Top 5 Caravan Motor Mover Mistakes

In this video, I go through my top 5 caravan motor mover mistakes, made by the most experienced caravanners and beginners alike, some very common and others maybe a little random but still very possible.
Don't be shy, let me know in the comments how many you have done.
I also briefly talk about 'that guy' this was me, once a caravan mover sceptic, full of the belief I was the best at reversing onto a pitch...Ha
Here is the kit we use to film including affiliate links
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GoPro Accessory Pack
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Iphone 12 Mini
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DJI MIC
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#caravan #caravaning #caravanlife

[@virtualcolditz]

After 12 years of caravanning without a motor mover, finally bit the bullet and had one installed. While I was waiting for my appointment at the fitters', I watched this video so I was prepared. Good job I did; there are some really good tips here. After winter on the driveway, however, the first mistake I made was to try moving it with the handbrake still on. Second mistake was the converse: activating the mover without first engaging the drive rollers onto the wheels. I really must make up a checklist....

[@mick2d2]

Another one I'd definitely add, is keeping spare batteries in the caravan for the mover remote! Nothing worse than getting to a site after a long drive and finding the 9V battery is dead, possibly because somebody left it switched on when you set off! 8) I certainly agree with what you said about having a mover. In my case it was included as a special offer when I bought my van, but after having used it, I'd never get a van without one. My van isn't very big, but it weighs 1200KG fully loaded. Not something you'd want to push/pull up a grassy slope! Something also worth mentioning, is the safety factor of using a mover. It gives you a very safe controlled way of moving your van on an incline, without somebody having to leap to pull on the brake!

[@bryanpayne7937]

Trying to pull away with the motor mover still engaged, done that a couple of times!

[@robertshaw4561]

I did smoking wheels

[@johnbrukwicki2293]

Another one for you my mover is engaged manually the number of times I have got into car to drive off and not disengaged it 😯😅

[@ianmorgan9291]

A tip or two on power wheel movers. Make sure if it's manual engauge, you grease the mover engauge system by removing grey cover and spray all moving parts with lithium grease. It makes it smooth every time. Also, if you find one wheel is not being driven (disengage the roller from wheel and try), remove the rubber dirt cover from end of motor, check the two spade connectors are pushed on properly. I have had 2 where the plastic cover of female spade is too long and it doesn't push on properly. Now regarding the red key in battery box. Just attach a piece of string to it and tie to battery straps. Then you don't loose it. One extra snippets of good info. Regarding anyone with an undervan spare wheel. Remove it annually, clean, check pressure, and more importantly grease the release knob thread.

[@bizarremagick]

Ha ha! Done 4 of them... We have a TA caravan and I recently upgraded from two-wheel drive manual to four-wheel drive automatic. What a difference! Now it's almost as manoeuvrable as a single axle. We have a 90 degree turn out of our drive onto a narrow road so you can't hitch up and pull the caravan off. Without the movers we couldn't keep the caravan on our drive. Tip: I keep the mover control in a small bag which hangs around my neck. I NEVER put it down anywhere. If I need my hands free then it gets popped into the bag. KH

[@nick10018]

Great video thanks. I have not had a caravan or therefore a motor mover either, but the one on order has so I have noted in my list of 'stuff' the errors I will probably still make.........................

[@BigWhiteBox]

Thanks for watching

[@bobkirk2453]

On a slope don’t attempt to move the caravan up the slope jockey wheel first. Always take it up in reverse. If you dont the because of the wait distribution in the van it will tip backwards with the jockey wheel up in the air. It happened to me.

[@rtenharmsen8424]

I mist one, Mover on the tires and than try lower the nose of the caravan while in high position, and after that release the mover from the tires! gives a bang in the caravan.!

[@conanlewis8842]

Here's another 3 reasons for fitting a mover 1. It saves the wear on your clutch when manoeuvring with the car, especially on a bit of a slope, tricky pitch or wet grass 2. You can drive it onto a levelling ramp much more easily (though why not go to the extra expense of an auto self-levelling system) 3. It saves the arguments with the other half when directing you onto the pitch and the "I told you so" - pitch it exactly where you want it

[@crevusllohcin]

I tried to tow the van with the motor mover engaged. My wife said I should make up a check list, no a bad idea.

