In the caravanning world, some pieces of equipment are essential - while others are nice to have. Caravan movers fall squarely into the “nice to have” category. You can certainly do without them, but if you do start using one, life on the road becomes a lot easier!
The caravan mover attaches straight to the underside or tow coupling of your caravan. You can then move your caravan with ease into tight spaces or reposition on a campsite. There are a number of different types and brands of caravan movers on the market, each with their own unique features and benefits.
It's important to choose the right type of caravan mover for your needs based on the weight and size of your caravan or trailer, your budget, type of terrain you’ll be using the mover on and your physical abilities. We have created a caravan mover buyers guide to help in making this decision.
Types Of Caravan Movers
Here at Caravan RV Camping we offer two different types of caravan movers:
Electric Caravan Movers
As the name suggests electric caravan movers are powered by electricity. They are typically easy to install and operate. Most models are controlled using a wireless remote and offer adjustable speed settings.
It’s important to keep in mind if you choose an electric caravan mover that you will also need a power source to either directly power or re-charge the mover.
Manual Caravan Movers
Manual caravan movers require operation by hand and are typically more affordable than electric movers. You will need to put in a lot more physical effort to operate, so they may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
The Trailer Valet and the Trailer Valet XL are both manual caravan movers. They do however come with a fitting that can be attached to your battery drill to help make the move less strenuous. These models are chain driven and are one of the more popular caravan movers on the market.
Why a Caravan Mover Is Needed
Manoeuvre With More Ease
Caravan parking sites are often cramped or difficult to access from the main road. Just the idea of labouring your caravan into place every time, only to have to get it back out and hitched to your tow car, can be enough to make even the most seasoned caravanner sweat!
Store Your Caravan
Storing your caravan down the side of your house or in your back shed with little room for error? Caravan Movers are a great way to save an insurance claim on repairing the side of your caravan and half your house as you drag the van down your tight space.
Hitch Without A Hassle
As a caravan owner, you’ve probably spent a lot of time looking up tips and guides on how to hitch your caravan to your tow car. Some electric caravan movers make it easy, letting you instruct your caravan to move this way or that, until it’s perfectly aligned to your tow car.
Feel Like A Pro
We can’t understate the amount of self-sufficiency a caravan mover brings to your caravanning lifestyle. Not only do you stop depending on help from a kind stranger while attempting to get in and out of a caravan parking site, you’re free from the fear of being judged for struggling with (and swearing at...!) your caravan.
Top Caravan Mover Brands
Kronings
The Kronings CT Camper Trolley range are the cream of the crop when it comes to caravan movers, due to the ease of use and ability to move caravans and trailers up to 4500kg.
The mover features a powerful electric motor, which provides smooth and effortless movement in all directions. It also has a simple-to-use remote control, allowing you to move the caravan from a distance.
They do come with a large price tag however these will take out any stress in moving your caravan into tight spaces. The Kronings CT Camper Trolley range can even move your van or trailer on an incline up to 10%. They also come with a High Lift Bracket that attaches to the A-Frame of your van so even if you have a swivel hitch the Kroning will still move your van.
The Kronings Caravan Mover is a fantastic option for those looking for a high-quality, reliable, and versatile caravan mover. Its compact size, powerful motor, and versatile design make it a great choice for any caravan owner.
Camec
The Camec Elite Pro is a powerful and user-friendly electric caravan mover designed to make manoeuvring your van effortless. It operates on 12V power and connects directly to your caravan’s battery system. Suitable for both single and double axle caravans, this mover uses durable aluminium rollers that automatically engage or disengage with your tyres using a convenient remote control – ensuring smooth, jerk-free movement.
The Camec Elite Pro is available in two-motor or four-motor configurations, depending on your caravan’s weight and axle setup. Two motors can move caravans up to 2000kg (or 1750kg on an 18% incline), while four motors (two units) are required for double axle caravans weighing up to 3000kg (or 2350kg on an 18% incline). This mover is ideal for tight driveways or precise parking, offering reliable control without the need for pushing or towing.
