A significant number of our visitors to Horton Common now have motor movers fitted to their caravans. Instead of trying to reverse their caravans onto their fully serviced pitch, they avoid potential clutch wear and use their motor movers. Over the years, I’ve seen a wide range of motormover fitted to the caravans that arrive at our site. I’ve also heard about the various challenges and issues that some have experienced with certain motor movers. Therefore I thought I would write a post about what are the best motor movers currently available for caravans and there are a lot of potential options to choose.
Now, this is a pretty long post, so if you do want to skip to any particular sections, you can do so through the links on the Table of Contents below:
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Table of Contents
Jockey Wheel Or Axle Mounted Motor Movers?
Now, I must admit, since we opened Horton Common in 2014, I’ve only ever had one guest with a jockey wheel motormover.
Today, the only motor movers I see fitted to caravans are those mounted to the caravan’s axle.
However, products such as Mr Shifta and motorised jockey wheels were the first such products to hit the market.
While still available for purchase and significantly cheaper than axel-mounted motor movers, there are some issues with these products.
Only One (Small) Driving Wheel
So the first problem when you think about it is that you are only powering one small wheel to push and pull the caravan.
The axle-mounted systems are driving each wheel on the caravan (other than the jockey wheel). To the point where on a twin axle caravan, there are normally four motor movers fitted.
When you think about it, with a motorised jockey wheel, there is significantly less point contact with the ground. Not only because you are only driving one wheel but because that wheel is so small.
A fairly typical jockey wheel motor mover: Image – Amazon.co.uk
What About Ground Conditions?
So if we think about ground conditions for a second. If you are on a hard road surface that’s flat, I’m sure a motorised jockey wheel can perform a respectable job.
This is why you will see them still used in caravan sales yards. As one motorised jockey wheel can be fitted and removed from a caravan once its in position.
This is typically where a Mr Shifta would be used. However, on a caravan site, you may be on a sloping grass pitch. Add in a bit of wet weather to produce soft ground conditions, and a motorised jockey wheel is going to struggle.
Therefore with this post on the best motor movers available, I’m not going to focus on motorised jockey wheels.
They are not a product I see my guests using. Therefore, I think that’s a likely reflection of most caravaners.
While motorised jockey wheels may still have some uses, I don’t believe they are the solution suitable for most people.
We Need To Talk About Your Caravan’s Weight
So before we start to explore the best motor movers on the market for your caravan, you need to understand the impact on your caravan’s weight.
You see, once fitted, the motor mover will be deducted from your caravans user payload.
Therefore, the weight of the motor mover you choose can have significant implications on how much you can store in your caravan.
Below I will provide details on the weights of the different motor moves, however, generally, a motor mover will be around 27kg plus.
Therefore you need to first check what your caravans user payload is. You then need to evaluate if you can still store all your belongings for your trip and be within the caravan’s weight limit.
Remember, breaching your caravans user payload if you had an accident could have implications on your insurance payout, its also not legal to tow.
Impact On Your Caravans Nose Weight
Normally an axle-mounted caravan mover is mounted forward of the axle, therefore between the wheels and tow hitch.
This means the motormover is adding additional nose weight to your caravan. Depending on your car, you could have a nose weight limit of just 70kg.
Getting the nose weight under that limit can be a significant challenge depending on the amount of stuff you want to store in the caravan.
Therefore once a motor mover is added to the equation, it can make meeting the caravan noseweight limit even harder.
You need to be confident before adding a motor mover to your caravan it is not going to lead you to exceed your car’s noise weight limit.
It’s worth noting that some motor mover manufacturers, such as AL-KO, recommend fitting the motor mover forward of the axle to avoid damage from stone chips etc, if placed behind the axle.
What About Ground Clearance?
Yes, ground clearance is another important consideration. Some caravans have different wheel sizes fitted, which can impact ground clearance.
For instance, older second-hand caravans may be fitted with smaller 13″ wheels. Furthermore, how the motor mover is fitted to the caravan chassis can influence the remaining ground clearance.
