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Caravan Movers - From Ratchet to Remote Controlled
Article by Steve Smith - Caravans PlusRead Time: 5 mins
Contents
Whether you need to manoeuvre your Caravan, trailer or horse-float into a tight spot or just want to take the hassle out of hitching up, caravan movers are a handy solution.
With caravan movers ranging from ratcheting jockey wheels, the manual or automatic cranking Trailer Valet, to remote controlled power movers - there is a solution to suit every situation and budget.
Ratcheting Jockey Wheel Caravan Movers
One of the most simple and economical mover styles, ratcheting jockey wheels are easy to install and use.
They fit into standard jockey wheel clamps and using the ratchet handle can move your caravan, boat or trailer forward, backwards and even up small slopes with minimal effort.
Check out how easy they are to use in this quick video:
The Alko Power Mover is a great economical option for those moving single axle caravans or trailers with ball weights up to 150kg
For twin axle vans or trailers, you will need a mover with dual wheels. This allows for better manoeuvrability and will also be a more heavy duty unit to support the extra weight.
Trailer Valet Caravan Movers
The next step up from ratcheting jockey wheels, the trailer valet makes it even easier to manoeuvre your van!
While it uses the same basic principle as the ratchet jockey wheels (a crank handle is used to manually move the trailer) it features a few key upgrades.
The 2 gear system allows you to use either high or low gear depending on the terrain, making it easy to move your trailer even on inclines up to 10 degrees. It also includes an automatic safety brake which engages as soon as the steering handle is dropped to prevent runaway trailers.
You can make the job even easier with the drill attachment (not included) which allows you to use an 18V drill to do the cranking for you!
This heavy duty mover suits ball weights up to 226kg and can be easily installed using the included mounting bracket. The bracket has 7 mounting holes allowing for installation on different size a-frames. When not in use the Trailer Valet can either be rotated up horizontal to the draw-bar, or completely removed.
Trailer Valet XL
This super heavy duty caravan mover can handle weights up to 4500kg ATM (450kg ball weight) with its solid construction and high strength dual tyres.
Like its little brother, the Trailer Valet XL features the same 2 gear cranking system which can be operated by hand, or with an 18V drill using the included attachment as well as the automatic safety brake.
The ball attachment mechanism of the XL means it can be used with any caravan or trailer with a 50mm ball mount and can be easily swapped between multiple trailers without the need for additional movers or mounting kits.
Remote Controlled Movers - Making Life Easier
Have you ever found yourself:
Remote controlled movers have been gaining popularity with caravan owners Australia wide for all the above reasons, plus many more.
These systems work by having two 12V drive motors (powered by a battery installed in your caravan), that engage the rear of the tyres on either side at the touch of a button via remote control, essentially turning your caravan into one very large remote controlled car!
CaravansPlus are happy to offer two of the biggest brands from two of Australia's largest names in the caravan industry - CAMEC and Coast to Coast RV.
The first is CAMEC's self titled CAMEC Elite, and the slightly more up market (and 20% faster) CAMEC Elite-Pro.
The CAMEC unit is suitable for moving caravans up to 1500kg (Elite) / 1750kg (Elite-Pro) on an 18% gradient, or caravans up to 1800kg (Elite) / 2000kg (Elite-Pro) if moving on the flat.
A second set of CAMEC Elite motors can be added to increase the safe working load to 2500kg (Elite) / 3000kg (Elite-Pro) on the flat or 1800kg (Elite) / 2350kg (Elite-Pro), also suitable for use up to 18% gradient.
The second offering, REICH is quality German engineering offered by Coast to Coast RV.
The REICH is available in single and tandem kits. In it's single axle form, it operates a safe working load of 2000 kg, and capable of traversing a 25% gradient based on a caravan weight of 1200kg.
The REICH tandem axle kit has a safe working load of 3000kg, whilst a caravan weighing 2000kg can traverse a gradient of 15%.
For both CAMEC and REICH units, we also recommend using a solid twin jockey wheel such as the one we have here
These twin 10 inch solid wheels will allow the Caravan to move over rougher ground and/or changes in grade better than the single jockey wheels which you will find fitted to most caravans.
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12 Comments
mark
do you still have or can you get skates which you place under either side of the wheel, lift the wheel and you can then shove the van sideways.
mark
Hi Mark, I think you are after trolley jacks, that you can buy from any SuperCheap
Brenda lee
Hi interested in the Trailer Valet Caravan mover but wanting it to move a 1.6 tons of horse float that his always in a difficult spot tandem trailer
Laura - CaravansPlus
Hi Brenda, The Trailer Valet is perfect for use with caravans, campers, horse-floats and boat trailers up to 2200kg with ball weights up to 220kg. All orders must be placed through the website. The Trailer Valet can be found here: https://www.caravansplus.com.au/trailer-valet-mover-complete-unit-p-14939.html
Sue
Your video showed a great product. Please note however that while the video voice-over says it's a great manoeuvre product for caravans, the text on the videos says it is available for single axle caravans only. The actual video shows a double axle caravan being towed. I little bit confusing in my opinion.
Jen
Sue ... Most can read that it says 'Single Only' They don't actually show them using the device on a double :)
Jen
I'd like to know How, Where & to What do you attach this device to on the Van, for the remote to work?
Eden
Parking your caravan in a really tight spot is a true nuisance. Luckily, a convenient device like the caravan mover can solve this problem for you, and you no longer have to peek so hard into the caravan towing mirrors on your car. This special device uses the power of your caravan's leisure battery to drive the rollers on its wheels. As a result, the caravan moves. You can control this process with a remote while standing next to the caravan, so you can easily adjust the movement. Even when you do not store your caravan in a tight place, the mover still makes your life easier.
David
My personal experience with the Trailer Valet XL and our 2 tonne tandem van (ball weight 240 kg): it has a huge struggle with the lip on the keen and channel in our level street, and our 2% grade concrete apron. Not impressed!
Allan Mumby
Stay away from Camper Trolley, my Camper Trolley is a older model, and you cannot get batteries for them as they keep superseding models and bringing out new batteries, to upgrade my old Camper Trolley is going to cost over $1000. stay well away from them
Al
Can the Alko Power Mover be used on gravel and grasses areas? What is the maximum weight it can take? Thank you
Glen barlow
Can you use this system on a dual wheel van that weights 2.4 tonne up a 10% incline concrete driveway ? Which one would you use .?