Caravan Movers
Caravan, Boat and Trailer Movers
Article by a Big Red team member
One of the disadvantages of towing is dealing with the towed vehicle when it is unhitched. No matter your age, strength or level of fitness, manoeuvring a 3-tonne RV around isn’t ideal. Reversing is a skill requiring practice. It can be difficult enough to manoeuvre your RV into a parking bay or pre-arranged camping spot dodging between other campers, trees, power poles, taps etc. Truth is known, once you are “in” and set up, you can sit back, relax, have a drink and be entertained by the next couple trying to do the same as you have just done, it’s just not nice though being the entertainment.
This manoeuvring of your recreational vehicle (RV) can be even more difficult when you get home and need to get your caravan or boat along your driveway and then into its allotted space. Be it in the garage, beside the house or tucked around the corner out of the way so that regularly used vehicles can have access on a daily basis, it is often paramount that it be placed in exactly the “right” position.
Caravan movers are one of the most essential parts of the kit you should have if this manoeuvring is difficult and you want to manage the stress levels of your relationship – can I put it any more subtly!
Caravan movers are invaluable at manoeuvring your RV when you get home tired from driving and not looking forward to the physical demands of parking. It can be as simple as the touch of a button, depending on the type you chose! So after your exhausting weekend or holiday and the long, long drive home you at least you will know that you don’t have to physically exert yourself by moving your caravan onto the drive yourself.
There are a number of different types of caravan movers available on the market for use with heavy vehicles such as caravans, boats and horse floats. In your research, you will have probably come across different types of movers and the different and many varied opinions people have on them. I will attempt to explain the various types available in Australia and what you should consider when deciding the best option for your situation.
There are a few different variables you need to consider including the weight of your RV and just how difficult the slope and space are that you wish to navigate. There is also the ever present budget to consider as well as your ability to reverse and your fitness levels for manual manoeuvring. After all it can be back-breaking as well as dangerous work – all made the more stressful when you are being watched, and worse being “advised”.
Fixed or Tote Movers?
Basically, caravan movers reposition your caravan, boat or other large trailers when unhitched from your tow vehicle. There are a number of different options available on the Australian market and I have arranged these in order of the most physical exertion required to the least physical exertion required but bear in mind that less exertion means more technology and therefore more expense:
- Ratchet Jockey Wheels
- Motorised Jockey Wheels
- Traction Motorised Movers
1/ Ratchet Jockey Wheels
Similar to a standard jockey wheel these fit onto either side of a draw bar using the standard jockey wheel clamp. A ratcheted handle coming out from the jockey wheel is used to steer. A switch can be flicked to change direction. A quality ratchet can be sourced at a reasonable price.
Advantages
- Installs on draw bar
- Simple operation
Disadvantages
- Slow
- Needs the most physical work
- Less reliable as some models can roll forward or backward when working on a slope
2/ Motorised Jockey Wheels
Put simply, the Motorised Jockey Wheel is easier to use and gives you more control over the Ratchet Jockey Wheels. Usually attaching to the draw bar, some are known as motorised trailer dollies. They can also be attached by the tow coupling allowing for a stronger and more reliable connection to your trailer or caravan.
Advantages
- Moves Faster
- Easily installed
- More reliable than a Ratchet Jockey Wheel
- Significantly lighter than Motorised Traction Movers
- Usually more expensive than the Ratchet Jockey Wheel but significantly cheaper than motorised traction rollers
Disadvantages
- Can be bulky
- Usually can’t remain on the trailer or caravan
- Most require an external battery
3/ Traction Motorised Movers
Motorised caravan movers makes shifting single or double axle caravans as simple and effortless as pushing a button or a bar. The ultimate in movers!
Advantages
- Ability to operate on most surfaces including uneven ground, gravel drives, grass and slopes
- Is clamped or attached to the tow coupling
- Can manage very heavy caravans, trailers and boats
- Minimises physical strain and injury and the need for help from others
- Push button operation reduces physical exertion and stress
- Allows perfect placement manoeuvring within centimetres of walls and other obstacles
- Can be used on all your towed vehicles so does not need to be sold with the van
Disadvantages
- Can be bulky and heavy but is usually stored at home for the really tight manoeuvring
- Usually requires an external battery
- Is the most technical and therefore the most expensive
View our range of Traction Movers
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