[@martinkitchin6204]

Hello, I'm new to using a Motormover (albeit on a tiny caravan) I have already tried to use it without having the power switched on and the isolator key sitting on the lanyard around my neck ! The jockey wheel tips were also very useful. Thank you.

[@sharonrodman7851]

Mum and I are aging (75 & 55 respectively) lifelong caravanners, 4 years ago buying an 18-year-old, practically new by our standards, Coachman Pastiche 420 which had a motor mover. Never having had one before I thought it might be a bit of a gimmick but here I am, a convert. With my Mum's worsening arthritis and her congenital inability to tell left from right, it was getting more and more difficult to maneuver the van when using ramps for leveling, (even on the car which I've never struggled with Dad, but Mum...), so we got a Lock n Level; A LIFE CHANGER!!!! Place against the wheel, use the motor mover to bring the van onto it, secure the van as normal (brakes etc,) then pump up to level across the axle, then front to back level as normal. As we always use fully serviced grass pitches we've got it to a fine art. Well..... if we don't count the times I forget to close the drain taps and Mum puts the hot water heater on before the water system is bled through so the heater shuts off😕. We're not perfect, but at least she isn't throwing me out of the house when we get home anymore. 🙂

[@BigWhiteBox]

Sounds like progress! thanks for watching

[@tonymurphy8774]

We were on a site last year, and a double axle arrived on the pitch next to us, with no motor mover. The guy was a farmer, and adamant he could reverse into any pitch, only to find there was a tree where his car should be. Motor movers are great, particularly when levelling up on uneven ground at festivals.

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Thanks for the tips 👍😃

[@BigWhiteBox]

Thanks for watching

[@chrisfeeney2543]

if isolator switch is fitted correctly then leaving the key in should block the mains lead from being connected. .....and ive tried using motor mover with handbrake on, it adds to ones vocabulary.......

[@sineadmcshanemindfulness]

Great video of great advice, thank you and to those who have added to this thread. I’ve listened and learned. Next I need to apply all these words of wisdom when we get our new van and motor mover!

[@blackvulcan100]

One more I would add is test the rollers will move before engaging with the tyre just to check it is working.

[@dudel74]

Really helpful. I learned about the jockey wheel being lower .. so helpful

[@chrissey663]

Thank you so much, we're about to go from our motorhome to caravan ( never had one before) but this video was very informative I've learnt alot thank you.

[@BigWhiteBox]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Great video and yes, I'm always putting down the remote and then forgetting where I put it. Thanks for sharing Mark & Coral👍

[@mikelocke3258]

Thanks, never thought about lowering the jockey wheel to stop the flexing.

[@M..R....]

Lol...thumbs up, enjoyed this vid. Have to admit I've done the first 4 (luckily realised the remote was on the A Frame after a few yards). Always have the other half keep an eye on me so she can shout when i start moving with rhe handbrake on or something else ive missed. One thing you haven't mentioned which happened to me was when I arrived home after a trip and the remote mover wouldnt engage as the remote control battery had died. Had neighbours driving over my lawn to get passed as I had to leave the caravan on the only access road in and out of a cul de sac while I took half an hour to get a spare 9v battery to get the remote working...now I always have spare batteries in the caravan and industrial ones at that! PS lawn has now recovered.

[@YaronFranz]

I am caravaning for 3.5 years now. Some mistakes sound familiar. 🙂 But I have learned my lessons. Thanks to the guests at the camping site. Thank you. You are very entertaining. Greetings from Munich Germany

[@BigWhiteBox]

Our pleasure!

[@hairywol]

2 out of five. Not too bad 🙂. I did though leave the remote behind on a five-site holiday. Certainly brushed up on reversing and certainly won't do it twice.

