Shunting aid

Maneuvering aids at Camping-Kaufhaus

If you've ever tried to manually maneuver a caravan into the right position, then you know: it takes strong nerves. Especially on narrow campsites, maneuvering the caravan into the narrow camping plot can become a mammoth task. In addition to a lot of muscle power, you are usually dependent on helping hands and sympathetic neighbors. But there is an easier way! With a maneuvering aid for caravans, the caravan can be conveniently moved to the desired position without any sweat or tears - at the push of a button!

Manoeuvring aid for caravans - the perfect position at the push of a button

On camping vacation, of course, you do not want to have more stress than necessary, after all, the well-deserved time off should be for relaxation. If the caravan must then be maneuvered with difficulty into a much too small camping plot on arrival at the vacation destination, this can depress the cheerful vacation mood. A caravan maneuvering aid brings relief. The function is already in the term: A maneuvering aid moves the caravan by means of an electric drive and supports you in maneuvering the caravan safely and comfortably to the intended position. And without any effort at all. If that's not pure luxury!

Mover, maneuvering aid or maneuvering system: What is it?

Many different terms that all mean the same thing:

• Maneuvering aid,
• Maneuvering system
• or mover

are usually used interchangeably. They refer to an electric system that drives the wheels of the caravan and thus makes maneuvering much easier for every camper. The whole thing is controlled by remote control or even smartly via an app on a smartphone.

"Mover" is actually a trademarked term for a specific model from a major manufacturer. In the meantime, however, the word has become established in camper jargon and - similar to "Tempo" for a handkerchief - is often used as a colloquial term for the maneuvering aid.

Maneuvering aid for caravans: How does a mover work?

A mover is an electric maneuvering aid and basically consists of three elements: Drive unit, control unit and remote control. The basic operation is relatively simple: The electric motors, which are mounted near the wheels, act on them and set them in motion. One motor controls one caravan wheel at a time. For a single-axle caravan, you therefore need two drive units; for a tandem-axle caravan, you need four.

When the caravan maneuvering aid is activated, the rollers driven by the motors are pressed against the wheels and set them in motion. A battery supplies power to the maneuvering system's control element. Since the two motors are controlled independently, you can also turn your caravan on the spot. Once the caravan is in the desired position, you deactivate the maneuvering aid again and the drive rollers swing a few centimeters away from the wheels.

Mover caravans: These types of maneuvering aids are available

There are now numerous maneuvering aids from different manufacturers on the market. Which one is right for you depends on the caravan and your personal wishes. Basically, one differentiates between two different versions: the fully and semi-automatic maneuvering aid. The two movers differ in the way the drive rollers are pivoted to the tires. A third variant is also considered a special form: the trolley.

Semi-automatic maneuvering aid

The main difference between the various price and performance classes of maneuvering systems lies in the degree of automation: with the semi-automatic maneuvering aid, you still have to do it yourself - namely with the drive rollers. In the case of a semi-automatic caravan mover, these still have to be pressed manually against the wheels. This can be done either by hand crank or by means of a toggle lever. The disadvantage: the whole thing requires a certain amount of force.

But a semi-automatic maneuvering aid for caravans also offers an advantage: it is usually cheaper than comparable fully automatic models. As with a fully automatic mover, the maneuvering of the caravan is controlled via remote control.

Fully automatic mover

With the fully automatic maneuvering aid, the drive rollers can be swung up to the wheels at the touch of a button. This eliminates the need for physical effort and the mover can be started conveniently via the remote control. So even with physical limitations you can move your caravan without any problems.

The Trolley

If you cannot install a fixed model, for example due to a lack of load capacity, the trolley could be an alternative for you. With this solution, a mobile maneuvering aid is hooked into the coupling jaw of the caravan and then pulls it - conveniently at the push of a button - to the desired location. What are the advantages of such a Robot Trolley?

• Inexpensive: Here, too, you can save quite a bit of money. Since this variant of a mover is significantly below the price range of semi- or fully-automatic maneuvering aids, you can get away with a trolley comparatively cheaply
• Versatile: The trolley can be used flexibly and, for example, can be switched between several trailers or caravans

Caravan maneuvering aid at Camping Kaufhaus: Quality at top prices!

For passionate campers and all who want to become one, we have the right accessories. Just in time for the next trip with your caravan, you will find quality products from different manufacturers:

• Truma
• Rich
• Easydriver
• AL-KO
• And many more 

Our reliable maneuvering systems provide a lot of comfort. Take a look at our high-quality range and find the right maneuvering aid for your purpose among the different variants.

You are also looking for other camping accessories? Click through our store and discover many helpful items for your next adventure with the caravan. Unless otherwise stated in the offer, your order will arrive at your home within 24-48 hours.

FAQs

Retrofitting a maneuvering aid in a caravan: is that possible?

Maneuvering aids are easy to retrofit. With a little technical talent and the right tools, the installation of the mover on the caravan is quickly done. If you don't have the necessary technical skills yourself, you can also have the mover installed by some manufacturers or at a specialist workshop.

What does a Mover for caravans cost?

The cost of a mover depends on various factors. Among other things, whether you are interested in a fully or semi-automatic maneuvering aid. Semi-automatic movers can be had for as little as €800. For the fully automatic caravan maneuvering aid you usually have to put a little more money on the table. Here the price range starts at 1000€, but for some models the costs can quickly rise up to 2200€.

Which battery for the caravan maneuvering aid?

As a power source for maneuvering aids, so-called drive or lighting batteries are recommended. Especially AGM batteries, gel batteries or lithium-ion batteries are suitable for the operation of a mover.