The minimum industry standard for ground clearance is 150mm. Therefore if your chosen motor mover reduces your ground clearance below 150mm, this could lead to problems.
That problem could be smashing your new expensive motor mover against a speed bump, for instance 🙁 .
How Easy Are Motor Movers To Use?
With all axle-mounted motor movers, you are provided with a remote control. Therefore the actual operation of the motor mover is very easy.
However, where some motor movers differ is in how easy they are to engage and disengage. The motor mover drive cylinder is not in constant contact with the caravan axle wheels.
You only engage the motor mover just before you want to move the caravan. As you can imagine, it needs to be well compressed against the caravan tyre to provide good traction and avoid slipping.
Slipping will either cause the caravan to jerk, not turn properly or potentially not move at all.
Top Tip: If you have a motormover fitted, make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres can be a reason for slippage when using a motor mover.
Manually Engaged Motor Movers
The majority of our visitors have manually engaged caravan motor movers. In most instances, its a spring-loaded arm that is calibrated to provide sufficient pressure against the tyre.
The other form of manual engagement is that of the winding system. In some cases, the user has to use the lever to engage each motor mover.
However, in other cases, a single (cross-actuation) bar is fitted, which engages both motor movers.
My father actually has this system fitted to his caravan. Something to bear in mind, it takes quite a bit of effort to move the lever to get the mover into position.
Therefore, if you are concerned you will not have the ability to engage the motor movers manually, an automatic engagement system is probably for you.
Automatic Engaging Motor Movers
The other option to the manual systems is to pay a bit more for the motorised automatic engagement motor movers.
There are more buttons on the remote control which engage the motor movers against the caravan tyres.
However, with any motor mover system, its important to remember to disengage the motor mover before you set off again.
You would probably notice, as it would feel like towing the caravan with the handbrake on. It would probably also make quite a strange noise.
However, if you didn’t notice, it would lead to some very rapid tyre wear and potential damage to the motor movers and caravan leisure battery.
Ideally, Choose A Soft Start Caravan Motor Mover
Some of the older caravan motor movers and some of the current budget offerings don’t have soft start motors.
With basic on/off motors, its very tricky to accurately control and position the caravan. Without soft start motors, the caravan tends to jerk when the motors start to move.
Therefore, ideally, try and choose a caravan motor mover which has the soft start feature. It comes in very handy when you’re trying to fit the caravan into a tight space.
What’s The Amp Rating & Condition Of Your Caravan Leisure Battery?
Each caravan motor mover manufacturer provides specifics on what amp rating of leisure battery their equipment requires.
As a general rule of thumb, a good quality 85Ah leisure battery fully charged in good condition should be sufficient.
The number of volts the battery is producing is important. I remember when we once tried to use the motor mover on my father’s caravan.
We turned on the system, and all we got was a beep and no movement. When we looked at the condition of the battery, it was ever so slightly below 12V.
However, being just under 12V was sufficient for the motor mover to decide that’s just did not have enough power.
You normally need at least an 85Ah leisure battery for a motor mover to work properly: Image – Amazon.co.uk
Caravan Motor Movers Currently Available
Below I’ll provide details on the main caravan motor movers currently on the market and some of the highlighted features of each unit.
Powrtouch Classic
Probably the most common motor mover I see fitted to caravans that visit Horton Common is the Powrtouch Classic. This is also the motor mover, which is fitted to my father’s caravan.
While a bit underpowered by today’s standards (only suitable for vans up to 1500kg), its been a reliable motor mover for my father and many of our caravan site guests.
- Weight of 37kg, including all fittings
- Flat surface max caravan weight 1,500 kg
- Soft start and stop
- Average current 20 Amps
- Maximum current 80 Amps
- Leisure battery minimum 85Ah (110Ah recommended)
- Warranty 5 Years
Powrtouch Classic Prices
The Powrtouch Classic is now a discontinued product. However, there are a few retailers who still hold stock. A new unit is around £599, and there are now second-hand units appearing on eBay.
