Caravan stabiliser fitting in Exeter
Professional caravan stabiliser fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Caravan stabiliser professionally fitted. Mounted correctly, bolted securely, tested properly. Reduces snaking and makes towing way less nerve-wracking.
Towing With Confidence
Snaking caravan at 60mph is terrifying. Stabiliser won't fix bad loading or excessive speed, but with everything done right, it massively reduces wobble and makes towing feel safer.
💡 Pro tip: Stabiliser helps but isn't magic. Still need correct nose weight (typically 7% of caravan weight), load distributed properly, and sensible driving.
With Stabiliser vs Without
| ✅ Stabiliser Fitted | ❌ No Stabiliser |
|---|---|
| Less side-to-side movement | Every lorry overtake is stressful |
| More controlled in crosswinds | Wind buffeting causes sway |
| Confident motorway towing | White-knuckle driving |
| Recovery from bumps quicker | Wobbles for ages after potholes |
What You Get
🔧 Professional Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check compatibility | Confirm stabiliser suits your caravan |
| Mount | Bolt to chassis/hitch as per type |
| Align | Positioned correctly for operation |
| Test | Check it engages and releases properly |
| Adjust | Set friction level if adjustable type |
📦 Stabiliser Types
- Blade stabilisers (towball-mounted)
- Friction head stabilisers (Al-Ko, etc)
- Leaf spring stabilisers (older style)
- Combined hitch and stabiliser units
Pricing
| Type | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Blade stabiliser fit | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Friction type install | 60-90 mins | £60-£85 |
| Replacement/upgrade | 45-75 mins | £60-£85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. You supply the stabiliser.
Why Fit One?
✅ Nervous tower - adds confidence on motorways
✅ Windy routes - coastal roads, exposed areas
✅ Older caravan - might not have stability built in
✅ Heavy caravan - more mass = more sway potential
✅ Insurance - some insurers offer discount for fitted stabiliser
Why Choose Us for Caravan stabiliser fitting in Exeter?
Reduces caravan snaking
Fitted correctly and safely
Improves towing confidence
Tested before you leave
What to Expect
Step 1: Check Fitment
Confirm your chosen stabiliser is compatible with your caravan's chassis and hitch setup. Better to know before starting.
Step 2: Install
Blade types bolt to towball. Friction types need mounting to chassis with proper brackets. Drilling if required, all bolted securely.
Step 3: Test and Adjust
Check it engages when hitched, releases when unhitched, friction level appropriate. Show you how to use and maintain it.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fitting a stabiliser yourself? Different types, different approaches:
🔧 Blade stabiliser (simpler)
- Bolts onto existing towball
- Usually just 4 bolts through mounting plate
- Needs torquing to spec (check manufacturer)
- Test engagement before towing
📐 Friction stabiliser (more involved)
- Identify mounting points: Chassis rails, specific locations
- Drill holes: Correct size, deburred, treated against rust
- Bolt brackets: Heavy-duty bolts, lock washers, torqued properly
- Fit stabiliser: Onto brackets, aligned correctly
- Adjust friction: Usually adjustable pads - start medium, tune later
🔨 Installation tips
- Use proper bolts: High-tensile, not cheap hardware store ones
- Washers matter: Spread load, prevent pulling through
- Torque settings: Follow manufacturer specs
- Anti-rust: Treat any bare metal from drilling
- Test empty: Before loading and towing properly
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Mounting too far back - doesn't engage properly
- Under-torqued bolts - comes loose when towing
- Wrong height - blade doesn't sit right on head
- Over-tightening friction - makes coupling difficult
- Not testing before motorway - find issues at 60mph
💡 Pro trick: After first trip with new stabiliser, check all bolts. First journey can settle things. Re-torque if needed.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚐 Not a substitute: Stabilisers help massively but don't replace proper loading, correct nose weight, and sensible driving. Fix those first, stabiliser makes good towing great.
Maintenance: Blade types need occasional lubrication. Friction types might need pads replacing after heavy use. Check manufacturer guidance.
Nose weight: Still critical even with stabiliser. Too light and you'll snake, too heavy and you'll stress the car. Get it measured properly.
Often combined with:
- Nose weight check and adjustment
- Season prep checks
- Towing setup consultation
Al-Ko specific: Many UK caravans have Al-Ko chassis with specific stabiliser systems. Make sure you buy the right one for your setup - they're not universal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a stabiliser actually do?
It reduces side-to-side movement (snaking) when towing. Acts like a friction brake between caravan and car. Won't stop snaking completely if you're massively overloaded or towing badly, but massively reduces it in normal conditions.
Do I need a stabiliser if my car has trailer sway control?
Modern electronic stability helps but a mechanical stabiliser adds another layer. Especially useful on older cars without electronics, or if you regularly tow in windy conditions or on motorways.
Can you fit any stabiliser to any caravan?
Not quite - blade stabilisers need compatible hitch head, friction stabilisers bolt to chassis. Send me your caravan make/model and what stabiliser you're looking at, I'll confirm compatibility before you buy.
Will fitting affect my warranty?
Shouldn't if fitted properly. I'll bolt through chassis in correct locations, use proper mounting hardware, not damage anything. Still worth checking your caravan warranty terms to be sure.
How long does fitting take?
Hour to 90 minutes depending on type. Blade stabilisers are quick (bolt to towball). Friction type need drilling and bolting to chassis - takes longer but more thorough.
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