We have just bought a 26ft twin axle caravan without a motor mover. We may have a need but not sure. It's our storage location. Gate opening is 13ft wide and the road is a single track road with a ditch on the side. We tried taking it out and back corner hit the gate side. All fixed now and the gate opening is being widened to a 20ft opening giving us 7 more feet to clear the gate. The area that hit was the last 6" of the caravan.
The caravan is used so spending £2000 on an awd motor mover is a bit too expensive. The twin motor is pricey enough and I'm all for getting one if needed but I wonder how good a twin would be. Our caravan is about 1200kg and max is 1550. I've read the turning radius is big and gravel gets caught in the rollers. So I don't want to invest money if it won't work for our situation. If the gate is widened, we should fit through.
Also, what about campsites? My husband thinks if we get a tight spot camping, we may need the motor mover. I need to recount our camping trips and see if there would have been a tight spot that would have needed a motor mover.
I used to have a twin axle with MTPLM of 1800kg so a little heavier than yours. Initially I had a two wheel drive mover, Powrtouch heavy duty, but soon upgrade it to the awd version but that's not to say you would need to do that. I store my van at the foot of my driveway at the side of the house, this does have a bit of a slope to it. Once out of the driveway the caravan is then onto a narrow private road and needs to be turned 180 degrees so that it can be hitched up and ready for the off. The only alternative to the 180 turn is to reverse on to a busy road with a 60 mph limit,not something I would enjoy doing.
The two wheel drive mover did cope with the slope,but only just, felt it was really straining and at the limit of its range. The 180 turn could also be done but certainly wasn't a three point turn,more like a thirty three. The road is to narrow to hitch up and use the car for turning. Powrtouch offered me what I considered a good deal to upgrade which I accepted.
If your mover needs don't include steep slopes or tight turns then the two wheel version would probably do, but,not surprisingly, the awd is streets ahead performance wise. Can I suggest contacting who ever makes your choice of mover,asking if they would fit two wheel drive initially with upgrade if required and get prices. Try the two wheel version then decide what you want to do
We think its worth the money. Saves wear and tear on the clutch and lets you stand in the tight spot with your remote, so you won't make an expensive mistake whilst shunting.
Another benefit is it enables you to manoeuvre the 'van into places that you couldn't put it with a car attached (although it'll take a bit more shunting than with a single axle 'van). This makes it a pretty good anti-theft device too.
Quote: Originally posted by Al+Mel on 25/9/2013
Another benefit is it enables you to manoeuvre the 'van into places that you couldn't put it with a car attached (although it'll take a bit more shunting than with a single axle 'van). This makes it a pretty good anti-theft device too.
The awd is certainly the way to go but only if you can afford it,that is.
Al+Mel make a good point about the anti theft aspect, I used to put mine down the driveway then turn it round side on, hitch tight against a wall. Not saying it would completely stop it being stolen but would delay any attempt. Unlikely you would be able to do anything like that in storage though.
Worth every penny. When you get to the south of France and they give you a pitch that you haven't got a cat in hells chance of putting your van on without.
Behind a tree on sand, with no room for a car to maneuver.
So glad i got mine fitted, With only myself being able to kove the van "Wife pregnent again" and she works the days we go so need to do everything solo and its well easy and hassle free.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Is it worth the money--motor mover twin
