Because of the arc in the spring, downward pressure will reduce, and it is likely that the spring will "hop" over the edge of the shoe - which could damage your A frame fairing. This is probably why disconnecting the stabiliser for reversing is recommended. If the stabiliser is mounted to the left of the towball, the situation is the same, but the opposite steering locks apply. I'd go out and see if the theory is right - but guess what? - its raining