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quoteWant to take all the hassle out of any tricky caravan manoeuvres – from pitching to millimetre-perfect parking? You need a caravan motor mover.
Here’s our introduction…
The name says it all. A motor mover makes it all the easier to manoeuvre your caravan. From parking to levelling up, or hitching caravan to car, or even turning the wheels so that you can fully engage a security device, a motor mover is your loyal friend.
Using power from your caravan’s battery (usually), a mover comprises a motor or motors, with rollers that engage – either manually or automatically – on the caravan’s tyres, which is then operated via a remote control. A backup lead is often also supplied if, for any reason you get any interference.
The best caravan motor mover for you? Of course, that depends on your priorities and budget. However, as one commentator puts it: “In essence, they all work well and people love them. However, if they break/you damage them, those with a decent warranty and good UK-based aftersales support come into their own.”
Another side benefit is you’ll be putting less pressure on your towing vehicle, especially the clutch when you use a mover for delicate manoeuvres.
The majority of caravans in use across the UK have had motor movers fitted to them. Last year was a boom year, despite supply challenges etc. Maybe it’s time to make your move?
Invest in a caravan motor mover and you can make life that little bit easier!
The first caravan motor mover as we know today was launched in 1997. Today, there’s a great choice of caravan motor movers out there, with models for all types of tourers.
Fitting a motor mover
Some movers are designed for DIY fitting (although do check the warranty conditions). Otherwise, budget for around £100 for fitting by an authorised specialist. Or, ask your local caravan workshop about fitting next time your ‘van is booked in for any servicing or repair work.
Tips for buying a caravan motor mover
- You’ll need a decent leisure battery (100Ah is usually the recommended minimum) that’s also in good working condition if you have a mover fitted
- Check you can still use your wheel clamp with your choice of motor mover
- Consider upgrading your jockey wheel if you want to optimise a mover’s performance
- Remember, adding a motor mover (and possibly upgrading your battery, too) will mean eating into your ‘van’s payload capacity
Tips for using your motor mover
- If you’ve just bought a mover, practice with it in an open space
- Do remember to lower the jockey wheel, raise your corner steadies, release your caravan’s handbrake and remove any chocks just before you use your caravan motor mover. Put them back in place, as needed, before you disengage the rollers
- Keep contact time between rollers and tyres to a minimum. Leaving the rollers engaged for long periods can cause tyre damage
- Always check for possible obstructions (including embedded stones on tyres etc) before you engage the rollers
- For models that engage the rollers manually, a wrench is supplied. A good idea is to leave the wrench on the driver’s seat of your car when the mover’s rollers are engaged – hopefully, it means you won’t drive off without disengaging the rollers and cause any damage.
- Motor mover maintenance is relatively straightforward but always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Silicone spray or similar is handy for any sliding parts. It’s not recommended you use a power washer to clean your mover.
Please see our star players below to compare caravan motor movers. There are other motor movers in this article too.
Star Player Number 1
Powrtouch Evolution Auto
From the company that’s by far the market leader in motor movers, and has been for at least the past decade. In single axle format, the Powrtouch Evolution is the UK’s most popular individual model. It comes from a full range of movers that also includes models for twin axle ‘vans, with manual or (as here) automatic engagement.
Its five-year warranty and nationwide network of installers/repairers are two key reasons to buy, from a manufacturer that’s been synonymous with caravan movers for some three decades now and has been owned by Truma since 2008.
The Evolution Auto will move single axle caravans up to 2,800kg in total weight, works on all types of terrain and has the power to move caravans up slopes of 25%. (1 in 4)
Note the price below includes a fitting charge, which can vary from dealer to dealer.
Key features UK-built, powder-coated aluminium casing, automatic electronic roller engagement, soft-start, extruded aluminium rollers, four-pole electric motor, soft start, back-up cable, five-year warranty, full UK fitter network
Expect to pay £1,175 (including fitting)
Star Player Number 2
Powrtouch Freedom
This starter model in the Powrtouch range has the potential to move a 1,500kg caravan up a one in four slope.
Its slimline gearbox means it will fit caravans with shock absorbers, the Freedom features soft start and instant stop as soon as the handset buttons are released. Plus, there’s automatic shut-down after 20 minutes to prevent accidental battery drain. Its approximate weight is 35kg.
The Powrbar option allows you to engage or disengage the rollers from both sides at the same time – ideal if you don’t have easy access to one side. For example, if your caravan is parked up tight by the side of your house.
Key features includes a five-year inclusive warranty, two-button safety control, lightweight aluminium rollers, low battery indicator.
Expect to pay £699
Star Player Number 3
Quattro Titanium
The most popular model in the Quattro line-up from Purple Line, the Titanium is suitable for caravans up to 2,300kg. It’s all backed by a seven-year parts and labour warranty.
Taking its power from your caravan’s leisure battery, it can work from batteries as low as 85Ah.
There’s also an interesting handset upgrade option that includes a unique rollerball mechanism for making the minutest of movements, variable speed and an LCD display.
