Auto or manual mover
We have a Powrtouch evolution on our caravan which we are currently trading in as we want a fixed bed. The dealer has been trying to interest me in the idea of a replacement mover on the basis that, as we are in our 70's, an automatic one would make life
easier. We still have some warranty on the present one and I think the additional expenditure might be considerable. On the other hand I suffer with costochondritis so wonder if the automatic version might be a really good investment. What do other people
think about the automatic ones?
Comments
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We changed vans and went from a manual to auto engage. Well worth the extra money, just stand aside and use the hand held control. We chose pwrtouch due to their warranty great bit of kit.
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We're just in the process of changing our mover to a manual Powertouch. I did read some adverse comments about the automatic version as well as the cost. I was worried that I might struggle engaging the manual one but, after a test in the workshop, I'm
happy to say we're going with the manual one. It's much quicker.
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We have had both, now have the automatic Powertouch, it is slightly heavier than the manual. I am pleased with it nad also very pleased with Powertouch back-up it is second to none.
If you go for the automatic when using it take your time & don't try to rush the procedure. Good Luck
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All the comments have been most useful. I think we will carry on with the manual. My thinking is that if I can manage an Al-Ko hitch then I can manage a manual engagement mover. In fact the one thing I will miss on the previous van is the Winterhoff hitch
which I found so much easier to use than the Al-Ko on the van before that. The Winterhoff requires much less muscle power and has only one action rather than the two on the Al-Ko. On the other hand I have never used the newer Al-Ko, the one with the black
handle. I may find it easier so here's hoping.0 -
Our mover is a manual engage but would i change to an auto one ? to be honest as long as i can still fit enough too engage it i would stay with the manual type.Auto is fine until it malfunctions and then i would imagine it could be a real problem.
peter.
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Those were my thoughts Peter. The only down side that I can see at the moment, having just brought it home, is that the van appears to travels rather more slowly with the mover engaged but engaging it is a doddle.
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I could be wrong but I don't think there is a manual override. I am definitely holding on to our manual version.
You are wrong, at least in part, there is a manual override for taking it off if it fails to disengage. However, I am fairly sure this does not work for putting it on.
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We have the automatic version on this van, previously had manual. I get the impression that adjustment is less important on the automatic, as it presses into the tyre until it cuts out on load, rather than rotating a cam, as on our manual version.
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I can drive home with the car window down but i cant if the van wheels are locked up
and when was the last time a leccy on one of your windows failed?
Write your comments here... Cor blimey my Landrover drivers window failed today , think its the linkage , still at least its closed lol give me manual anytime !
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I cannot hlep but wonder if the automatic versionis a bit of a gimmick. If you can manage to hitch on then surely the manual engagement cannot be too much of a challenge. Our delaer was very keen to try and sell me a new automatic version but loth to take
our two year old manual in part exchange. This leads me to assume that the mark up on new sales is considerble.0 -
I cannot hlep but wonder if the automatic versionis a bit of a gimmick. If you can manage to hitch on then surely the manual engagement cannot be too much of a challenge. Our delaer was very keen to try and sell me a new automatic version
but loth to take our two year old manual in part exchange. This leads me to assume that the mark up on new sales is considerble.You might think so, but Mrs SteveL used to really struggle with the manual engagement, however managed OK with the alco hitch.
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And here I am being anxious about whether or not I will manage the Al-Ko hitch on our new caravan. I manage the manual engagement on the mover easily and the Winterhoff hitch on our Eldiss Xplore is so easy to use. I will only be hitching on with it once
more when I take it to part exchange in ten days time.0 -
I bought an all wheel power touch for my twin axle 2013 Barcelona when it works it is wonderfull but it has stopped on many occasions for no reason and has to be reset by turning it off and on. have had a few very awkward moments on site.since it was fitted
new it has had 2 motors replaced because of faults, the 2 blue control boxes inside the van have been replaced then while in for its last service 2 more were changed because the white powder coating was flaking off. I thought I was buying the best on the market
. I must say that all the faults were done under warranty at no cost to myself but have gone through many frustrating times on site and at home . I had a a manual mover on my last van and never had any problems. To be honest I am allways suprised when it actually
works with no problems and dont have much confidence when i come to use it.0 -
Manual, we have an Auto and it has been nothing but trouble, burnt out motors, had to call out PT several times to change the motors, PT I must say have been brilliant, but Auto is a no no for me
Admiral
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We have had both and now on an auto. No difficulies whatsover and even if it failed to disengage you are given a tool to manually unwind so no problems. The additional cost was not that much and I would certainly but an auto in future.
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The manual Pwrtouch we had on our Bailey required a lot of effort to engage until I started to use a very heavy socket bar that I had in the garage which was purpose made to remove wheel hub nuts. It worked very well. Maybe the Evolution is easier to operate
but it is something to check before buying a mover.0 -
I don't find that I need to extend the handle to engage my manual Powrtouch. Perhaps some of you lot either need to eat more weetabix or apply some grease to the moving parts.
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