You can get hold of a second-hand unit for between £200 to £300. There are lots of parts available too, therefore, if you were considering a second-hand/DIY solution, this could be an option.
Powrtouch Classic Reviews
I’ve had lots of comments from guests who were happy with their Powertouch Classics.
While maintenance and repair are expected (changing the motor brushes), I’ve never heard any horror stories from our guests. Powrtouch currently holds a 4.8 out of 5 star review on their Google listing.
Powrtouch Freedom
The Powrtouch Classic has been replaced by the Freedom, this is their cheapest unit currently on offer with manual engagement. The Freedom can move a caravan up to 1,500 kg up a 1/4 slope.
There appears to be a slight reduction in weight from the Classic of 2kg. Other than that, the units appear mechanically very similar, with more weather-protective coverings on the Freedom.
The Freedom, as with the Classic, is only suitable for single-axle caravans.
- Weight of 35kg, including all fittings
- Flat surface max caravan weight 1,500 kg
- Soft start and stop
- Average current 20 Amps
- Maximum current 80 Amps
- Leisure battery minimum 85Ah (110Ah recommended)
- Warranty 5 Years
Powrtouch Freedom Prices
A £599 price point appears to be consistent across all the retailers. Therefore the same price point as the Classic.
Powrtouch Freedom Reviews
As the Freedom is very mechanically similar to the Classic, the previous reviews should be applicable. Powrtouch does also offer a 5-year ‘no quibble’ guarantee.
Powrtouch Evolution
The Evolution features an improved (more powerful) 4-pole motor over the Freedom. The Evolution is available as either a manual or with automatic engagement.
Also, the Evolution is suitable for twin-axle caravans, you can use two motors or a unit for each wheel for an AWD system.
What is interesting is that even though a more powerful motor is fitted, the Amp ratings have not changed from the Freedom. Also, the weight has been reduced considerably to just 30kg.
- Weight of 30kg, including all fittings
- Flat surface max caravan weight 1,800 kg
- Soft start and stop
- Average current 20 Amps
- Maximum current 80 Amps
- Leisure battery minimum 85Ah (110Ah recommended)
- Warranty 5 Years
Powrtouch Evolution Prices
For a pair of manual Evolution units, you are looking at around £825. For an AWD (twin axle) manual system, that jumps up to just over £1,500.
For a pair of automatic Evolution units, it’s just under £1,000. For an AWD (twin axle) automatic system, that’s going to be around £1,900.
Powrtouch Evolution Reviews
I’ve been unable to find any specific reviews for the Evolution at the moment, but if I do, I’ll update the page. Powrtouch is still offering its ‘no quibble’ 5-year guarantee.
I’ve seen quite a few of our guests with this motor mover fitted who originally had Classics on older vans. One guest has commented on the extra power having its advantages on steep slopes.
EM203 Emove Caravan Mover
The EM203 from Emove is a budget/entry-level product. However, it does offer quite good value for money for the feature set.
While it is a manual engagement motor mover, it is easy to engage through the wind function.
Furthermore, unlike spring tension systems, you can account for changes in tyre tread depth and tyre pressure to provide good contact with the tyre.
- Weight of 37.2kg, including all fittings
- Flat surface max caravan weight 1,800 kg
- Soft start and stop
- Average current 100 Amps
- Maximum current 200 Amps
- Leisure battery minimum 85Ah (110Ah recommended)
- Warranty 5 Years
EM203 Emove Prices
Update 09/19: Aldi did sell the Emove. However, that’s currently not the case. Other retailers, such as Amazon, are offering the EM203 between £500 and £600.
EM203 Emove Reviews
Currently holding a 5 rating via the Aldi website and a 5-star rating for its Google Shopping listing. However, it’s important to note there are only a few reviews for the EM203.
Users noted the good value for money and how relatively straightforward the EM203 was to fit onto their caravan.