Key features Seven-year warranty, manual engagement, soft-start function, single-speed, 29kg total weight, 12cm per second maximum speed
Expect to pay £769
Star Player Number 4
Reich Easydriver Infinity 2.5
The most recent addition to the Reich line-up of motor movers, the range-topping Infinity promises improved power and efficiency. Available in single (here) and twin axle variants, each coming with an App that, as well as controlling movement, can also give you extra information such as battery condition – all via your smartphone.
An extra benefit here is, should you lose radio control and/or damage the handset, you still have full Bluetooth connectivity.
Key features Soft-start and soft-stop, automatic engagement, weight 29kg, electric isolation switch, five-year warranty
Expect to pay £1,799
Star Player Number 5
Camper Trolley 1500
Something different, this. But the theme is the same – no-hassle manoeuvring. The Camper Trolley requires no drilling or wiring, because all you need to do is attach the supplied bracket to your ‘van, ready to add the mover itself when needed – hence it also has no effect on overall payload if you don’t keep it inside the caravan. After use, you simply put the main unit away in its storage bag.
It’s also ideal if your caravan has a particularly low road clearance.
Operation is via a remote control and it can tackle inclines up to 10%. LED lights warn when it needs recharging or if there is any malfunction. It also comes with its own mains rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
As the full name suggests, this caravan motor mover model is suitable for caravans up to 1,500kg. The more expensive 2500 version is for heavier ‘vans, including twin axles.
Key features No drilling or wiring needed, twin-track design, 14.4V 5600mAh lithium-ion battery, planet gear motors, maximum speed 9m per minute, weight 16.5kg, three-minute safety shut-off function
Expect to pay £1,050
Star Player Number 6
Leisurewize emove EM303A
Back to basics, starter model in the emove automatic motor mover range (there’s also a cheaper, manual version) from Leisurewize.
It comprises a chain-driven motor with automatic engagement, using alloy rollers.
Key features Coated steel casing, low 27.5kg weight, soft-start/stop, app option, five-year parts and labour warranty
Expect to pay £899 (including fitting)
Other key players
Rhyno – www.rhynomovers.com
Motor mover comparison
Compare caravan motor movers using our table below.
| Make & model | Axle type | Max caravan weight (0% gradient) | Hill climb ability | Device weight | Auto roller engage | Min recc. leisure battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowrTouch Evolution Auto £1,175 | Single | 2800kg | 2000kg / 25% gradient | 35kg | Yes | 100AH |
| PowrTouch Freedom £699 | Single | 2500kg | 1500kg / 25% gradient | 32kg | No | 85AH |
| Quattro Titanium £769 | Single | 2300kg | 29kg | No | 85AH | |
| Reich Easydriver Infinity 2.5 £1,799 | Single | 2500kg | 2500kg / 15% gradient 1200kg / 33% gradient |
29kg | Yes | 85AH |
| Camper Trolley 2.5 £1,050 | Single | 1500kg | 1500kg / 10% gradient | 16.5kg | N/A | Own battery |
| Leisurewize emove EM303A £899 | Single | 2500kg | 1600kg / 18% gradient | 27kg | Yes | 100AH |
Will it affect my insurance?
The most popular type of motor mover-related caravan insurance claims have been for damage to the mover itself – after damage was caused to the underside of the caravan from hitting potholes, kerbs, the base of petrol pumps, or when wheels have become detached from the caravan. In one instance, towing a caravan over a dead animal broke a motor mover! So it’s important to be extra cautious of those hidden hazards on the roads and on your driveway.
In a few cases, customers had forgotten to apply their caravan brakes when disengaging their motor movers, meaning their caravans have rolled back and hit something. Only in one instance, did we get a claim where the customer hit something whilst manoeuvring his caravan with the motor mover remote – which goes to show how easy movers are to use!
If you accidentally hit and damage somebody else’s vehicle when using a motor mover to manoeuvre your caravan on a public highway, for instance when moving the caravan from the road on to your home driveway, Caravan Guard’s touring caravan insurance would pick up the repair bill under the public liability section of the policy.
As always, such accidents are largely unavoidable, so it goes to show the importance of making sure you have specialist caravan insurance to cover your motor mover against possible damage (or theft). Make sure you include your motor mover’s value in your sums insured for your caravan equipment. Depending on whether you have taken out new for old cover or market value cover will determine how much you value your motor mover.
Where next?
The dealer who supplied your caravan is the most obvious first stop if you’re considering a motor mover. You’ll get good advice and the possibility of viewing a variety of products. Fellow caravanners will, of course, be able to offer advice based on their own experiences (see also below). Look out, also, for independent reviews and comparisons, for example at places like this: https://www.caravanmoversonline.co.uk/.
Over to you…
As always we’re keen to hear from you if you want to share your experiences of motor movers and/or key advice with other Caravan Guard fans. Feel free to add your comments below.
Bought a power touch mover when I bought the van 10 years ago never had a problem with it. Bought it to get the van into our drive which is quite tight but has been invaluable on numerous occasions over the years. Find it quite strange that people with one refuse to use it when pitching up , spend ages going back and fore invariably ending up in the same position even trying to move the van physically, just use the mover much quicker and easier.
