Anti-snaking system ATC
AL-KO VT Trailer Control – Safety when it matters
Greater driving stability thanks to early detection of critical swaying
Gusts of wind, overtaking manoeuvres, or sudden evasive movements can cause a caravan or trailer to start snaking. ATC Trailer Control from AL-KO VT is an electronic driving safety system that detects critical swaying movements early and intervenes automatically to stabilise.
Similar to an ESP system for cars, ATC continuously monitors the trailer's lateral movements. If these exceed a defined tolerance range, the system activates the wheel brakes. Targeted, gentle braking stabilises the outfit and returns it to a safe driving state.
AL-KO VT offers ATC for both caravans and utility trailers in a range of weight categories.
Greater safety in critical driving situations
ATC responds before swaying movements intensify
A trailer can become unstable for a variety of reasons. Side winds, wind pressure when overtaking, or sudden evasive manoeuvres can trigger swaying movements, which can intensify further. This is where ATC comes into play.
The advantages of ATC at a glance:
- Continuous monitoring: ATC continuously monitors the lateral movements of the trailer.
- Prompt reaction: Critical swaying movements are detected directly at the trailer axle.
- Automatic intervention: The system activates the wheel brakes automatically if required.
- Smooth stabilisation: The outfit is stabilised again by controlled braking.
- Direct detection at the trailer: ATC detects movements at the point where they originate.
- Wide operational range: Different versions up to 3.5 tonnes are available for caravans and utility trailers.
Important: ATC is an additional driving safety system and does not replace an appropriate driving style or the correct loading of the trailer. In the case of the caravan, ATC does not change the critical speed range or influence the requirements for Tempo 100.
How does the anti-snaking system ATC work?
Permanent monitoring and automatic intervention
ATC monitors driving behaviour directly on the trailer or caravan. A lateral acceleration sensor detects the movements at the axle and identifies when the lateral swaying movements exceed a tolerance range defined in the system.
In this case, ATC intervenes automatically: the wheel brakes of the trailer or caravan are activated via the Bowden cables. This stretches out the outfit and stabilises it. The braking process is gentle, but noticeable to the driver. No further intervention by the driver is required for activation of the system.
This is a key advantage: the sensors detect critical lateral movements directly on the trailer or caravan. For the ATC for utility trailers, AL-KO VT notes that these movements can be detected before any trailer ESP on the towing vehicle registers the swaying.
Retrofitting ATC
ATC can be retrofitted to suitable vehicles. For caravans, the system is intended for AL-KO chassis from model year 1998. After installation, the ATC is powered by the trailer's electric supply. When connecting, the system automatically carries out an operational check; a green LED indicates operational readiness. Operation via a seven-pin connector is not possible.
Whether retrofitting is possible for your vehicle and which ATC version is needed depends on the vehicle, chassis, and weight category.
Frequently asked questions about ATC Trailer Control
ATC Trailer Control is an electronic anti-snaking system from AL-KO VT. It monitors the lateral movements of the trailer and intervenes automatically via the wheel brakes if critical swaying is detected.
A lateral acceleration sensor detects swaying on the trailer axle. If the stored tolerance range is exceeded, ATC activates the wheel brakes via the Bowden cables. The gentle braking stabilises the outfit.
AL-KO VT offers various ATC systems for caravans and utility trailers. The caravan system is intended for AL-KO chassis from model year 1998. For the ATC for utility trailers, an AL-KO axle and AL-KO wheel brake are required. In both areas, versions are available for different weight classes up to 3,500 kg.
Yes, retrofitting is possible on suitable vehicles. The correct version depends, among other things, on the existing chassis and the trailer's weight category. AL-KO VT specifies an AL-KO chassis from model year 1998 as a prerequisite for caravans.
Yes. The system continuously monitors lateral movements and automatically activates the wheel brakes if the defined tolerance range is exceeded.
No. ATC is to be understood as an additional driving safety system. Especially for utility trailers, AL-KO VT expressly points out that the system cannot replace correct loading and responsible driving behaviour.