02/05/2025

What Is a Motor Mover—and Do You Actually Need One for Your Caravan?

Let’s not beat around the bush—trying to reverse a caravan into a tight pitch or squeeze it onto a narrow drive can turn a peaceful getaway into a full-blown argument. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. That’s where the humble motor mover comes in. It's one of those gadgets that doesn’t look all that flashy but can completely change your towing experience. If you’re new to caravanning, or you’ve just bought your first tourer, you might be wondering what exactly a motor mover is, how it works, whether it’s worth the money—and which one’s the right fit.

Let’s unpack it all.

So… What Actually Is a Motor Mover?

Picture this: you’ve arrived at a site, but the pitch is sloped, the corner’s tight, and there’s a low stone wall that wasn’t in the brochure. Instead of sweating it out with shouts of “left a bit!” and “STOP!”, you grab a remote and watch your caravan edge into place like it’s remote-controlled. Because, well, it is.

A motor mover is an electric motorised device fitted to your caravan’s chassis. It clamps onto the wheels and, at the touch of a button, moves your caravan forwards, backwards, left, right—even pivots it on the spot. It works independently from your towing vehicle, meaning you can unhitch and still move your van with pinpoint accuracy.

Single or Twin-Axle? That Changes Everything

Motor movers aren’t one-size-fits-all. The type you’ll need depends heavily on your caravan setup.

For single-axle caravans:

You’re looking at a standard manual or automatic motor mover. One motor per wheel (usually two total), and you’re good to go.

Great for lighter vans or beginners.

For twin-axle caravans:

You’ll need a more powerful setup—either a 2-motor system (which can handle most basic manoeuvring) or a 4-motor system (for maximum control, especially on gradients).

Twin axles are heavier, so the more power and traction, the better. Otherwise, you might struggle on gravel or grass.

One thing to keep in mind? Weight. Motor movers add around 30–70kg, depending on the model. For some, that’s the difference between a perfectly loaded caravan and one that’s pushing your max payload.

Why Would You Need One?

Here’s the thing—if you’ve got loads of space at home, a flat driveway, and always pitch up on massive open sites... maybe you don’t. But that’s not most people.

You might need a motor mover if:

Your drive is sloped, tight, or both

You regularly store your van in a crowded storage yard

You travel solo and need to park without assistance

You’re done playing tug-of-war with a jockey wheel in muddy conditions

It’s not just about convenience—it’s about independence and confidence. A mover gives you full control. No second guessing. No shouting matches. No worrying whether your clutch will survive another 37-point turn.

Pros & Cons—Because Nothing's Perfect

Let’s not sugar-coat it. Motor movers are brilliant, but they’re not flawless.

Pros:

Park your caravan with surgical precision

Work solo with zero stress

Avoid clutch wear and potential towing accidents

Safer manoeuvring on slopes or awkward terrain

Peace of mind when pitching late or in bad weather

Cons:

They’re not cheap

They add weight (and can eat into your payload)

Batteries need to be charged and well-maintained

You’ll still need a steady hand with the remote—it’s not magic

Still, for many caravanners, the trade-offs are more than worth it.

The Brands Everyone Talks About

There’s a handful of names that pop up again and again—and for good reason. These are the tried-and-tested motor mover brands you’ll see in most UK dealerships:

Powrtouch (by Truma)
The go-to for many. Solid reputation, excellent aftersales, and often comes with a 5-year warranty. The Powrtouch Evolution range is particularly popular, especially for twin-axle setups.

Reich
Known for lightweight models and high build quality. The Reich Easydriver Pro and Active ranges are favourites, especially among those wanting minimal added weight.

Enduro
Great balance between price and performance. The EM203 is a best-seller for single-axle caravans.

Purpleline e-go
Sleek design, great manoeuvrability, and impressive power. A bit more niche, but growing fast in the UK market.

It’s a bit like choosing a smartphone—everyone’s got an opinion, but the right one depends on your personal setup and budget.

What’s It Gonna Cost Me?

Alright, let’s talk brass tacks. A decent motor mover for a single-axle caravan usually starts around £800–£1,100, including fitting. For twin-axle vans—especially those needing a 4-motor setup—you could be looking at £1,500–£2,000+.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Basic manual single-axle mover: £700–£900

Automatic single-axle mover: £900–£1,200

Twin-axle 2-motor system: £1,200–£1,500

Twin-axle 4-motor system: £1,800–£2,200

Fitting (if not included): £150–£300

Some dealerships will fit them during your handover—especially if you’re buying a van new or used. It's worth asking when negotiating.

What About Fitting One Yourself?

Technically, yes, you can install a motor mover yourself. But unless you’re confident around electrics, battery terminals, and drilling into chassis rails, it’s probably best left to a professional. A poorly fitted mover won’t just work badly—it can be unsafe.

Plus, if anything goes wrong, having professional installation often protects your warranty. Not to mention your knees.

Final Thoughts—So, Do You Need One?

Maybe. Maybe not. But once you’ve used a motor mover, it’s a bit like having reversing cameras or heated seats. You wonder how you ever managed without it.

If you’re just getting started with caravanning, a mover takes away the scariest part of towing—the tight, awkward bit at the end. It’s like having an extra pair of hands (and a whole lot more patience).

So ask yourself this: do you want to manoeuvre your caravan—or wrestle it?

If you’d rather leave the wrestling to the campsite Wi-Fi, a motor mover might just be your next smart buy.

Want help finding the right mover for your caravan? We’ve got you covered—Used Caravans at Kimberley, usually already come with one fitted, or give us a ring for no-nonsense advice.