While a van weighing the best part of two tonnes might well ‘play ball’ on a flat, hard surface, throw in a slippery grass or an energy-sapping sand pitch and you’re suddenly facing a completely different prospect. The good news is there is a way to navigate this tricky situation where all you need is a dextrous thumb – that’s where caravan motor movers come in.
Having the best caravan motor mover can make manoeuvring your tourer on its axis a much simpler business, and all at the press of a button.
For some they’re a luxury, for others, they’re one of those caravan essentials, enabling them to continue caravanning for many more years. In this guide, we’re taking a look at exactly what a motor mover is, run through why you need one, explain how to use it and much more.
You can also navigate to a particular part by clicking below:
What is a motor mover?
Why do I need a mover?
How to use a motor mover
Weighty issues
Security benefits
Negotiating steep drives
How much will it cost to buy and fit a motor mover?
Can I buy a cheaper used motor mover?
Does my twin-axle tourer need four mover units?
Can I tell if a motor mover has been professionally fitted?
Is my leisure battery good enough?
Motor movers for home parking
Do motor movers require regular maintenance?
How long is the warranty?
Who should I get to fit it?
What is a motor mover?
A motor mover does just what it says on the tin – it’s a motor that moves your caravan.
The vast majority are powerful electric motors that turn grippy rollers. When engaged, the roller presses against the tyre and turns the wheel, in effect driving your van along without the need for the tow car.
Typically, you’ll have one roller for each wheel, as this allows you to turn – although twin-axle caravans, with four wheels, can be powered with just one motor mover unit on each side.
The electrically powered motors are controlled by a handheld remote control, allowing the van to be driven backwards and forwards and to turn in all directions.
Turning is achieved when the system automatically powers the wheel(s) on one side more than those on the opposite side, causing the caravan to pivot. In fact, a motor-mover driven caravan can almost turn on its own axis.
These powerful and compact units are around the size of a shoebox, and they clamp onto the caravan’s chassis in front of, or behind, the wheels. They are often linked across the width of the tourer with a strong metal tube, which adds strength and rigidity to the chassis.
The mover units take power from the leisure battery, while a small electronic con trol unit receives the signal from the remote control and tells each motor what to do to achieve the required motion. Under no circumstances should you try to power your movers by plugging your caravan into the mains (if you have a flat battery at home on the drive, for example). Doing this can cause irreparable damage to your control unit.
Why do I need a mover?
For the less confident tow car driver (see: the best caravan tow cars if you’re in need of a new vehicle), a motor mover can be a real bonus, whether you’ve got a tricky pitch entry or a tight parking space at home.
Sloping drives can also prove difficult for manoeuvring, and with little room for error, a mover is a must. You could buy a new mover with the year or two’s caravan storage fees you save by parking at home.
Many users simply unhitch the caravan on the campsite road (take a look at our best caravan park guide if you’re not sure where to go for your next tour) and manoeuvre in using the motor mover from there, whether it’s a difficult pitch entry or not. This can be especially handy if you’re on a muddy and slippery grass pitch.
Older and less mobile caravanners will find that a mover can help to extend their touring lifestyle, because it removes the need for any manual pushing or pulling of the van to get it perfectly pitched.
The latest movers are also sensitive enough to position your tourer perfectly over the towball when you’re hitching up a caravan, removing any danger of bashing your bumper.
How to use a motor mover
Pull up as close to your pitch or parking space as you can, and fully unhitch your caravan, lowering the jockey wheel and stowing the leads and cables safely. Now move your towing car out of the way.
Grab your remote control and check that the batteries are charged. (Always store your remote somewhere safe – mislaid control units are the most common reason for people calling mover suppliers.)
Your motor mover should have a master switch (a large red ‘key’), often fitted inside the battery locker. Turn this on.
You now need to move the mover rollers onto the tyres.
There are several ways to do this, depending on whether your mover is auto or manual. Manual movers require a little effort to engage the rollers on the tyre. This is done either by turning a large screw thread, which winds the roller out (slowly – like a corner steady), or by using a handle which rotates a spring-loaded cam system, sliding the roller forward in one motion. The latter is arguably quicker and easier, but may require some strength.
It’s simpler to use the auto-engagement systems, which slide the roller onto the tyre electrically at the push of a button. Of course, these tend to be more costly, but with one, you can park the caravan almost anywhere, as you don’t need to access the mover yourself (just don’t get a flat leisure battery, and keep spare batteries for the remote control handy).
In addition, bear in mind that while you will save money with a manual-actuation mover, you should buy carefully.
Screw-thread movers require each side to be actuated separately, so as well as involving twice the bending and effort, you also need to be able to access both sides of the caravan when it’s stored.
Cam actuators come in both independent and linked designs. With the latter, cranking one side engages both movers, thanks to a long steel hex bar linking the units together under the van. If you park your tourer at home, against a wall, say, you will need to buy a mover system that you can access and actuate from either side, independently.
With the rollers actuated and pressed hard into the tyres, walk around your caravan and check for any obstacles. Now release your handbrake and you’re ready to ‘drive’ your tourer.
Most remote controls have simple arrowed buttons to move and direct the caravan, although the latest unit from Quattro has a small joystick, much like a games controller. Always ensure you’re holding the handset the right way around, so that you know which way the caravan moves forward, especially in tight spaces or anywhere near your tow car.
Turn on the remote control and press the button or the joystick in the direction you want the tourer to go.
The signal from your remote is received by the control unit and this tells the mover rollers which way to turn. The compact, but powerful, motor turns a series of gears, which maximise the torque and dictate the speed at which your caravan will move. These gears drive the metal rollers, which are pressed into the tyre tread and rotate the wheel. And you’re off!