I have motor movers on my caravan, they are Reich move control compact. I have a steep drive and would like to know what gradient they are capable of moving when going up hill. The model number is 91168.
Thank you
Hi Terry, you could try contacting Reich direct: https://reich-easydriver.com/en/contact/contact-form
Sorry we can’t be of much more help.
In most cases I can place my van using the car – however a few years ago I was forced to use the mover in France due to numerous trees. As soon as I had finished, a young Dutch couple came over to see how it worked. They had never encountered one before and were amazed. His 80 year old grandparents thought they were going to have to give up caravanning, but a mover would potentially allow them to keep going for some more years.
Great advantage of not having an automatic engage mover is that I can check it works at any time by not engaging it. Good for pre season checks.
Make sure when fitted that access to the electronic control panel allows you to use the reset button if tripped and also to the cable terminals for fault finding! Our was not and we had to relocate .
Last year, whilst chatting with a fellow caravanner, he told me that he had, previously power engagement on his mover… They were in France and it locked onto the wheels and apparently thre was no way to release them. He had to wait 4 day for someone to come and release him….
We have had movers for nearly 20 years and were one of the early users after talking to a Caravan Club member at a show. Our ability to spin the caravan and get into difficult pitches certainly sold many more when people saw it in action. We have had three different makes but cannot say the performance of any one was seriously different to the others, so have no preference on makes. You do need to check though if you can manage the lever ones as they can be hard work and may be beyond some people. If you cannot manage the price of the automatic ones you can go for a wind on model which requires less effort.
We bought a caravan last year after a long time without one, it came with a power touch manual model and its easy to use however its a manual model and I have to heave on the long handle to engage and its quite hard to engage. On the bright side without it I would not be able to move it due to the passing of time! I assume its not possible to upgrade to auto though
We have just purchased a caravan with a emote motor mover fitted. Is it normal that every time you change direction you have to keep switching off and start again.
Hi Margaret
We’ll try look into this for you.
What make and model of mover do you have?
Did you buy from a dealer?
Thanks
I find this very misleading it does not compare movers at all. You have put the new top of the range Truma one on but not their very popular range of movers which are very competitive, reliable and come with 5 year warranty. This looks more like a promotion for Powrtouch movers
In no way is the article a promotion for Powrtouch and we do have plans to extend the number of models featured in the future. First and foremost we wanted the blog post to introduce the top considerations when buying a caravan.motor mover.
The motor mover comparison table here tells you little about each mover. What is required is a technical comparison of each mover to enable potential buyers to see what really is best. As far as I am aware this comparison has never been undertaken.
Thanks for the comments John. We do aim to keep evolving our blog articles so we might be able to add to this. What sort of technical details would you like to see? Thanks
My powertouch evo. is a must on muddy sites and my steep angled drive. Only problem [with either one] the rollers will not move if they have been unused for a period of time. This entails me accessing the drive spindle to free it with the tool that’s provided.
We had a powertouch Evolution fitted to our new swift twin axel last year as we have a shingle drive with a difficult to reverse turning circle and the powertouch makes it so easy and puts the caravan exactly where we want it ,also when we lost power to it this year an engineer was sent to repair it within days…….very impressed
I have had the Al-Ko Mammut mover for over 4 years now and am really impressed by its design and how well it functions and looks on the caravan, after reading your article could I just say :-
– It is the Al-Ko chassis (from 2010 onwards) that is marked M. This chassis is manufactured with dedicated holes in it to mount the Mammut mover. The mover is designed to bolt directly to the side of the chassis using these holes thus giving a secure and strong mount, and what you see in the photo is all you see on the side of the chassis when fitted, there is no loss of ground clearance as opposed to other movers that are clamped to the bottom flange of the chassis.
It might also have been beneficial to mention that unlike other mover installations the mammut mover is controlled completely by the remote, there is no separate mover control unit, battery cut off switch, BC charger or safety socket required.
Thanks for commenting Erwin and glad you’re impressed with this motor mover.
Hi just thought I would give my feedback. My last caravan I had a power touch mover fitted and never had a issue with it, I changed my caravan last year and was looking for a new mover, i looked at tthe reviews and decided to go for the purple line classic. I purchased it from a company called Autowfix who fitted it at my address. I have been very disappointed with the purple line and the aftercare from Autowfix. I have had them back twice in the 1st 12months and have had to have the control module changed twice. The purple line you can not go forward or backwards and push the left or right button at the same time, you have to stop the forward/backward motion go left or right then forward again, with the power touch you can do this without having to stop all the time.. I do regret buying the purple line and would definitely go back to power touch after having both, a much better and smoother operation.
Thanks for sharing your feedback Martin.
Having had endura (purpleline) about 7years I started to have problems
Where it just would not operate my caravan having had it all checked over to no avail,having succumbed to phoneing purple line after spending a considerable time on phone they decided to send a qualified technician to check it out having spent they managed to sort my problem out all FOC .Now 2 years on still working I to my delight and cannot speak highly enough of purple line and staff 5star company.
Glad to hear you got everything resolved Paul and thanks for sharing your experiences with us.