Anti-snaking system ATC
AL-KO VT Trailer Control – Safety when you need it
Greater driving stability through early detection of critical oscillations
Gusty winds, 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 safety system that detects critical oscillations at an early stage and intervenes automatically to stabilise the outfit.
Similar to ESP in a car, ATC continuously monitors the lateral movements of the trailer. If these exceed a defined tolerance range, the system activates the wheel brakes. Targeted, gentle braking brings the outfit back under control and returns it to a safe driving state.
AL-KO VT offers ATC for caravans as well as for commercial trailers in different weight categories.
Greater safety in critical driving situations
ATC reacts before oscillations intensify
A trailer can become unstable for a variety of reasons. Crosswinds, aerodynamic forces when overtaking, or sudden evasive manoeuvres can cause oscillations that may worsen. This is precisely where ATC comes into play.
The advantages of ATC at a glance:
- Continuous monitoring: ATC constantly checks the lateral movements of the trailer.
- Early response: Critical oscillations are detected directly at the trailer axle.
- Automatic intervention: The system independently activates the wheel brakes when necessary.
- Gentle stabilisation: The outfit is restabilised by controlled braking.
- Direct detection at the trailer: ATC detects movements where they occur.
- Wide range of applications: Various versions are available for caravans and commercial trailers with weights up to 3.5 tonnes.
Important: ATC is an additional driver assistance safety system and does not replace a suitable driving style or the correct loading of the trailer. For caravans, ATC does not change the critical speed range and has no effect on the requirements for Tempo 100.
How does the Anti-snaking system ATC work?
Continuous monitoring and automatic intervention
ATC directly monitors the driving behaviour at the trailer or caravan. A lateral acceleration sensor records movements at the axle and detects when the lateral oscillations exceed a tolerance range defined in the system.
In this case, ATC responds automatically: the wheel brakes of the trailer or caravan are actuated via the Bowden cables. This stretches the outfit and stabilises it. The braking process is gentle but noticeable for the driver. No additional driver intervention is required to activate the system.
This is a key advantage: the sensors detect critical lateral movements directly at the trailer or caravan. With ATC for commercial trailers, AL-KO VT states that these movements can be detected before any trailer ESP available in the towing vehicle registers the oscillations.
ATC retrofitting
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 via the trailer's electrical system. When connected, the system automatically performs an operational check; a green LED indicates readiness. Operation with a seven-pin connector is not possible.
Whether retrofitting is possible for your vehicle and which ATC version is required depends on the vehicle, chassis and weight class.
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 oscillations are detected.
A lateral acceleration sensor detects oscillations at the trailer axle. If the defined tolerance range is exceeded, ATC operates the wheel brakes via Bowden cables. The gentle braking process stabilises the outfit.
AL-KO VT offers various ATC systems for caravans and commercial trailers. The caravan system is designed for AL-KO chassis from model year 1998. For ATC for commercial trailers, an AL-KO axle and AL-KO wheel brake are required. In both areas, different variants are available for varied weight categories up to 3,500 kg.
Yes, retrofitting is possible for suitable vehicles. The appropriate version depends, among other things, on the chassis and weight class of the trailer. For caravans, AL-KO VT specifies an AL-KO chassis from model year 1998 as a requirement.
Yes. The system continuously monitors the lateral movements and automatically activates the wheel brakes if the defined tolerance is exceeded.
No. ATC is an additional driver assistance safety system. In particular with commercial trailers, AL-KO VT explicitly points out that the system cannot replace correct loading and responsible driving.