Top 3 Motor Movers; which one and why?

[JohnI.Stephen]

I have a 2002 Senator Oklahoma and my wife and I have decided to buy each other 50% of a motor mover for our Christmas presents to each other! It seems that the hot competition is between :-

1. Power Touch Powrtouch Single Heavy Duty Model 3

2. Reich Reich Comfort Caravan Motor Mover

3. Truma SE Truma Mover SE

I am very surprised that, with the exception of the Powrtouch, I can find no decent on-line brochures or other sales material; even the Powrtouch brochure is pretty poor?!

So, fellow enthusiasts, which would you heartily recommend for my large'ish van; and why ?

Thanks!

John

 

[Damian]

I would recommend the Powertouch, mainly as we have one and it is brilliant, as is the after sales service, and the 5 year guarantee.

My choice was confirmed by the local caravan mechanic when he saw my mover working his response was "Now I know why I have a shelf full of the other makes"

 

[Val & Frank]

We have the Truma TE fitted on our Bessacarr Cameo twin axle van, it cost

 

[Earlybird]

I fitted the best on my Louisiana which is the Reich mover and had no problems up to now it is a very good mover easy to control.

 

[Clive-Cardiff]

Hi. Our choice was the Powrtouch and we have used it a number of times to pull us into or out of difficult positions.

Access onto one pitch in Spain was up a kerb (3 - 4 inches high) where the car could not be used to push the van. A few helpfull people came to help push the van up over the kerb but I was able to use the mover to climb up onto the pitch, the onlookers were amazed.

In Portugal I clouted the mover on a kerb and damaged the operating spindle. We contacted Powrwheel through Red Pennant and the parts were delivered to us in just a couple of days with fitting instuctions. All in we are delighted with the mover and the after sales service.

 

[clivea]

Hi, I have a Reich Move Control 2 suuplied and fitted by R&L Draper. They were exceelnt for the fitting and the mover has perfomed well since we had it. It can move the van around its centre of axes by working both motors in parelell which reduces the scrub effect. Ver precice too for coupling up. Its lighter than Powertouch and Truma but hangs down abit more. I have it in front of the wheels and they can be fitted behind also. No problems so far on speed humps or ferry ramps.

Other Clive

 

[clivea]

Oh and Biley upgraded the vans max weight from 1360kg to 1400kg ata cost of

 

[sparkes]

Clive

If you upgrade a Bailey, you should also get new badges for the front and rear of the van stating that it is a max load upgrade. I got these and the new weight plate. The dealer sorted it for me at no cost

Steve

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Hello 'other Clive'; I have just called R&L Draper who are literally 'just up the road' from me. They have quoted the keenest price and, in principal, this would appear to be the one to go for.

Question; how on earth do you mount kerb stones using a mover? The rear wheel will be able to 'mount' the kerb but the jockey wheel would surely be impossible?! Do you carry a small 'ramp' with you?

John

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Other Clive,

We have a Reich Move Control on our Eriba Triton (MTPLM 1200 kg) - actually all Eriba owners who fit a mover use the Reich as it's the only one that fits. It works as it says on the box - no issues or problems ever.

Like you said the standard installation leaves the mover quite low, but in the case of the Eriba, you can remove the motor mounting plate, flip it over because the mounting holes are asymmetric, and this raises the motor - it's quite easy to see who hasn't had this done on an Eriba.

On the subject of re-plating a caravan - this can only be done if the manufacturer originally deliberately under-quoted the MTPLM on the data plate.

The manufacturer may have done this to position the van in a lower weight class - by stripping the odd few kg or 100 kg off the capabilities of the axle, the caravan would now appeal to someone with a lighter car - it's the MTPLM that is used for the "85% ratio" calculations.

Obviously, the capabilities of the axle are set in stone by AL-KO and can't be easily upgraded.

And John - have the standard jockey wheel replaced with the AL-KO heavy duty (150 kg limit) pneumatic jockey wheel.

Robert

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Hi Other Clive,

We have a Reich Move Control on our Eriba Triton (MTPLM 1200 kg) - actually all Eriba owners who fit a mover use the Reich as it's the only one that fits. It works as it says on the box - no issues or problems ever.

Like you said the standard installation leaves the mover quite low, but in the case of the Eriba, you can remove the motor mounting plate, flip it over because the mounting holes are asymmetric, and this raises the motor - it's quite easy to see who hasn't had this done on an Eriba.

On the subject of re-plating a caravan - this can only be done if the manufacturer originally deliberately under-quoted the MTPLM on the data plate.

