We have just purchased a 2009 Abbey vogue gts 420 having decided that the motorhome wasn't for us. I understand that the MIRO of our van is circa 1279kg and we reckon that loaded we will add approximately 150kg. Now the question I ask is do I need a mover or can a fit couple in their mid 30's move the van by hand? Before we had the motorhome we did have a twin axle van with a Truma TE fitted so we are familiar with the flexibility a mover offers but don't want to spend another £1,000 plus if we can move easily enough by hand.
yes you can on a smooth surface as concrete. you could look a the possibility of a front fitting towbar as a cheaper option. just me but each time myself or anyone else grabs the handles back or front and i am waiting for the panel to crack.probably wont but the though is there.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Thanks guys, we did originally look at a Swift challenger 535 and when we looked at this we asked the salesman if we could have a go at moving it and it seemed pretty easy. However, it was unladen and only weighed about 1100kg as such and it was on level tarmac. What i want to know is in most circumstances would we be able to position it with it being about 1400kg.
The van will be kept in france at a site we know with storage but it will also be used at other sites across france for touring, it won't ever be used in UK. We only ever tend to choose sites where pitches are screened by hedges and from that point of view access to pitches tend to be more restricted so I guess that may answer my question...!
Having just looked at a website that supplies front towbars this is looking like a distinct possibility and at only £165 is good value. I'm assuming self fit would be straightforward too.
Quote: Originally posted by Minimoto on 09/3/2011
Having just looked at a website that supplies front towbars this is looking like a distinct possibility and at only £165 is good value. I'm assuming self fit would be straightforward too.
not tried it myself but it is supposed to be much easier the reversing the normal way.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
If going down the mover route are there any views as to which one should go for? Truma or Powertouch? We had Powertouch on the twin axle we had previously and it was rubbish but they did fit the wrong one because it couldn't cope with the weight and subsequently replaced with a Truma TE. However that was back in 2007 and as it was the wrong one perhaps it's unfair to compare the two brands.
we have had the powrtouch fitted just over 5 years ago,its been great.the 5 yearwarranty is as good as could be.only had three problems and they were dealt with within three days max at no charge.first class service when you need it.even posted a new handset overnight to the site to keswick.hope the new owners are as conscientious.would i buy another? yes.shame my warranty has finished.plus the product has improved from 2007.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Thanks for that, most useful. As I say the Powertouch mover was the wrong one for our size of van so it's not a fair comparison. Interesting to hear you're pleased with your Powertouch but you mention 3 problems, what were they? The dealer (white arches) that we have purchased our 'van through would only appear to fit Powertouch and not Truma so if we went for the latter it would have to be done by an outside firm and before we collect as we take the van straight to france the night we collect.
We have Reich Mover and are very pleased with the quality and service received.
the caravans you mention will indeed be easy to manhandle on flat smooth surfaces, its when you hit the Mud, Gravel, Slopes, that you will begin to struggle, and after seeing a fairly fit couple in their 30s loose control of their two berth caravan whilst trying to pitch by hand at Sandringham last season (combination of a sloping pitch and a lady of slight build without enough weight to hold her ground) then the cost of the mover is money well spent, rather than the risk of personal injury and financal loss due to having time of work for treatment and recovery.
Julia
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Thanks Romanygirl! You have highlighted some of the areas of concern I have had i.e. trying to position on mud, wet grass and or slopes. We have been offered a starter pack with our purchase which includes an awning with an RRP of c. £500 but have been told that if we were to forego an awning then we could have the mover for about £400/£500 fitted. Confused!! Do we go for the awning and then pay extra for the mover also or do we forego the awning and then have the mover instead for the reduced price. HELP?!!
Do you know what it is or have any say in the awning the dealer will throw in?Think I'd go for the mover and if you dont mind second hand (many awnings have had very little use) you could pick up a bargain on ebay and the likes for one once you have decided what awning you would like. That way you get the awning you want and a mover. We are looking for our 1st van and if it doesnt come with an awning we wont be paying the prices for a new one (although maybe thats because I love the Isabella ones!)
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Nantcol June
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first was the paper grit rollers not used now were slipping when wet,two new rollers heavy duty alloy fitted.second was a motor was noisy,a new motor and bits fitted.third a remote failed,new one was sent on.just a thought though would they come to france to repair the mover if required and fitted here in england ?????
Post last edited on 09/03/2011 17:10:10
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
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Topic: Do I need a Motor mover
