Hey Liz. Not that familiar with Jeeps, but surprised if a new one didn't have ESC on it - theyd be pretty much out of step with all others in the range (ESC are not usually fitted to the real off-roaders like the old Jeeps as they can cause problems when negotiating tracks when not all 4 wheels are always on the deck.

I have a new 4x4 ute with all the fizz including ESC and also have it fitted on my caravan

hi bruce
i hear what your saying, the jeep has all the wizz bang stuff on it. But it has this feature where it supposed to correct a swaying trailer or caravan.
But i dont know if it would works. we just bought a new surpreme 21ft and were advised we did not need esc. we get the van in october so i can still make changes if need be

Can't say I'm an expert on this but I have a Mazda BT 50 that has towing ESC installed and I don't see how the towing vehicle's ESC would impact on the van or trailer being towed. ASKO missed a marketing opportunity when it did not include any "in cabin" indication of when their ESC was operating. Consequently users such as myself are unaware of whether the ASKO ESC has improved things or not since we don't know when it operates. With that in mind, I still wouldn't rely on the towing vehicle's ESC to provide a substitute for a caravan mounted ESC.

Dave

Hi Liz Ive got a DMax that has all the fizzy stuff including an ice cream maker lol. Obviously it includes ESC and another feature that is designed specially for a towed unit (trailer, boat, caravan etc). I cant remember what its called now.

But I had an ALKO ESC unit fitted by the Dealer before I collected the van. It cost me $1400 installed by them. I think its well worth it. When you plug in the electrics to your Jeep, there is a small black box about the same size as the end of a match box which is attached to the inside of the 'van draw bar. In this little black box are 2 LEDS. If both are green, it indicates that the ESC on both sides of your van (mine is a tandem axle) is working and if red or red/black, you have a problem.

Ive had vans before and ESC is great for most anti sway situations and especially when passing a road train or large truck or its passing you. No longer will your 'van be sucked into the truck or cause you to start swaying. On some roads in WA, Ive been passed by triple trains and reckon there was only enough room to slip some toilet paper between my vehicle and it. Still no sway.

A really good investment

(OH NO an ice cream maker) lol

Were listening ,thats why we ask for all your input. we have not towed a van before, so all the advice is very much appreciated . it certainly takes a lot to set up a van.

as d and d said, i can't see how a tow vehicle can control a sway in a van. $1400 IS A SMALL PRICE TO PAY to install ESC on the van. if it keeps us safe.
The jeep grand cherokee 3lt crd .was set up before i bought it, extra sub tank 60 lt ,electric brakes, replaced 20inch wheels with 18 inch with the of road pac, all wired up for cb, anderson plug.
i still need to wire up for a reversing camera.
Any jeep owners out there , we would like to get some feedback on how they tow ETC. Previous owner told me he did not think it was strong enough, for the van he towed ,so he bough a land cruiser v8.
Figure that one out, it tows 3.5t

I have V8 T.D.Landcruiser with Electronic Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control included amongst other things.
I have just had Lotus Freelander built and I have included the E.S.C. For an additional $1000.Thought it was well worth having another safety device.
Cheers
Col.

thanks col
all the feed back seems to suggest its worth while installing ESC
THANKS

Hey Liz. Take the specifications - the various weights for your caravan (you'll find it on the VIN plate which is usually in the front boot or sometimes on the drawbar).

Go visit (don't phone) a couple of Jeep dealers and speak to the service supervisor (the service manager is often not a mechanic and doesn't know that much about the products they sell - hes there to make the Delaer profit!!!). Smile nicely at the supervisor (don't go in first thing in the morning when theyre rushed off their feet) and explain what youre doing and ask him/her what they think. They will tell you the Jeep spec tow weights for your model - take the handbook with all its details) and also their personal opinion (the last is very helpful)

Failing that, do visit your local motorist organization (like the RAC in WA). DONT phone them - you wont be talking to a mechanic. Visit one of their vehicle service centres and if you crack them one of your huge smiles, you'll get answers

Let us all know how you go Liz - its great to see intelligent people checking all these things out, rather than the "hitch the bastard up and lets hit the bloody road", which so many people do

The answer to this is simple if you have ESC installed and it saves you just once then it is really worth it, I was surprised that you had been advised by the sales person not to. The more safety you have the better.
Cheers Andrew

whoever advised Liz not to get ESC on her van obviously has no idea what the benefits are and no doubt in his or her ihnorance, thought they were doing her a favour by saving her money