Trailer Valet
The Trailer Valet is a manual caravan mover that can manoeuvre trailers up to 2200kg and is fitted onto the draw bar of the trailer. It is built with durable materials and is easy to install, with no need for special tools or modifications to your caravan or trailer. It can also be rotated and moved away while travelling so no need to unhitch.
Trailer Valet movers can be used on boat trailers as well. If choosing to purchase this mover, one thing to consider is the tow ball weight. Boat trailers carry most of their weight at the back where the motor is fitted. This changes the tow ball weight dramatically. The Trailer Valet's require a minimum of 8-12% of the overall weight on the trailer at the connection point of the mover. If there is too much weight at the back the mover will spin. To overcome this we have had some customers add temporary extra weight on the A-Frame of the trailer to increase the downward weight on the mover. Always remembering to stay within your weight limits.
The Trailer Valet is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to store when not in use. It has also been designed with safety in mind, with features such as automatic brakes and emergency stop buttons to help prevent any accidents.
The Trailer Valet XL is the big brother of the Trailer Valet, it is capable of moving trailers up to 4500kg. It has improved cranking mechanisms and superior traction and control with its 9-inch tyres. It’s automatic safety brake and ability to move larger trailers, has meant it has become a top-rated pick for caravan and boat owners. It also comes with a 50mm ball for quick installation and a drill attachment. The Trailer Valet XL can’t however be used on swivel hitches such as the DO35.
The Trailer Valet XL also offers an A-Frame mounted bracket for those trailers with swivel hitches. This bracket is also great for trailers with a really light tow ball weight. The bracket can be installed further down the A-Frame towards the weight of the van to move.
Purpleline
Purpleline movers are designed to engage with the vans wheels rather than attach to the front A-Frame. They are connected to the caravans 12V system for permanent power and remote controlled for ease of use. With options for permanent fitting, removable, single and dual axles they are a great option to get your van into tight spots.
Purpleline offer 3 movers to suit various applications. The Purpleline Quattro Platinum offers a fully automated system. Simply pull up, unhitch and engage the motor with the push of the button. The Purpleline Quattro Titanium is designed slightly different and requires you to manually engage the motor to the wheels. For the offroaders there is the Purpleline Quattro Quickey, this can be easily removed from the van ready to tackle water crossings and bumpy tracks. Whatever the application the Purpleline movers offer a great solution to moving your caravan with ease.
Caravan Mover FAQs
1. What is a caravan mover and how does it work?
A caravan mover is a device that allows you to move your caravan without the need for a tow vehicle. There are manual jockey wheel movers or the premium electric movers that are attached to your A-frame or chassis powered with motors and gears to move the van or wheels. These are also remote controlled for the ultimate ability to maneuver your van into position.
2. Do I need a single or dual axle caravan mover?
If you are looking at the movers that fit across your axles and attach to the wheels then it will be dependent on your individual set up. If you have dual axles you will need the four motors.
3. How much weight can a caravan mover handle?
This varies by model. For example, the Camec Elite Pro can handle up to 2000kg with two motors, or up to 3000kg with four motors. Always check the weight limits, especially if you plan to use it on inclines.
4. Can I install a caravan mover myself?
The axle fitted caravan movers can be installed if you're an experienced DIYer, however it is often recommended to get a professional to ensure the unit is securely mounted and safely wired. There are some movers that simply attach to your tow ball or A-frame to get you moving effortlessly.
When it comes to manoeuvring your caravan, there’s a solution to suit every need and budget. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a manual caravan mover or the convenience of an electric mover, both options are designed to make positioning your van safer and easier. Electric movers offer effortless control at the push of a button, while manual movers provide a cost-effective alternative for smaller vans or infrequent use. No matter your setup, a caravan mover can save you time, effort, and stress when parking or storing your caravan. Check out of entire range of movers here!
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.