We are hoping to order our 1st van in next couple of days (previously lost out on an ebay bid)from Chichester Caravans.
The van weighs just over 1000kgs empty and we are wondering how difficult it will be to move it into position on our drive at home. We intend to put it in A-frame first for security reasons but can this be done by just 2 people.
We know we could by a motor mover but this will only add to the price and cut down on the weight we will be able to carry inside.
my hubby and i move our van and he's disabled (very limited movement) we have to tow it up the drive then manouver it into position by hand and while i would say it's not a walk in the park as we have to get it over a hump, we get a bit of a sweat on but more than do-able!
N
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If it is a bit heavy you could always mount a small winch close to where you want the hitch to finsih up and then winch it into position. I used to do that with mine a few years back (well actually the wife did the winching and I directed!).
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
If it's flat tarmac or concrete you could probably do it on your own,if it's on a slight incline it becomes much harder What I used to do was place a brick or wedge behind each wheel and pull the A frame sideways a little bit get the other half to push wedge up to tyre then do the other side and so on ,and you can slowly walk it in ,or just use this way on the difficult bits
I was told years ago that grab handles are not for pushing or pulling their only meant to steer it.I always pushed on the very corners where the awning rail is and the other side as this is where the main frame runs.I used to unhitch the van and face the back end into the drive then,hitched it back on and puhed it back with the car.
We pushed our first van - getting it up the dropped kerb was difficult, but once on the flat, it was OK. It was a lunar Planet Mercury. I then found I could tow it on and then we could push it into position. Had to get a mover with this new one.
Ours is about the same weight and it's no problem. Late 60's and it doesn't need a lot of effort, especially when I shout at the missis to put her bloody back into it!
Seriously, it's easy.
------------- Some days you are the dog,
some days you are the tree.
We move our van by hand it's quite easy its quite lightweight 1176 kg we always pull it using the handles never had a problem I thought that is what they are for
Quote: Originally posted by LlaniDavis on 26/3/2013
Perhaps the OP can explain what they mean by this: We intend to put it in A-frame first for security reasons but can this be done by just 2 people.
I suspect he intends to pop the van in 'nose first' so it's not possible to hitch-and-go and a deterrent to thieves.
As for weight, I handle our Bailey without any issue. It's circa 1270kgs and moves very well, even up a gradient into it's driveway storage position.
That said, we're all different and what one finds ok, another might struggle with.
If you change your plan and go in backwards there is a away to make man handling a lot easier!
If you put the hand brake lever partly on, then push the "A" frame first to one side then to the other, then just like magic the van will move backwards. This moving from side to side requires far less physical effort than a direct push, particularly if you get the swinging into a bit of a rhythm.
It's not really magic it is to do with levers and the fact that the hand-brake allows a wheel to rotate backwards but stops them rotating forwards. Dont put the hand-brake on too firmly. You can even get the van up inclines using this technique, not mountains but inclines.
I have a drive that runs downhill somewhat. When I get it over the pavement, the corner of the guttering is at risk . . . but it becomes easier each time you do it.
------------- Peripheral people don`t have as much excitement but they sure live longer
Hi all
Had the same issue pushing my van up the drive way motor mover solved the problem best money spent on my van its great i would recomend to any one.
Kevin
------------- camping low monte in Spain March 2016
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: Can I push my van?
