Using Powrtouch as a brake ????

[charlie_374349329]

Does anyone know if it would be in order to leave the Caravan Mover in the 'on the wheel' position whilst parked on my LEVEL drive to act as a theft deterent....i.e anyone wanting to remove the 'van would have to have the handheld remote to release the mover

Would it damage the powrtouch?

Thanks

Charlie

 

[Chris_374413356]

I too thought the same thing but didn't do it because I thought it might put unnecessary stress and distortion on the tyres, but yes, it would slow the unwashed down a little.

 

[SteveW77]

Leaving the rollers engaged for an extended period would distort the tyre and possibly harm the mover unit itself. The mover was not designed for this use and would undoubtably void any warranty. If it is not covered under the warranty, why risk it.

Steve W

 

[Lutz]

I doubt whether an engaged motor mover would successfully prevent the caravan from being towed if brute force is applied.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Some years ago we hit a roadside rock on a hairpin bend and it knocked the mover hard against the tyre

It was not noticeable driving but all the friction material was worn off the mover roller

 

[BecknRob]

Afternoon Charlie,

I was advised by the Powertouch fitter not to do this as per the above it will distort the tyres and he just basically advised me against it.

thanks

Rob.

 

[TD42]

Powrtouch's instruction manual clearly states that it is not advisable to leave the mover on the tyre for any length of time in order to avoide damage to the tyre

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Charlie,

It is very unlikely that the mover would be damaged by leaving it engaged with the tyre, If it were to 'distorted' as per Steve W's reply, I seriously doubt the mover would be up to the job of even moving the caravan.

As for damaging the tyre, I'm not convinced it would do do any damage. A caravan tyre already carries the weight of the caravan and the profile of the tyre has to deflect to conform to the road surface. This does no damage. If you were to park on a stone, or a tree root, this does no damage, so I cannot see that the smooth form of the roller is likely to do any damage.

What may happen, is the tyre may take a temporary set, as it conforms to the changes in it circumference, These are temporary and usually after only few meters of moving a caravan the tyre walls and tread will have work softened and the memory of the deformation will be lost.

Will the application of the movers rollers reduce the attraction of the caravan to thief? I doubt it. I am sure that any self respecting thief will have already worked out how to overcome the engagement. But it might deter the opportunist.

Certainly a caravan can be towed by brute force with the mover engaged, but it will create severe wear on the tyres, and the movers rollers. Depending on the model it might also damage the movers gear boxes.

Finally you must take the advice of the movers manufacturer.

 

[Terry_5112949]

Something I would never do, as said Powrtouch do not recomend it, thats good enough for me

 

[SteveW77]

That was along winded way of say the same as me.

Steve W

 

[charlie_374349329]

Thanks everyone for your advice.....I think its a no

Charlie

 

[forestgump]

bit short for john l