Your Guide to Caravan Stability Systems
We’ve all seen the dashcam footage on social media: large caravans swaying out of control before veering off the road, turning every traveller’s worst nightmare into reality. Sway control or stability control systems are designed to make towing safer and more stable. They help reduce sway caused by wind, rough roads or unexpected manoeuvres.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the leading sway control systems on the market, explain how each one works, and help you understand which option best suits your towing setup.
AL-KO ESC
AL-KO ESC has been on the market for over 10 years and can be easily retrofitted to both single and tandem axle caravans. It can be ordered, purchased and installed by any AL-KO registered and licensed installer, such as Carac.
The ESC works by monitoring the caravan’s side-to-side sway. When sway reaches a preset limit, the system automatically engages, applying the caravan’s brakes independently of the tow vehicle’s brakes. This action straightens the caravan behind the tow vehicle and gently pulls the vehicle back, bringing both into line. At the same time, it slows the entire rig, restoring stability and putting you back in control.
Power is supplied via a dedicated 12‑volt connection from your tow vehicle, using a red Anderson plug fitted to the rear of the vehicle. This ensures a reliable, stable power supply so the ESC can respond instantly to correct any major sway.
*Price is including fitment in Carac workshop
Lippert Sway Command
One of the newer systems on the market is Lippert Sway Command, developed by Lippert in the USA. It functions similarly to AL-KO ESC by applying the caravan’s brakes during a sway event, which quickly straightens the van and gently pulls back on the tow vehicle to align the entire setup.
Lippert also requires a red Anderson plug to be fitted to your vehicle to power the system so its operation is very similar to that of the AL-KO ESC. A key difference is that Lippert includes a vertical sway sensor, helping control up-and-down movement on rough tracks, a feature not offered by AL-KO ESC.
*Price is for unit only - fitment additional
BMPRO Smart Sway Control
BMPRO’s sway control system, made in the USA, manages sway using a method similar to modern vehicle stability control. It applies braking to one side of the caravan, then the other, to bring the van back in line.
Unlike AL-KO and Lippert, which operate independently with their own power supply via a red Anderson plug, this unit relies on the car’s brake controller signal and draws power from the caravan’s 12V battery.
*Price is for unit only - fitment additional
Professional installation is key
The above systems are best installed by experienced professionals, as correct placement of the sensor unit under the van is essential for proper operation. Installation should also include a full inspection of the caravan’s brakes, since a sway control system depends on them functioning correctly. All of these products are available through Carac, and our knowledgeable staff are happy to help you choose the best option for your specific caravan and tow vehicle setup.