The manufacturer may have done this to position the van in a lower weight class - by stripping the odd few kg or 100 kg off the capabilities of the axle, the caravan would now appeal to someone with a lighter car - it's the MTPLM that is used for the "85% ratio" calculations.

Obviously, the capabilities of the axle are set in stone by AL-KO and can't be easily upgraded.

And John - have the standard jockey wheel replaced with the AL-KO heavy duty (150 kg limit) pneumatic jockey wheel.

Robert

Oh right Robert; sounds sensible. Thanks

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Robert; do you mean this "Plastic 5-Spoke Wheel

48 mm tube diameter

150 Kg Static Nose Load

Nett Weight: 6 Kg"

As found on Al-Ko Heavy Duty Jockey Wheels

 

[Tony A.]

John I.

you need to change your jockey wheel for one with a PHEUMATIC tyre. it is on the web site you gave, the reason is they dont hit an obstruction like a solid wheel does, they tend to bounce over them, it makes a lot less work for the mover.

R&L Draper are great to deal with wonderful after sales.

good luck mate

Tony A.

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Thanks Tony; this is very useful advice. Yes I was impressed with Richard Draper's attitude and speed of response. I wonder if I can just replace the wheel and not the entire Jockey wheel 'assembly' as there's nothing wrong with my Al-Ko jockey wheel "assembly"; just the wheel itself? If that's not the case, then which of the three "Heavy Duty Jockey Wheels" should I opt for in your opinion?

Thanks

John

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Thanks Tony; this is very useful advice. Yes I was impressed with Richard Draper's attitude and speed of response. I wonder if I can just replace the wheel and not the entire Jockey wheel 'assembly' as there's nothing wrong with my Al-Ko jockey wheel "assembly"; just the wheel itself? If that's not the case, then which of the three "Heavy Duty Jockey Wheels" should I opt for in your opinion?

Thanks

John

Tony; is this the one?

1222438 - Plus Jockey Wheel (Pneumatic Wheel)

Thanks!

John

 

[rob_jax]

Hi John,

No it's the one at the very bottom of that page - the pneumatic version.

It has the same mounting tube - but the U shaped bit that holds the wheel is much wider to accept the pneumatic tyre - so no, we had to replace our perfectly good jockey wheel too.

But keep it for when you sell your van - and swap them back over

The pneumatic tyre makes an enormous difference to moving the van on grass or gravel - doesn't dig in

Robert

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Hi John,

No it's the one at the very bottom of that page - the pneumatic version.

It has the same mounting tube - but the U shaped bit that holds the wheel is much wider to accept the pneumatic tyre - so no, we had to replace our perfectly good jockey wheel too.

But keep it for when you sell your van - and swap them back over

The pneumatic tyre makes an enormous difference to moving the van on grass or gravel - doesn't dig in

Robert

Robert; then it's this one " Tony; is this the one?

1222438 - Plus Jockey Wheel (Pneumatic Wheel)"

Thanks for the advice.

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Looks like Reich will get my business. A combination of a seemingly great product and a qulity dealer; and all at a good price. Thanks for all your input.

Regards

John

 

[rob_jax]

AL-KO part number 1222438 - that's the one.

We also fitted the Manoeuvring Handle - 1210182 - as well - fitted right at the top of the jockey wheel post, it acts as a limit stop and it does help with the odd bit of manual pushing.

Robert

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

AL-KO part number 1222438 - that's the one.

We also fitted the Manoeuvring Handle - 1210182 - as well - fitted right at the top of the jockey wheel post, it acts as a limit stop and it does help with the odd bit of manual pushing.

Robert

OK Robert; I'll take a look at that also as I do have problems in shifting the caravan using only the side 'grab handles'. cheers

John

 

[RayS]

If it's not too late have another look at Powrtouch - I've had mine 4+ years and excellent service. if there is not enough info for you in the sales leaflet, phone them and ask for installation instructions to help you decision making. I did this before buying and they were very helpful - a DIY fit is very straightforward, and you have the added satisfaction of knowing just how well it has been done.

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

If it's not too late have another look at Powrtouch - I've had mine 4+ years and excellent service. if there is not enough info for you in the sales leaflet, phone them and ask for installation instructions to help you decision making. I did this before buying and they were very helpful - a DIY fit is very straightforward, and you have the added satisfaction of knowing just how well it has been done.

Hello Ray; thanks for that. It's not too late but I think I've decided on the Reich as I have a reputable delaer just up the road and plenty of satisfied customers. I think it's 6 or one and half a dozen of the other IMHO, i.e. not alot between them.

Thanks for your thoughts

John