When it comes to caravanning, convenience and control can make all the difference. One of the most transformative gadgets for any caravan owner is the motor mover. Whether you’re trying to park on a sloped pitch, navigate a tight campsite, or simply line up perfectly with your tow vehicle, a motor mover can take the stress out of it all.
In this article, we’ll break down what a motor mover is, the different types available, the key benefits of owning one, and the most trusted brands on the market. If you’re wondering whether a motor mover is right for you, read on.
What’s A Motor Mover?
A motor mover is a mechanical device fitted to your caravan that allows you to move it without the need for a tow vehicle. Once fitted to the chassis, the mover uses small electric motors to drive rollers that are engaged directly to the caravan’s tyres. Using a handheld remote control, you can move the caravan forwards, backwards, and even turn it around.
Think of it like a remote control for your caravan. It allows for precise movements without having to hitch up — ideal for tight spaces, awkward angles, or challenging terrain.
Key Benefits of a Motor Mover
1. Stress-Free Manoeuvring
Trying to reverse a caravan into a narrow pitch can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re working solo or dealing with tight site layouts. A motor mover gives you full control from outside the caravan, letting you see exactly where it’s going and make precise adjustments.
2. Perfect Alignment
Getting your caravan aligned with your tow bar can be frustrating. A motor mover allows you to easily shift the van into place without constant re-hitching or nudging.
3. Protect Your Tow Vehicle
Constantly inching your caravan into position can put unnecessary strain on your car’s clutch and gearbox. A mover takes the pressure off by handling the job with dedicated motors.
4. Ideal for Solo Travellers
If you often tour alone, a mover is a must-have. No need for a second pair of hands — you can do it all yourself, with precision.
5. Great for Tricky Driveways
Got a narrow or steep driveway? A mover lets you position the caravan exactly where you need it without risky reversing.
6. Makes It More Saleable
As much as a mover doesn’t increase the caravan’s value, it does make it more saleable, as this can save the prospective buyer several hundreds of pounds, if not thousands depending on the brand and type of motor mover.
Types of Motor Movers
There are different types of motor movers available, each offering different levels of convenience, power, and price. Here’s a look at the main categories:
Manual Engagement Movers
These are the most affordable type of mover and are operated by manually winding the rollers onto the tyres using a handle or wrench. They require a bit of physical effort to engage and disengage from the caravan’s tyres, although caravanners would argue that if you’re fit enough to wind the legs down on your caravan, then it shouldn’t be too much effort to engage the movers.
Pros:
- Lower cost
- Lightweight
- Simple to operate
Cons:
- Requires bending and some strength to engage the movers to the tyres
- Slower to set up
Automatic Engagement Movers
Automatic movers engage the rollers onto the tyres with the push of a button on your remote/handset. This makes setup quicker and less physically demanding.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Great for those with limited mobility
- Quick engagement
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Slightly heavier which can use up your payload
Twin-Axle / All-Wheel Drive Movers
For twin-axle caravans, owners tend to opt a four-motor system (all-wheel drive) for full manoeuvrability. These movers control all four wheels independently, allowing for smoother and tighter turns.
Pros:
- Ideal for larger, heavier caravans
- Provides better grip and power
- Allows rotation and tight cornering
Cons:
- More expensive
- Adds more weight to the chassis
Top Motor Mover Brands
When investing in a motor mover, it’s important to choose a reliable brand. Here are some of the most popular and trusted names in the market:
Powrtouch
A leading UK brand known for its reliability and excellent customer support. Powrtouch offers a range of manual and automatic systems, and their warranty and service backup are widely praised.
Popular models: Powrtouch Evolution, Powrtouch Freedom
Truma
A premium German brand with a reputation for high-performance and durability. Truma motor movers are known for their smart engineering and sleek design but can be really pricey.
Popular models: Truma Mover XT, Truma Mover SX
Reich
Another German manufacturer, Reich combines lightweight design with strong power output. Their systems are especially good for twin-axle caravans.
Popular models: Reich EasyDriver, Reich MoveControl
Purpleline
Known for their Quattro range, Purpleline offers powerful movers with high-tech features at competitive prices. Their systems often include wireless remotes and automatic engagement.
Popular models: Quattro Platinum, Quattro Titanium
Is a Motor Mover Worth It?
Still on the fence? Here are a few scenarios where a motor mover can make all the difference:
- You frequently use campsites with tight or sloped pitches
- Your storage area or driveway is difficult to access
- You often tour solo or without assistance
- You want to avoid damage to your tow vehicle, in-particular the clutch.
- Not confident when reversing your caravan
If you tick any of those boxes, a motor mover isn’t just a luxury — it’s a game-changer.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Weight: Movers add weight to your caravan, which counts towards your payload. Always check your caravan’s MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) and the payload available, to make sure you have enough payload after the mover is fitted to still pack your items. A motor mover usually weighs 30-40kg on average.
- Battery Power: You’ll need a good leisure battery (usually at least 85Ah) to power the mover effectively.
- Installation: Professional motor mover fitting is usually recommended to ensure the device is secure and wired correctly.
- Warranty & Support: Choose a brand with solid customer support and warranty coverage.
Final Thoughts
A motor mover is one of the most useful caravan accessories you can invest in. Whether you’re a weekend tourer or a full-season adventurer, the convenience, control, and confidence it provides make it worth every penny. From manual to automatic, single to twin-axle systems, there’s a motor mover to suit every setup and budget.
At Grantham’s, we offer expert advice, professional fitting, and a wide range of movers from trusted brands. If you’re considering adding a mover to your caravan, give us a call — we’ll help get you moving in the right direction. If you’re looking for a used caravan with a motor mover already fitted to it, then why not check out our caravans with motor movers for sale.
If you have issues with your motor movers then why not check out our blog about motor mover problems.
