My thoughts were that it sounded a lot extra just to apply the rollers... as two fit and able individuals in our mid-30's I hope we won't struggle too much..!
Also my thoughts were it's something else to go wrong!
Hi Jon, im sorry its taken me awhile to get back to you but i have been out all day.
Firstly, I agree the mover is a more important piece of kit than an awning, and if you do then decide to buy an awaning in the future, you can pick up a new top quality Kampa Rally porch for between £200-£300 depending on size,260cm or 390cm wide. they are really sturdy, well made, easy to erect and made of top quality 4000 hydrostatic head fabric, which fits snuggly to the side of the caravan using the optional upright poles. The good thing about them over a canvas or polycotton awning is they dry off a lot quicker, and are lighter in weight to transport, so this may be an option that would forfil your needs.
Secondly, after being in a similar position to yourself in having to choose a manual or automatic engaging Mover, we went for the manual model, not only was it considerably cheaper, but after talking to several owners who had them fitted whilst out on site, it quicky became apparent that there were a few problems with the automatic ones regards the amount of pressure applied to the tyres, and the fact that they were prone to jamming in the 'On' position. The mover is only a two min job to wind on, and we can maually tighten the amount of pressure needed to turn the caravan wheels, or turn the rollers mid way to inspect them for any bits of grit or debris that may cause any slippage if not removed. the Reich works with deaply ridged alloy rollers, and not the grit pad ones as used on some models like Michael mentions above. I echo the thoughts though that if your caravan is only going to be used in France, it may be worth checking what the service and warantee agreement would be should you need a repair at any time in the future. I know the Reich is German made, but im unsure what a British fitted mover would be covered for out of the UK.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Of all the accessories that are available to you, a motor mover tops the list as far as I'm concerned. Even in your mid-thirties you could acquire a back or knee problem and a motor mover would become essential. Even if you don't, it enables you to park your caravan on a 5p piece effortlessly.
One for a single axle won't cost you a grand - nearer £600.00 and the beauty of it is that they are portable.
Mine has been on three different caravans and although now eight years old is still giving sterling service.
There are a lot of fallacies about them eg not working on wet grass or loose gravel. Utter twaddle. Mine has worked on these and many other surfaces although I would draw the line at deep mud and possibly snow.
I'm sure it will work on those surfaces. If you want one, no reason not to have one, but I personally wouldn't spend that money to drag that extra weight about, eating substantially into my payload and reducing my mpg.
Are you saying that you physically move the caravan by hand when you don't have a mover? I haven't done that since I was young and foolish - and that's a long time ago.
Are you saying that you physically move the caravan by hand when you don't have a mover? I haven't done that since I was young and foolish - and that's a long time ago.
I can also place my caravan on a 5p piece....
Jim
I used to manoeuvre the caravan as close as I was able on the car either forward or backward and then put the final touches to its position by pushing.
When I developed knee problems in my fifties and my wife back problems, our mover became our salvation. Without it, caravanning would have become an impossibility.
With the greatest of respect, a mover surely doesn't eat into your payload as drastically as you suggest, does it? Mine lopped about 30 lbs off which in the overall scheme of things didn't seem to bad a trade off.
Also with the greatest of respect, not trying to be argumentative.
I thought they were about 30Kg, not 30lb. Never had one, so I'm quite prepared to be wrong. I don't like to whinge about it, but I can hardly walk these days. It doesn't affect our caravanning at all, except that my wife has to do the water and toilet.
To be honest, with a bit of practice, it's not hard to get the caravan exactly where you want it. It's a lot quicker than using a mover, although of course you still have to unhitch at some point.
I know some people like to park their caravans behind the house. We used to keep ours at home until the Police told me what a bad idea it was. Our storage site won't let you move your caravan, they do i all with their little tractor, so it's only sites where there is a problem.
My only regret is one site in Scotland. Can't remember the name at the moment, but the best pitches are nose up to the harbour wall. Apart from that, I've always been able to get anywhere I wanted.