EM303 Emove Caravan Mover
The EM303 is the premium version of the EM203. While still a manual engagement motor mover, there are some notable differences to the EM203.
This unit features an all-season protective housing to keep the unit clean from mud. Importantly, it also features a larger aluminium drive roller.
- Weight of 37.2kg, including all fittings
- Flat surface max caravan weight 1,800 kg
- Soft start and stop
- Average current 100 Amps
- Maximum current 200 Amps
- Leisure battery minimum 85Ah (110Ah recommended)
- Warranty 5 Years
EM303 Emove Prices
The Emove EM303 is not currently available at Aldi, other retailers appear to be selling the unit for between £599 and £650.
As it has the same power output as the EM203, you would have to weigh up if you felt the housing and larger drive roller were worth the additional £100.
EM303 Emove Reviews
There is very little evidence of online reviews for the EM303, as it is essentially EM203 with a few more features, the EM203 reviews should be applicable.
EM303a Emove Caravan Mover
So this is Emove’s automatic electric engagement caravan motor mover. Claimed by Emove to be “the world’s most popular automatic engage mover on the market today”.
Described to be suitable for large single-axle and twin-axle caravans. A feature I do like about the Emove remote handsets is the feedback on the condition of the caravan battery.
This can be very useful if the caravan isn’t moving to narrow down the problem.
- Weight of 37.2kg, including all fittings
- Flat surface max caravan weight 1,800 kg
- Soft start and stop
- Average current 100 Amps
- Maximum current 200 Amps
- Leisure battery minimum 85Ah (110Ah recommended)
- Warranty 5 Years
EM303a Emove Prices
As you would expect, for the automated electric engagement, you are going to have to pay more. Prices appear to range between £699 and £829.
Remember, none of these prices includes fitting, these prices are just for the motor mover itself. It is possible to fit a motor mover yourself. However, it can be a tricky DIY job for some people.
If you’re not confident in your DIY abilities, you need to factor in the cost of fitting from a suitable installer.
EM303a Emove Reviews
I’ve not been able to find any reviews for the EM303a. Therefore there is no feedback available on how effective and reliable the automatic engagement feature is.
EM305 Emove Caravan Mover
Emove do also have a motor mover specifically for large twin-axle caravans up to 2,000kg.
It’s similar to the EM303a with automatic engagement but with a more powerful motor. However, it’s actually lighter than the EM203 or EM303 at 34 kg.
- Weight of 34kg, including all fittings
- Flat surface max caravan weight 2,000 kg
- Soft start and stop
- Average current 100 Amps
- Maximum current 200 Amps
- Leisure battery minimum 85Ah (110Ah recommended)
- Warranty 5 Years
Conclusions On Emove Motor Movers
With Emove now offering its products through Aldi stores, it’s clear they are trying to secure a broad market appeal.
They are supplying both budget and premium options. In terms of build quality and durability, there is not currently enough information available to make a judgement.
They do offer 5-year warranties on all their units. Something I did also want to mention was their solution to help level your caravan.
For this complete levelling kit with motor movers, you have to spend £1,999. That’s quite a lot of money, however, if your physical abilities are limited, it may be something you want to consider.
Also, this system is only available for single-axle caravans. Something I do wonder about though, is the electric corner steadies lifting the van.
Normally the advice is never to use corner steadies to level a van. It can cause warping of the caravan body/chassis. Perhaps in this instance, as the electric corner steadies are synchronized, its not a problem.
Perhaps they offer better support to lift the caravan without body flex being an issue. From the information I’ve seen on this product so far I’m just not sure.
AL-KO Ranger Caravan Motor Mover
As you may be aware, AL-KO is one of the major manufacturers of caravan chassis. Therefore it was a natural move for AL-KO to start offering motor movers.
However, it’s rather surprising that they came ‘late to the party’ behind brands such as Powrtouch. Their entry-level manual engagement offering is called the Ranger.
