Motomovers
Having had various different caravans over the years I've managed perfectly well without a motomover.
Now with increasing age and a newly purchased larger caravan I've decided a fitted motomover might be prudent.
My question is...when you see them advertised, is the price for one side or for a pair? The adverts seem a bit ambiguous. (Single axle)
Answers
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@TeddyD As answered by Kj. A single axle caravan (one with two tyres) will have a motor unit that moves forward to engage each tyre that moves or rotates, the tyres to move the caravan forwards or backwards. Or to move it left or right then one tyre is made to rotate while the other doesn't or one moves one way and the other the other way.
Now as you mentioned increasing age it may be worth mentioning auto engagement of the motors. In cheaper units you will have to pull the motors on yourself with a lever, and it does take some effort and bending down. You can get auto engagement when it's all done for you by another motor within the unit.
If you have a twin axle caravan it's best to have motors for each tyre
You'll also need a caravan battery that can handle the increase load and keep it charged up over winter for example.
There are plenty of manufacturers, I have a Powertouch one which has given faithful service over many many years. They are very good and allow pin-point accuracy in hitching up.
Two tips, don't leave the remote control on the A frame 😟 and carry a spare battery for it.
Actually third tip (which I haven't done but read about on here) don't be tempted to run the mover connected to the EHU bollard - battery only or it will fry the mover's electronics.
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…………..and be aware fitting a motor mover will use up some of your weight allowance.
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"don't leave the remote control on the A frame 😟"
Guilty😳🤦🏻♂️0 -
…expensive as I recall, although luckily the battery from the smoke alarm fitted and that saved Mrs C from having to push while I directed (I had medical advice to avoid straining too much from a hernia opp, although I wasn't sure if that was still valid after four years but always best to err on the side of caution I always think?
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I've always used Powrtouch, and have been pleased with them. They're seen as the market leaders.
I have had both types and have gone back to the hand cranked version. Its not difficult to use, and theres one less thing to go wrong. Whichever you buy, having spare batteries is essential. Running out of power mid manouvre when the caravan is blocking the road is, lets say, awkward....
As @Takethedogalong says, they weigh 30kg, which is a hefty chunk of your personal allowance. It might be worth upping your weight plate if you're able to.
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As is always the way, its absence wasn’t noticed until about 150 miles up the road at the next site. We struck lucky in getting a replacement remote at a nearby dealer for around £75 but that was many years ago now.
I'm so glad to hear you were being careful in not straining yourself. Mrs C must have been so relieved at the finding of a battery.Oh, and yes, Powrtouch for me too. Had several over the years and Powrtouch are very helpful if you need to ring them.
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Actually our PowrTouch has lasted over two (three?) caravans and it was moved 'free' as part of the new caravan deal so must be 20 years old now. I think it got a 'service' a few times but that wasn't more that a check and a grease up.
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Powrtouch has worked well for us as well - with one proviso, which probably applies to other makes anyway. Our Bailey has a centrally located battery, and the fitter simply used the same diameter (but longer) battery supply cables as provided with the new mover. Because it seems the distance from battery to control unit is considerably longer than usual, the motor kept cutting out on underpower. I had to more the double the cable size, to reduce the cable resistance for the mover to work reliably.
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My first mover was a Reich move control which I fitted myself back in 2002. It had two separate motors which fitted independently to each wheel. Each wheel had to be engaged separately. It worked really well. When we got a new caravan I decided to go for a Powertouch. This had a single bar which attached the rollers on both wheels. I found it not as good as the Reich and certainly much slower but it did the job. Not that I am likely to have a new caravan but if I did, I would certainly have a mover and also have one with motorised engagement.
David
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TeddyD,
one thing is for sure, you will not regret having a mover fitted.
Reich, Powertouch and Truma have traditionally been the favoured suppliers.
Caravan Motor Movers supplied and fitted nationwide and Caravan Motor Movers all with FREE Delivery & Fitted Throughout the UK
Both have excellent reputations, so I would advise phoning them to see what they have on offer.
In 2023 we bought a new van and had our second Reich mover fitted. I do find them a little jerky, but I'm being very
critical. What they do offer is the option to get away with heavy cabling and a clunky on/off swich. We have one of these tiny switches just inside the caravan habitation door.
Reich Easy Driver Isolation Switch | Reich Code: 227-2211K1K | Caravan Movers | Leisureshopdirect
Colin
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We have a powertouch asswell on a single axle it’s not electronic so have to use a wrench to get it on but it’s been great don’t normally use it onsite as I can normally reverse on to pitch but it’s great for moving the van around the driveway our is8 years old and no issues so far
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As @Cornersteady says - it is crucial that you never use the mover whilst connected to EHU. The best way to ensure that this never happens is to get the installer to position the MM isolator switch. - such as this:
directly below the EHU socket on your van. That way, it is physically impossible to either put the key in the isolator whilst connected to EHU - or plug the EHU cable in whilst the key is in the isolator.
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