Another motor mover question

[parker1158]

We have just collected our new (To us) Swift caravan complete with motor mover. We had the mover fitted mainly to assist when getting the van onto our drive, without going into loads of detail it has always been a right kerfuffle with regards to narrow lane outside home, tight turns, steep drive, and wifes bad back.

Anyway I unhitched in the lane and spun the van round 'drove' it nose first up the drive then across the front of the house spun it 180 degrees and parked it - simples.

My question, is there any reasons why the van should not be reversed up the drive using the motor mover? When I asked the man at the caravan shop he said he didn't see why not but he would suggest taking it up forwards to be on the safe side !!!

Opinions please

 

[Jaydug]

Can't see it makes any difference. After all, if you drive in, you've got to reverse out. I also drive in, but simply because the door is then accessable.

 

[trucker]

We always reverse the van in have been doing this for 6 years with the same mover

Kevin

 

[Dustydog]

From the mover point of view no difference.

However just remember the caravan brakes are auto reverse when attached to the towing vehicle.

IMO if you had just reversed the caravan with the vehicle and then detached without moving forward again it is possible the auto overun reverse mechanism is engaged.

You may then find the handbrake needs more travel before effectively working the brakes.

So just move forward before detaching to ensure the auto reverse is disengaged. Then I see no problem reversing with the mover.

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[Sue_374318921]

We do reverse in, forwards out have not the space to turn on drive so van goes same way out as in. Been doing this for 4 years, I don't see what difference it makes, the motor works equally in either direction

 

[RayS]

Caravans with movers tend to move more easily backwards than forwards particularly on loose e.g. gravel surfaces. this is because whe turning with the nose leading, the jockeywheel tends to dig into the surface, particularly if fitted with a 'flat' profile wheel rathe than a 'rounded' i.e. pnuematic tyred wheel.

The other advantage is that in many cases putting the van in backwards may allow you to tow it out (depending on the particular site) which putting it in forwards would not.

The disadvantage is that - for the same reason - putting it in backwards may be less secure.