- Weight of 37kg, including all fittings
- Flat surface max caravan weight 1,800 kg
- Soft start and stop and ‘bump-free’ manoeuvring
- Average current 20 Amps
- Maximum current 100 Amps
- Leisure battery minimum 70ah
- Warranty 5 Years
AL-KO Mammut Motor Mover
A Mammut is an extinct species distantly related to elephants. Large, powerful creatures, similar in appearance to the also extinct Wooly Mammoth.
So it’s clear with this branding, AL-KO is trying to emphasize power. From 2010 onwards, AL-KO started to brand their chassis with an M for setups suitable for the Mammut.
It’s unclear if the Mammut has a more powerful motor compared to the Ranger, but the amp ratings are the same. The most notable difference is the ‘form factor’.
In other words, the Mammut is compact, very compact. Basically, if you are concerned about ground clearance, there is no better solution currently available.
- Weight of 37kg, including all fittings
- Flat surface max caravan weight 1,800 kg
- Soft start and stop and ‘bump-free’ manoeuvring
- Average current 20 Amps
- Maximum current 100 Amps
- Leisure battery minimum 70Ah (100Ah recommended)
- Warranty 5 Years
Truma Mover XT 2/4
You may or may not know that Truma acquired Carver. Carver was the British engineering company responsible for the first axle-mounted movers brought to market back in 1997.
The modern Truma motor movers are characterised by their prominent aluminium drive wheels, they are simply huge.
The advantage, of course, from using such a large drive wheel is good contact with the tyre. Another notable feature of the Truma motor movers is brushless motors. A high-quality feature, but it comes at a cost.
Truma offers the standard XT, the XT2 and the XT4. The XT is for single-axle caravans up to 2,300 kg, the XT2 is for twin axle vans up to 2,400 kg and the XT4 for twin-axle caravans up to 3,100kg!
Basically, if you have a very large twin-axle caravan, the Truma range is the sort of motor mover you need to be looking at.
- Weight XT (28kg), XT2 (28kg), XT4 (60kg)
- Flat surface max caravan weight 2,300 kg (XT) up to 3,100 kg (XT4)
- Soft start and stop
- Average current 28 Amps (XT, XT2) and 37 (XT4)
- Maximum current 158 Amps (all versions)
- Leisure battery minimum 70Ah (100Ah recommended)
- Warranty 5 Years
Final Thoughts On Purchasing A Caravan Motor Mover
So as you can see from the options above, you are spoilt for choice with motor movers to choose from. All manufacturers today appear to offer a 5-year warranty period which is reassuring.
Remember, the price points above do not include fitting, so you need to add at least £100. Also, if your leisure battery is not up to the job, that will be another additional cost.
Something else that I wanted to mention is the use of a single-motor mover on twin-axle caravans. I’ve had guests at Horton Common provide feedback on this issue.
With a single mover in most instances, it’s just not going to provide sufficient power (and grip) for anything but the flattest and smoothest surfaces.
I hope you found the above useful, and I hope you consider paying us a visit to Horton Common at some point. 🙂
FAQ
If you don’t want to go down the DIY route, you can usually get the motor mover fitted for an additional £100 from the retailer. If you do want to go the DIY route, you need to check that the specific product’s warranty allows it. You don’t want to go through the effort of fitting the mover only to find out you have just invalidated your warranty.
Some of the traditional wheel clamps are quite large and bulky and may be obstructed by the motor mover. I’ve written a post on the best caravan wheel clamps I see our guests using. These generally will have no issue being fitted to a caravan with a motor mover. However, with the AL-KO wheel lock, you may have to use a caravan jack to get it on.
I’ve written a separate post on caravan motor mover problems. Briefly, besides potential problems with the leisure battery/tyre pressures, they can be specific problems which occur with motor movers. After a couple of years, the rubber boot fitted to some motor movers (Powrtouch) may need replacing. The electrical terminals and even the motor brushes may need replacing to maintain consistent operation.
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