[@mijodo2008]

Thank you for posting this video. Very well explained in a humorous narrative. An excellent teaching aid. Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@barryelstone8431]

Enjoyed your video and yes 3 mistakes like you, a mover is a must for me as I have to go up a kerb with the aid of levellers to the side of my house, they are a must on any caravan, I've watched the "I can manouver my van anywhere by car" caravaner struggle which was very entertaining.

[@belperflyer7419]

I've certainly forgotten to take the brake off before using the mover but that's easy both to realise and correct. What isn't mentioned here is forgetting to reapply the brake after using the mover and mechanically disengaging it. Our drive has a very gentle slope and, after getting the caravan (Swift Basecamp 2 - so small) into position I disengage the rollers and the caravan slowly, but surely ran back into the garage and marred our brand-new van :(. Still, I wouldn't be without the mover - I'm just more careful now!

[@alandixon4250]

Great video. Thanks. I have to admit to 2 out of 5 and almost 3 ! Often forget to release the handbrake, often have the jockey extended too high. Have nearly lost the remote on more than one occasion. These simple tips serve as a reminder to us all, however experienced we might think we are, that there’s always something to learn.

[@BrianCripps]

Great video.. The first time ever I took my van out it made staring noises when trying the motor movers. Checked the corner steadies we’re up, handbrake was off, no bricks left chocking the wheels. I stupidly forgot to take the wheel lock off! It’s bright orange for heavens sake. There were just so many things to remember as a newbie. Then after unlocking the wheel lock it would not come off. After a couple of hours of sweating and cursing I did manage to get if free. Luckily it was not correctly adjusted so there was a small gap between the lock and the wheel I could get a lever in to. It turned out I had bent the hardened steel shaft of the lock! So yes the movers are very powerful! Take your time, have a comprehensive check list, and use it.

[@BigWhiteBox]

That's a good one! thanks for watching

[@colinknight2892]

Good to see you back, my mistake is leaving a wheel chock in place and wondering why the van isn’t moving, still wouldn’t be without my mover tho,keep the content coming.

[@lisabeaumont]

Useful, thank you! And “managing without the motor mover” reminds me of how I used to say “I don’t need a capo!” for my guitar. And then I got one and wondered how on earth I’d managed without it! Newbie to caravanning here - looking for all the help and tips I can get 😅

[@BigWhiteBox]

With my pitch I always use a capo! thanks for watching

[@craigchamberlain]

Newbie caravan owner here and we’ve not even taken the caravan to a pitch yet but managed to leave the handbrake on when we brought the caravan home initially. Today I went out to move the caravan around a bit and I did remember to disengage the handbrake so at least I’m learning! Already decided that a spare set of remote batteries has to be included in the kit because using the mover is just so damn convenient. I’m pretty good at reversing a trailer/caravan but it’s much easier to just reverse it roughly into position and then unhitch and use the mover to put it exactly where you want it. No more yelling out the car window at your other half who it standing in the rain trying to guide you into position! Good advice on keeping the jockey wheel low but not too low. Will keep that in mind.

[@derekives7125]

One thing I have done is to drive off with the motormover still engaged!

[@symoneP]

You missed one…..taking the motor mover off before you have put the hand break on….on a slope. Caravan shot backwards, off the drive, across the road and it was only hubbys quick thinking to grab the hand break that saved the neighbours brick wall 😬🤦‍♀️

[@noodlekraft8923]

@@BigWhiteBox yes!! we were very lucky indeed. Looking back on our security footage was amusing once we got over the shock of what happened. I stupidly ran to the rear of the caravan to try and stop it! 😆

[@stephenthomas729]

Definitely done that one it’s a good lesson if the caravan and you survive

[@margaretbutler4545]

Don't rely on handbrake when on slope, always chock the wheels.

[@alfiebarrett2485]

Lucky he didn't totally panic would be easy in that situation.

