Tow pack is snaking charmer

Thursday, July 08, 2004

Vauxhall’s new Astra hatchback is now available with a new trailer stabilisation system which the manufacturer thinks could prevent hundreds of accidents each year.

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Vauxhall’s new Astra hatchback is now available with a new trailer stabilisation system which the manufacturer thinks could prevent hundreds of accidents each year.

The Trailer Stability Program (TSP), which will also be available on the forthcoming estate, is included in a new £350 Towing Pack option. TSP aims to put an end to the swaying or snaking movement a trailer makes at high speed, reducing driver stress and preventing accidents.

Automatically activated when the towing hook is used, the system employs the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to detect any yawing movement in a trailer. ESP is standard on SRi and some Design models but is a £400 option otherwise.

When a snaking movement begins the system closes the throttle and applies the car’s brakes to steady both it and trailer. If the snaking continues for three movements more braking pressure is applied.

Also included in the Towing Pack is a programme to make hill starts easier, a tyre deflation warning system, cruise control and self-levelling suspension on the estate which goes on sale this September.

A similar product called Trailer Stability Control is standard on BMW X3s and X5s with factory-fitted tow bars. For other vehicles an aftermarket device called the Lubs Electronic Anti-snake System (LEAS) is available from Germany for £465.

Operating the trailer’s brakes to stop snaking, LEAS is available from BL Trading, Auf dem Brand 10, D-50996 Koeln, Germany, by faxing 0049 221396630 or e-mailing wolfgan.lubs@bl-trading.de.