ATC stands for Automatic Trailer Control. It’s an electronic anti-snaking system for touring caravans.
The device was developed in Germany by the AL-KO Kober Group, which is best known in the UK caravan industry for making caravan chassis.
In this “Frequently asked questions video” we look at how the electronic AL-KO ATC trailer control system helps to prevent caravan snaking and bring your tourer under control when towing.
How ATC works…
The anti-snaking device helps the driver of a towing vehicle handle unexpected driving hazards such as braking traffic and crosswinds from overtaking vehicles.
ATC detects lateral or snaking movements – and will automatically apply all caravan brakes simultaneously when oscillations become severe enough to matter. It’s described as a passive system – AL-KO compare it to ABS on a car and how it’s used only in rare situations.
Different versions of ATC are available for different caravan weights to make sure the right brake pressure is applied through the unit.
The system is designed to react to any severe sideways movements and apply the caravan’s brakes, keeping the caravan under control.
Which caravans are fitted with AL-KO ATC?
Launched in 2007, many British caravan manufacturers now have AL-KO ATC fitted as standard, or as an option across their vehicle ranges.
It can also be retrofitted to caravans which have an AL-KO chassis, with a number of fitting services available across the UK. Ask your dealer for more information.
Insurance benefits
We offer a small caravan insurance discount for caravans fitted with the AL-KO ATC anti-snaking device as well as other discounts for the safety and security conscious caravanner.
For more information about AL-KO and their safety and security products visit www.alko-tech.com.
Hi up until last week all worked perfect when i hitched up yesterday no light no connection noise nothing the lights indicators etc worked but nothing from atc its a 2015 Bailey unicorn cartegena any ideas?
Hi,
Does anyone know who would be best to check out my ATC, the green LED does not come on when I connect to my tow switch on my car?
Have you tried a caravan service engineer? When you take your caravan for its annual service you could ask them to take a look.
Hi we have an elddis affinity 559 2016 we bought it on Wednesday took it from durham to Harrogate to try it out ?? Firstly we could not pull away from our drive we thought it was motor mover ?? As wirrling noise ?? We finally got away no probs (not sure how ) but after 4 days break it would not move from site ? Again thought we got it going so travelled home ? (Aprox 1 hour drive) the smell of the burning once we reached home and we are now sure it’s ATC ? Can you disconnect this or are we doing something wrong on hitching up light ? Not on ?
Sorry to hear of the problems you’ve encountered Karin. It’s difficult to say what the problem. It could be the ATC or the brakes. It’s worth having it serviced or at least looked at by an approved workshop.
Have got this fitted to my lunar caravan just had tow bar fitted and was told this has to be wired as well can anyone tell me anything about the system and how it’s supposed to work thanks andy
Have you tried contacting Al-Ko or your dealership?
any one have a Certificate of conformity for this they are willing to mail me?
Need it to register the caravan
Have unicorn valencia when attached to car green light does not light up and the mechanism does not sound. it used to up to three weeks ago (the button on the hitch shows it is connected) any ideas ie is there a fuse blown?
Hi Rob, we’d suggest trying to get in contact with Bailey or speak to your dealer. https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/contact-us
Hi Rob
We’ve been in touch with Bailey for you and I’ve sent a message to your email address with a response. Thanks, Liz
Worked great for me, caravan started snaking and applied breaking strait away.
Not sure what would have happened if not fitted.
Had this on our Senator California, and now have it on our Coachman Vision 575/4. Great bit of kit, but you still need to load the van wisely. Wouldn’t want to tow without it.
Well explained and makes me happier I have it fitted to my caravan
Thanks for the feedback David.