Keep looking all around your caravan as you manoeuvre it into position. When you’re happy, apply the handbrake and disengage the rollers from the tyre (in that order). Leaving them pressed into the tyre for an extended period could create a flat spot and increased vibration when towing.
Finally, turn off the master ‘red key’ power switch and stow your remote safely.
Weighty issues
Select your mover carefully, bearing in mind its weight. A very lightweight single-axle motor mover, such as the e-go Titanium, weighs just 24kg, while a top-spec, twin-axle mover like the Reich Easydriver Pro Twin takes up 68kg of your payload.
Take a look at our caravan weights guide if you’re after an overview of the numerous terms you need to be aware of for safe towing.
Security benefits
A motor mover can also improve your caravan security. It enables you to park your tourer ‘A-frame in’ when it’s stored on your drive at home, or to manoeuvre it into a position where it can’t be easily or quickly towed away by thieves.
It’s also quite useful if you’re thinking about getting a caravan wheel lock.
Al-Ko Secure wheel locks are considered by many to be the best on the market, but fitting one can be a bit fiddly, because the wheel spokes need to be accurately aligned. Doing this manually can require a great deal of effort, but with a motor mover, it’s a doddle to make the numerous small adjustments required. Do check that wheel locks that encircle the wheel still fit with a motor mover attached.
Negotiating steep drives
Most modern motor movers are designed to negotiate steep inclines up to 20% (one-in-five). If you require this, check the mover you’re considering is sufficiently powerful to shift the weight of your van. Most movers will shift tourers weighing two to 2.5 tonnes, so are easily powerful enough for the average caravan.
How much will it cost to buy and fit a motor mover?
A brand new, high-quality, single-axle motor mover system costs from around £500 to £1500, plus fitting.
For large, luxury twin-axle tourers, the top-of-the-range Truma Mover XT costs around £2000; or you could invest £2500 for the amazing Reich Easydriver Pro 3.1 Twin (AWD).
The budget-conscious among you will be pleased to discover that Purpleline’s Enduro Twin for double-axle tourers comes in at just £649.
You’ll also need to allow £150-£250 for professional fitting, although competent DIYers could do it themselves in less than a day.
Can I buy a cheaper used motor mover?
Yes, plenty of used motor movers are available online, via eBay and local selling sites such as Gumtree. Buy carefully and follow this advice:
- Choose a recognised brand
- Buy from a seller with plenty of excellent feedback – ideally at least 100 transactions and 98%+ positive
- Plan to see the mover system, if possible, before you buy
- Consider the cost of delivery
- Test the mover system before fitting it to your tourer, or ideally before you actually purchase it
- Don’t get carried away in a bidding war – set your budget and stick to it
- If you’re in the market for a new caravan, consider buying at one of the shows, where manufacturers and dealerships will often add a free motor mover to the tourer package as an incentive for customers
- Buying a used caravan? Negotiate with the dealership to see if you can get a free or cut-price motor mover included as part of the deal
Does my twin-axle tourer need four mover units?
Ideally, yes. While two units might be able to move your caravan, for best performance and maximum manoeuvrability, a mover should be fitted for each wheel.
Can I tell if a motor mover has been professionally fitted?
If you’re buying a pre-owned tourer with a motor mover, you need to know who fitted it. Look for these signs of a pro job.
- Protective trunking has been used to protect the mover cables from damage where they pass through any apertures in the caravan chassis
- The mover cables underneath the caravan are fixed neatly and securely to the underside and kept to similar lengths (to minimise power differences)
- Any holes in the floor are filled with silicone sealant
- The electric control unit is tidily and securely fitted in a locker or cupboard, or underneath a sofa
- A master switch has been fitted, usually in the battery locker
- The unit has sufficient ground clearance (minimum 150mm/6in)
Is my leisure battery good enough?
Motor movers require a lot of power, so a 110Ah leisure battery in good condition is a prerequisite for reliable operation. Check this larger battery will fit in your locker (especially if you are the owner of an older caravan). Keep the battery in good condition by regular or continuous trickle charging (with an intelligent charger), and do bear in mind that a good-quality 110Ah battery can cost over £100.
Motor movers for home parking
If you only ever need to manoeuvre your caravan on your driveway at home, and you don’t want the added weight of the motor mover unit on your tourer all of the time, you might like to consider an alternative type of mover, which attaches to your A-frame or jockey wheel.
This is specifically designed for the purpose of occasional manoeuvring.
The Camper Trolley, for example, is remote controlled, has a lithium-ion battery and runs on rubber ‘tank’ tracks.
Bear in mind, though, that you might need to add noseweight to the caravan on slopes and slippery surfaces.
Do motor movers require regular maintenance?
Motor movers will require very little in the way of maintenance, bar some lubrication during the annual caravan service.
However, we do recommend cleaning and greasing moving parts before your caravan goes into long-term storage, and you should consider activating the units briefly, to minimise the chance of them seizing up, each time you visit your van.
How long is the warranty?
Most motor mover manufacturers offer a five-year warranty, although some might have a cost attached to extend them (check the small print).
A well-maintained motor mover from a good manufacturer will easily last for a decade or longer.
Who should I get to fit it?
The selling dealership should be happy to fit your motor mover, but if you’re buying it from a manufacturer, consider an NCC Approved Workshop Scheme registered caravan technician, or one who is recommended by the maker.
Here are just some of the many major motor mover manufacturers you could consider buying from:
- Al-Ko
- E-Go
- Emove
- Powrtouch
- Quattro
- Reich
- Rhyno Caravan Movers 024 7638 7080
- Towsure MoveMaster
- Truma
A good sat-nav can help to make your journey a much more pleasant experience – in our best caravan sat nav round-up, we pick out the top devices on the market.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances and skill level. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects.
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