[@larsbangpedersen8985]

I did that once, and never again. 😱

[@jeroen1836]

Nice video. Good tips 👍

[@maku8313]

Thank's. Very very good tips!!!👍🇫🇮

[@LatitudeAdventures]

Good points thanks for sharing

[@paulswarbrick4716]

6 - Don’t forget to wind the mover off before you set off. I did it once, shredded my tyres and the rollers!

[@BigWhiteBox]

Yes it the kind of mistake you only make once!

[@margaretbutler4545]

Thanks, just fitted one and wouldn't have thought about jockey wheel height. I bought mine for tight storage pad but can see use for it camping. Being able to put onto pitch forward facing for better sun or views. Trying level on rough pitches with wheel ramps, normally two person job as need a spotter.

[@BigWhiteBox]

It's a game changer!

[@SH-xq4dq]

I left the Alko wheel lock on once wondered why the rig spun on the grass slope 🤷‍♂️😮

[@neilfitz7186]

Great video. Professional. Thank you 👍

[@liamrochford3649]

Very nice video, I'm contemplating buying my first caravan and it has a motor mover installed. I'll find these tips very useful. Thanks...

[@BigWhiteBox]

Good luck with your first caravan, I'm sure you will love it!

[@arthurdent2900]

The two slots at the bottom of the upper section of the jockey wheel can also be used to "Steer" the caravan in the event of separation. I always "aim" the trailer at the nearside.

[@BigWhiteBox]

Good tip! thanks for watching

[@brucebell1809]

May not be possible if the wheel is not fitted central in the A frame. Mine is offside and with the wheel fully raised for traveling it must be angled parallel to the frame.

[@PhillipThompson-mn3do]

Just as important (probably more so) as taking the hanbrake off before using the mover, is making sure the hanbrake is on before disengaging the rollers. I have done this on my relatively shallow slope drive and it was a bit scary as the van was heading for the garage. Another one I have done is try to use the mover with a Milenco wheel lock still on.

[@richardh4905]

Fitted mechanical parts of my motor mover set yesterday, watched your video last night, finished up the electrics today, pre test, I walked around, moved stuff out the way, lifted the corner steadies, made sure the jockey wheel was neither too high or too low, turned on the isolator, tested the movers in reverse, ok, tried forward and van wouldn't move. Left the beep beep hand brake on. Doh!!!!! Thanks for a great video tho. Cheers.

[@montyspearo]

Chock wheels both sides before disengaging. As you've discovered handbrakes don't always work in reverse.

[@BigWhiteBox]

Good effort! thanks for watching

[@markbennett172]

A very helpful video

[@andygarsed1650]

Hi, Great tips. Two others not mentioned already, 1/ Check the caravan tyre pressures are correct so that the mover doesn't slip and 2/ If you are adding a mover later that you've the right class of caravan battery as they need a more powerful one. Thanks, Andy

[@stevethegreasemonkey]

As for the remote i fitted a lanyard so i can put it round my neck and got the holster for the remote so I can keep it just inside the door. I must admit to not raising the corner steadies, and just a second it was on concrete so no harm done

[@stevethegreasemonkey]

@@BigWhiteBox the lanyard was in the skip at work. Wast not want not

[@busterboy7505]

Thanks for your video, because of vloggers like yourself giving us guys great tips I think I have only made one mistake, jockey wheel too high or too low, and maybe handbrake left on so two mistake’s, but with help from you guys I find caravanning great and less stressful, thanks again 👍👍.

[@davidsqvbcn]

Great tips 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻, thanks a lot. Glad go join your community 😀, cheers from Barcelona 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻

[@BigWhiteBox]

Welcome aboard!

[@grahambloxsome3226]

Seen these happen on caravan sites 1) Attempting to drive off without disengaging the motor mover. 2) Trying to move a caravan with the motor mover, but the Alko wheel lock still in place.

[@traceya8699]

First time caravanning and we left the handbrake on while trying to line up the ALKO security device. Another caravaner came and told us but luckily we were not moving the caravan too far. Also, on the same trip after hitching up to leave, another caravaner pointed out we might want to disengage the motor mover or we would have ended up wrecking our tyres.

