AL-KO's 3004 stabiliser is a great piece of kit, which helps keep your caravan stable on the road. Few problems are associated with these products, but there are a couple of checks to be made on a regular basis to ensure everything is ship-shape. The stabiliser operates by clamping friction pads onto the towball to damp movement of the caravan as you drive. These can wear during use, so it's worth checking on the unit's condition between services. These pointers are in addition to, rather than in place of, an annual service.

Before getting involved in the caravan's towing gear, check the towbar. Ensure it is clean, free of rust or paint before using it with you caravan. If necessary, clean the towball with brake cleaner to get rid of contaminants, or use emery cloth to remove rust and paint.

There are two wear indicators on the hitch head. When hitched up, look at the arrows on the silver sides of the hitch. They should be below the marks on the red plastic cover. If they are above the mark, the left and right pads need to be replaced.

Lift the stabiliser handle and check the hitch handle. If the green marker is visible, the front and rear pads are fine. If only the red marker can be seen, the pads are no longer at their best and ought to be replaced.

Creaking from your stabiliser during towing indicates a dirty towball or friction pads. We favour using aerosol brake cleaner to treat these. Spray it liberally onto the towball and into the hitch head. Leave it for a few seconds and wipe the excess with a clean cloth.