Caravan Motor Movers

[puffernutter]

I have a large twin axle caravan that I'd like to fit a motor mover to. A lot of the time I am coupling up by myself and the tow vehicle is a LWB sprinter kitted out with cages for the dogs, (so rearward through visibility is non-existent). I can generally get it fairly close, but manhandling a twin axle caravan (even a short distance) is not easy when you're a wimp like me!

I have a motor mover for a single axle van, that I was planning to use as all I need to do is "nudge" the caravan up to the van. I now have the option of a second (different make motor mover).

What I was thinking is that if I put some chunky 12v relays from the first motor mover controller, is there any reason I can't control just the motors on the second from the first? They are DC permanent magnet so it's just a simple case of reversing +?- for direction?

The way it seems to work is both forward, both back or opposites to spin it on it's axis.

Thoughts - is it that simple?

Cheers

Peter

 

[gaz_moose]

probably find that 1 set of movers would do it. a guy I used to work for had a massive caravan with just 1 pair of movers on and that never really struggled.

have you enough room between the wheels to fit the second set of movers?

If going for 2 pairs I would wire them so it could rotate on the spot. my dad has them on his caravan and prefers to just drive it around on the movers tan trying to reverse/manoeuvre into weird spots.

 

[Migmac]

Fit a reversing camera. Our newer work trucks have them and the boys are saying hitching the trailer on is so easy now. They can get the hitch on top of the ball every time

 

[RonA]

I have a large twin axle caravan that I'd like to fit a motor mover to. A lot of the time I am coupling up by myself and the tow vehicle is a LWB sprinter kitted out with cages for the dogs, (so rearward through visibility is non-existent). I can generally get it fairly close, but manhandling a twin axle caravan (even a short distance) is not easy when you're a wimp like me!

I have a motor mover for a single axle van, that I was planning to use as all I need to do is "nudge" the caravan up to the van. I now have the option of a second (different make motor mover).

What I was thinking is that if I put some chunky 12v relays from the first motor mover controller, is there any reason I can't control just the motors on the second from the first? They are DC permanent magnet so it's just a simple case of reversing +?- for direction?

The way it seems to work is both forward, both back or opposites to spin it on it's axis.

Thoughts - is it that simple?

Cheers

Peter

Can’t fault the logic of using another set of relays to operate the 2nd mover. My single axle mover is only on or off, so no reason I cant see why using additional relays to work 2nd movers wouldn’t work.
RonA

 

[Barlidge]

I have AWD on my large twin, extremely maneuverable but does take a chunk from your weight allowance so if you really only need it just for nudging I would consider sticking with the single axle pair, you could always add an extra pair later if not enough.

 

[Spuddevans]

The main thing I would be worried about is that you mentioned that the 2 motor-movers are different makes/models? It is unlikely that they both will operate at exactly the same speed, causing excessive strain or scrubbing on the tyres. And what if one fails to activate, then the "working" one will be trying to move a caravan against a (or 2) locked wheels.
Tim

 

[octo0072000]

moving a twin axle van you need to get the front axle as far off the ground to move it or you will struggle
you only need one motor mover on the rear axle and wind the jockey wheel up as far as possible inflatable Tyre on jockey wheel works best doesn't sink in the mud as much as solid Tyre

 

[tlovatt]

Have you checked how much available payload you will have left if you fit 2 motor movers, by the time you have the gas bottles, batteries etc as well you must be planning to travel very light?

 

[Ton-up]

Mines only got one mover on the front axle. Copes fine.

 

[puffernutter]

Have you checked how much available payload you will have left if you fit 2 motor movers, by the time you have the gas bottles, batteries etc as well you must be planning to travel very light?

I hadn't but I will. It's a 21' foot so pretty heavy anyway and its towed with a 3.5T van.

PN

 

[puffernutter]

Sterling Europa - MTPLM 1685kg, MIRO 1435kg. So 250kg Load?? (I get confused with the new way of doing things!)

PN

 

[puffernutter]

Just realised, I'm a muppet! Using relays sounded a good idea but that would only give me "bang/bang" control as the electronics are probably PWM and can only support one mover motor on each side. I know that you can get controllers for twin axles, but not cheap,......

Looks like it will be one set on the rear axle only! Should be all I need for solo coupling (no jokes please!) and nudging when on site.

Cheers

PN