[@BigWhiteBox]

That sounds like an eventful trip! thanks for watching

[@MD-gc4xq]

3 weeks ago I set off or tried too and realised the mover was on so I jumped out to release it, guess what? I released it and car and van started moving forward, I forgot both handbrakes but luckily jumped into car and managed to get handbrake on before hitting anything. Big lesson learnt

[@BigWhiteBox]

That has the be the best one yet! Glad you managed to catch it in time!

[@ianryan606]

Sorry if its already been added, my tip is after having the motor mover fitted by the dealer try it out first, my dealer when fitting, connected the wiring the wrong way blowing a fuse, I called the dealer ship they were adamant I was doing something wrong, even when telling me what to do. I had to wait a week then returned to the dealer where the mistake was found, a very embarrassed dealer. Second when setting up and the other half asks you to just move the caravan over a little more for the second or third time, remember to remove the wheel lock, I didn't £100 later new wheel lock, thankfully no damage to the caravan. I have also left the hand break on a couple of time and also forgotten to release the motor mover, The answer is take your time, I have just about learnt from my mistakes well the above once anyway.

[@BigWhiteBox]

That's a good effort! Good advice!

[@raybennett2994]

Great video, but don’t forget the batteries in the motor mover I’ve been caught out with that one.

[@johnroebuck3348]

My installer advised to keep remote in the car. Take battery off in winter although we caravan 12 months of the year.

[@lizleonard3681]

Hi new subscriber yes I have made that mistake of leaving the handbrake on 😁

[@markysparky66]

My first mistake picking up my new caravan whilst hitching up using the motor mover for the first time, holding the remote control towards the caravan, which obviously ( not then 🙄 ) drives the caravan in the opposite, direction. Top tip, always stand facing inline with the front of the caravan, with the rear behind you when using the remote control, you can thank me later 😂

[@BigWhiteBox]

Yes that's a good point, I am forever flipping the remote around so it's more logical!

[@andrewgammage2097]

Hi just having a look at your video the Mover is not fitter right in the Battery box the mover wires need to go through a Gland so the battery box is gas tight, Gas from the battery can get into the caravan. Thanks Andrew.

[@BigWhiteBox]

Thanks for watching

[@35geordielad]

You missed leaving the motormover engaged thinking the brakes had seized. I did this with an older van tried to rock van back n forth to free brakes no luck, then with car pulled forward for a about 400 metres ...then the penny dropped after ruining a pair of tyres 😖😞

[@crevusllohcin]

Yep I had The Jockey wheel too low, took a little bit of the side of the wheel.

[@longlowdog]

If the pitch has a poor view when you reverse on you can turn the 'van round and have a better view.

[@BigWhiteBox]

Thanks for watching

[@derekjacob2101]

Oh how about this one….. taking van to secure store. Did the disconnect properly (only the 4th time). Tried to use the mover to go backward into the ‘pre parking’ bay only to find it wasn’t working. I cursed - thought the hand controller was flat or had broken. Ended up pushing it back about 12 foot on crunchy gravel with slight uphill gradient. That was a bit pants. Poor wife. Imagine my embarrassment when i realised id not put the mover key into the van. And the ear bending. Lesson learnt big style.

[@BigWhiteBox]

Oh dear, I bet you weren't popular after that!

[@mrc1539]

Having owned and moved RV Trailers for over 50 years and didn’t even know they made such a thing 😂🤣😂🤣 !

[@BigWhiteBox]

Very popular in Europe, not so much in the rest of the world I believe

[@deerfield2004]

Thannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnk you

[@stuartlyon8931]

When I lift up my jockey wheel I always ensure the wheel can spin freely so when i am going over high speed bumps on some sites it stops the caravan grounding.

[@fastfreddy19641]

I've done the first 4😁

[@ianmorgan9291]

The mover key, attach a piece of string to it. Tie to a battery handle or whatever , then you don't loose it

[@BigWhiteBox]

Great tip!

