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Caravan Movers
If you are like me, sometimes I just don’t cut it when reversing a caravan into tight spots – my garage for instance. My driveway has a reasonable slope to it and has rock walls on each side over a metre high. Very daunting. So the answer is to drive forwards up the driveway and then use one of the many caravan movers on the market to spin the caravan through 360 degrees and then reverse it into the garage using the mover.
As I stated, there are many models of mover in the market place ranging from manual ratchet type movers that take the place of the jockey wheel (been there, done that), then there are motorised devices that also take the place in one form or another of the jockey wheel, and then there are the motorised type that actually drive the main wheels of the caravan using a friction roller and clamp actuator.
The ones above from left to right are: a simple ratchet jockey wheel type mover (hard work sometimes); hydraulic castor trolleys to lift the caravan’s main wheels so that you can push it around wherever you want; and another jockey wheel substitute that has a dual function winding handle – it can raise and lower the wheel or can be switched into mover mode so that winding the handle actually drives the jockey wheel.
Of the motorised models shown below, again from left to right: the first example drives the caravan’s main wheels via an actuator clamp and DC motors (permanent fixture). The middle example sits under the tow-ball attachment, has an on-board battery, and steering is achieved with a ‘rudder’ handle. Finally, the one on the right engages with a small clamp bolted to the draw-bar, has an on-board battery and two motors that also control steering. The latter two are portable in that they are not permanently fixed to the caravan.
The choice you make demands some due consideration:
- The amount of effort you want to put into moving your caravan will determine whether you go for a manual mover or choose a remote controlled motorised system.
- The depth of your pockets will also play a part in a similar choice. Motorised movers can be expensive. The manual models shown are in the range of A$300 to A$1000. The motorised range from A$2000 to A$3500.
- Will the mover be permanently installed or do you want a more portable solution whereby it can be connected or attached when needed? With a permanent installation there may be a susceptibility to water or stone damage when travelling.
- How much work is involved in the installation and will your chassis have to be modified to fit the unit. I considered a permanent installation but when I appreciated the amount of work and chassis modifications to make it fit I decided on a portable model – in fact I own Trevor the Camper Trolley which is the right hand model in the illustrations above.
In summary, caravan movers take the hard work out of moving into tight spaces. They are efficient and easy to operate (most have wireless remotes). Most of them cope with various terrain, but of course all of this comes at a price. For more information on towing and reversing a caravan or trailer see these blog posts.
For more smart ideas see here.
Filed under: Camping Rigs, General Tips, Towing/Reversing
13 Responses to “Caravan Movers”
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Great article and very informative. Just the kind of stuff us old ones need to know.
I have recently purchased a Camper Trolley. I have a single axle caravan which weighs approximately 1700kg when fully loaded and a narrow driveway and street. The parking place for my van is at the rear of the house accessed from a carport area. Whilst this is a flat area there is a fair amount of pushing and juggling to be done to move it through 90 degrees into its final parking area.
The Camper Trolley has lived up to its advertised abilities and allows me to unhitch the van outside my house and with no difficulty at all drive it into the driveway and around the back of the house. No effort, no fuss. I would recommend the Camper Trolley to anyone who has a similar situation.
PKH
Thanks Peter. I will be posting a review on the Camper Trolley in the near future for anyone who has similar problems as we have (had!)
Read your article on caravan movers and thought you might like to know about the one I manufacture.
I am a retired auto mechanical engineer and upon the persistance of my caravan friends came up with this one.
You can visit my website (sorry not to professional)for some info. Has been on the market about 1 year and is more of a hobby than a business, but because of all the good reports I get back thought others might like to know about it
Thanks for this opportunity.
Barry.
Added to my previous email.
Website, http://www.powerwheel.com.au will be easier to access.
Thank again
Barry
I intend contacting Barry as his device seems exactly what i was looking to invent
GOOD TO SEE,DO YOU HAVE PEOPLE SELLING IN BRISBANE
JOHN…
John,
The dealer in Brisbane is:
Camperland – Jayco
1459 Wynnum Road
Tingalpa QLD 4173
Contact: Cameron
Phone: 07 3348 8200
Fax: 07 3348 9706
Email: Email Us
Website: http://www.brisbanecamperland.com.au
Hi
I like to now,have you got a dealer in Sydney ?
Can it be used on a slope ?
Up or down a drive ?
Thanks
Regards
Val
@ Val, As indicated elsewhere in these comments, you need to contact Austdan Trading who are the exclusive distributor for Australia. Their link is in another comment. However, to briefly answer your questions: Yes it can be used on a slope both up and down a driveway. There will be limits though on the degree of slope. I am sure there will be a dealer in Sydney. Try this link http://www.campertrolley.com.au/dealers/#nsw
Hi – are there any dealerships in Adelaide for these & how difficult would they be to operate on lawn or grassed areas? Thanks
Heather, go here for a list of dealers http://www.campertrolley.com.au/dealers/
To my knowledge they will work fine on grassed or lawn areas, but you will get more info from the main distributor on that web site.
Hi all
Just a quick note to inform your readers that there is now a video on my website, http://www.powerwheel.com.au It shows the TUG Powerwheel in operation. To keep costs down the TUG is only sold by me the manufacturer. Now being freighted to most states within Australia. Thank you for publishing the first email.
Kind regards
Barry Kramer.