As I said, It's a free country, I have no problem with anyone who wants one, but for me it's all negative, starting with the expense of purchase. I could treat myself to something I really wanted with that money.
Just as an afterthought, I've been towing trailers professionally for over 40 years, and things like boat trailers, livestock trailers and general trailers don't have motor movers. I wonder why it's just caravans?
Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 14/3/2011
Hi Vic
Also with the greatest of respect, not trying to be argumentative.
I thought they were about 30Kg, not 30lb. Never had one, so I'm quite prepared to be wrong. I don't like to whinge about it, but I can hardly walk these days. It doesn't affect our caravanning at all, except that my wife has to do the water and toilet.
To be honest, with a bit of practice, it's not hard to get the caravan exactly where you want it. It's a lot quicker than using a mover, although of course you still have to unhitch at some point.
I know some people like to park their caravans behind the house. We used to keep ours at home until the Police told me what a bad idea it was. Our storage site won't let you move your caravan, they do i all with their little tractor, so it's only sites where there is a problem.
My only regret is one site in Scotland. Can't remember the name at the moment, but the best pitches are nose up to the harbour wall. Apart from that, I've always been able to get anywhere I wanted.
As I said, It's a free country, I have no problem with anyone who wants one, but for me it's all negative, starting with the expense of purchase. I could treat myself to something I really wanted with that money.
Just as an afterthought, I've been towing trailers professionally for over 40 years, and things like boat trailers, livestock trailers and general trailers don't have motor movers. I wonder why it's just caravans?
Best regards
Jim
Jim,
If you can manage without one, good luck to you. I would hope that with your history of trailer towing, manouevering shouldn't be an issue. With 30 years experience it wasn't for me and still isn't.
If I don't have to use the mover I don't. It's only really at home where I have a curving, uphill drive that the mover comes into it's own.
You speak of boat, livestock and horse trailers not using them but then perhaps these aren't as heavy as some twin axle and larger single axle caravans even when fully loaded. Also maybe they're not publicised as much in the respective specialist magazines so these groups of users may not even be aware of them.
Quote: Originally posted by Barry1984 on 14/3/2011
Motor mover best thing since sliced bread, 5yr uncon guarantee.
Would not be caravaning if it were not for the motor mover.
I'm with you pally!
I'm a bit of a lazy, fair weather caravanner so anything that makes my caravanning life easier, I'll have thank you very much.
These days, don't even stay anywhere where full service pitches aren't available. Can't be arsed with heavy waste and fresh water containers which always seem to need attention when its peeing down with rain or some such other inconvenient moment.
The trailers I'm talking about are usually much heavier. For me, a caravan on the back was almost like a holiday. Still, I've finished with all that now, got rid of my last tachograph motor, just towing my own caravan and maybe a favour or two for friends.
Never been on a full service pitch, we tend to prefer CLs where it's quiet.
Im in a secure compound, I caravan on my own I have a caravan 3ft either side of me and one behind, I could not put my van away by myself I dont have enough space to go forward then reverse between the other vans.
Thank god for the moter mover, and yes if I had sombody else watching my blind side I could park it ok.
Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 15/3/2011
Hi Vic
The trailers I'm talking about are usually much heavier. For me, a caravan on the back was almost like a holiday. Still, I've finished with all that now, got rid of my last tachograph motor, just towing my own caravan and maybe a favour or two for friends.
Never been on a full service pitch, we tend to prefer CLs where it's quiet.
Have a good season!
Best regards
Jim
Use CL's and CC Sites for overnight stops on long haul journeys but for me and my wife, they're too much like hard work for any longer and I for one don't like splendid isolation.
Adult only sites are quiet at anytime as are a lot of commercial sites outside of school holidays. More expensive I know but better all round facilities and I'm prepared to pay for that because, as Billy Connolly says, "I'm a rich b.....d" and can afford to!!!!!!!!
Getting a bit bored with this thread now - all this trying to outdo one another is energy sapping and completely pointless. Terrar!
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: Do I need a Motor mover