[@cryengine62]

Everyone who wants a caravan should go on a reversing course and lean how to reverse one first

[@32_bits]

When the remote battery is low the mover can make unexpected turns and moves and could end in a collision. New remote battery = staying in control

[@struwelpiet]

😂...common sense will help a lot... Love from Queensland 🤠🦘

[@struwelpiet]

@@BigWhiteBox my pleasure mate. I have a Swift Celeste Caravan and I love the British Caravan 👍🤠

[@glenmason4788]

also remember taking up your caravan legs

[@BigWhiteBox]

Good tip!

[@Ad__Rem]

Another one: If you have a smart Lithium battery (like PowerXtreme X20 or so) don't forget to turn of 'winter' mode in the App..😊

[@cameronstevenson7138]

I bought a motorised jockey wheel motor mover does the job ok is a lot cheaper than a fitted one

[@cameronstevenson7138]

Is so many on the market contacted camc for advice as you need to know whats the correct 1 for your noseweight van weights etc they recommended which one to buy

[@margaretbutler4545]

Only good on hard flat ground, anything else and wheel won't have enough traction. Never had problem with power just traction. Sold mine and in process of fitting motor mover.

[@RB-lt8kt]

Also wouls add under rated battery for the mover. Lead Acid batteries can only use half the rated capacity so if you need to turn around your caravan on your driveway you will need a bigger battery. I park mine with wheel locks (2 different types plus hitch lock nose in along the side of my garage so the gypsies can't nick it.

[@RB-lt8kt]

@@BigWhiteBox It does depend on Ah of the battery and age of the battery. We have a 115Ah 6 year old battery that is just about ok still.

[@jessieblack4704]

Okay I'm searching everywhere... Mine wasn't working, Battery wasn't flat though and none of the l.e.ds were on for the system even after turning on at the key. Now...I don't know what the hell the issue could be...

[@PeterWalkerS770]

Motor mover remote not working 😮 recheck everything, ho yes remote batteries flat change batteries, problem solved, it happened to me two days ago.

[@BigWhiteBox]

I now have spare remote batteries in the caravan!

[@janallen6811]

We store our van miles away so how do we keep battery charged. Without carting it home everytime

[@reynoldslot]

Solar panel

[@ianmorgan9291]

One thing to check is your cars capacity at the tow ball weight. They vary so much. Seen so many silly people towing with huge nose down van, so dangerous. A land rover with air suspension is 150kg, well mine is. Most are 90kg or less. Finally stick to speed limits and tyre age and pressure. Have seen many shredded tyres and accidents caused by idiots speeding with unsafe van. Don't be sold a huge van with an inadequate tow car. 8ft vans were originally being made for seasonal pitches, not towing through tight gateways on cl sites. Bigger the van bigger the fuel bill. Do not think bigger is better. Also make sure you have tools and a reasonable knowledge of how the van works. Things will go wrong and can be very costly to repair. If you buy new, try and buy local to your home because if you have problem you will need to return to that dealer. My experience comes from over 45 years caravanning.

[@US_John]

You r cute. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@BigWhiteBox]

😊 thank you

[@rozeeboy74]

Lift your corner steadies. Seen that done many times.

[@rozeeboy74]

@@BigWhiteBox The guy was carving a lovely crop circle into the grass 😀

[@hyosunggt125rcomet]

If you haven't left a motor mover remote on top of your car and drove off then you not a true caravanner. 😉

[@johanpiek9291]

To bad you didn't mention the mistake of leaving the mover engaged will trying to drive away with car + caravan...

[@BigWhiteBox]

Yes that could do some damage!

[@seanlambert5655]

there is another option and that's learn to reverse with a caravan

[@lesfletcher2473]

There is no way on earth that any one could reverse a caravan to the position mine is stored. The mover enables me to get in position without needing help to man handle it into place, it's storage position also makes it difficult for thiefs to steal it.

[@martincoombes1985]

One of my favorite tricks is forgetting to disengage motor mover before pulling off .

[@BigWhiteBox]

It's the kind of mistake you hope to only make once!