Best Caravan Movers in Australia – The Ultimate Guide

Do you find it difficult to reverse your caravan?

Everybody finds themselves in a tight spot sometimes. Even the most experienced drivers can struggle to park their van on an awkward pitch or reverse it into a shed. It's a tricky task but thankfully there's an easy solution.

The humble caravan mover.

With one of these, you’ll be able to manoeuvre your van without worrying about making mistakes. Ratchet jockey wheel systems are popular because they are a cheap and effective way to manually guide the caravan into position.

Or you can go upmarket and invest in an electric caravan mover. Simply use a remote control and watch your caravan move. Yes, they’re a premium option but you won’t break your back or be stressed out while on holiday.

Let’s look at some of the most popular caravan movers in Australia today.

Best Caravan Movers Australia

Camec Caravan Mover Elite 2

The Camec Caravan Mover Elite 2 is one of the best in its class in Australia today.

Camec is a well-trusted brand with an emphasis on quality. Their electric caravan mover continues a trend of high-end products for a decent price.

This system is easy to operate. Once it’s set up, you can use the remote control to move your caravan in every direction. Furthermore, it uses 2-way system technology to block interference from external signals.

Meanwhile, it utilises soft start-and-stop technology. Some cheaper electric jockey wheel systems jolt in a jarring manner when they’re activated. This isn’t the case with the Camec.

This caravan mover requires 12V to operate with an average consumption of 20 amps. It also has a safe working load of 1,800kg when using two motors. However, this reduces to 1,500kg on an 18% gradient.

The downside of this caravan mover (as with pretty much all electric caravan movers) is that it’s expensive. It comes with a one-year warranty.

Finally, it is a hefty piece of equipment as it weighs 45kg. Bear this in mind when considering your overall payload.

Purple Line e-go Titanium 2 Motor Mover

Purple Line’s phenomenal electric caravan mover is one of the best in its class.

Designed for Australian conditions, this is a durable device. It’s corrosive resistant, electroplated and powder-coated for enhanced protection from the elements. This caravan mover should last for a long time.

It’s also lighter than direct competitors like the Camec Elite 2. The Titanium 2 weighs just 35kg but still retains a heavy-duty design.

You can use this mover on both single-axle and double-axle caravans. It has a safety limit of 2,250kg with two motors and 3,000kg for four motors. This is a higher allowance than the Camec equivalent.

Meanwhile, Purple Line is rightly proud of its safety features.

It comes with built-in motor overload protection. Also, the control unit and handset shut down automatically after 60 seconds of disuse. Furthermore, there is an isolation switch so that nobody accidentally activates the remote.

Finally, the brake immediately engages when you release the controller button.

This is arguably the best caravan mover in Australia and it’s difficult to find negatives.

The price is high at $1500 but comes with a two-year warranty. While the mover is complicated to install, the upside is that it can be removed and attached to other caravans.

Alko Power Mover w/ Clamp & Handle

This power mover is on the other end of the spectrum from the previous caravan mover.

Alko designed this mover to be simple but effective. It will fit onto conventional tow bars without any problems. From there it should be easy to use. Use the lever handle to direct the caravan. This engages the ratchet and guides the van into motion.

At just 10kg it’s lightweight but deceptively solid. The 260mm rubber tyres are designed to last and to give the system an even load share.

This caravan mover has a maximum drawbar weight of 150kg when in motion. However, this increases to 350kg when stationary.

The main issue with this model is an inherent one. Like all ratchet jockey wheel systems, it can be difficult for one person to operate. It’s much easier when there’s somebody else with you to give directions.

However, there’s no disputing that it’s good value. At about $175, it’s the best caravan mover available at a lower price point.

Trailer Valet Mover

Trailer Valet wanted to design the best-motorised jockey wheel and they may have succeeded.

Their caravan mover is made from high-quality powder-coated steel. This prevents corrosion and reduces the chances of deterioration over time.

Functionality is a key aspect of motorised jockey wheel systems. This rig is easy to install and can replace the original jockey wheel. You can choose to remove it when travelling or rotate it to a safe position.

Simply lift the brake, activate the handle, and steer the caravan in the direction you desire.

The brand provides spare mounting plates so that you can easily transfer the mover to another caravan if you upgrade to a new one. It attaches easily to the A-frame of the camping vehicle.

According to Trailer Valet, it is designed for single-axle caravans up to 2,200kg.

At 20.5kg, it’s twice as heavy as the Alko Power Mover. But it’s also a lot more expensive with a retail price of around $600, with the same one-year warranty.

Arguably, it’s better-made than the Alko-alternative but it’s a lot to pay for a power mover that still makes you do the work.

Points To Consider When Buying A Caravan Mover

Nobody wants to have regrets after spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a new caravan mover. Here are some important points to keep in mind when buying and using your new device.

Using Your Caravan Mover

One of the best things you can do with your new caravan mover is practise with it at home.

This is especially relevant if you’re using electric, remote-control systems. Nobody wants to feel self-conscious or uncomfortable on a site with lots of other camping vehicles around.

It’s preferable to practise in an open space like a large yard if available. You’ll get to grips with the remote control and will feel more confident. Maybe get out your caravan levelling ramps and do a dry run on these by yourself before heading out.

Maintenance is also something to consider.

These systems don’t require a lot of work but you can get your technician to check them when they service your van. Basic maintenance is relatively straightforward. Just refer to your product’s instructions so you use the correct cleaning spray.

Avoid directly spraying your mover with a power washer because the intensity of the blast can damage electronic systems.

When out on a trip, it’s worth having basic tools ready on standby in case you need to make a quick adjustment to the mover.

Keep an eye on the condition of your battery. If it’s faulty or old you may not be able to use your mover at all. It’s no good without a working power supply.

Another point is to think about where you’re going. If you know that you’ll be parking on grass, consider changing the type of tyres if necessary. The Trailer Valet system above has pneumatic tyres which are perfect for grassy conditions.

Finally, don’t forget or lose your remote control! You won’t be able to use an electric caravan mover without it. They’re also tricky to replace so it’s not an ordeal you want to put yourself through.

Final Thoughts

Caravan movers first entered the scene in 1998 but they’ve improved exponentially since then. They’re now one of the best accessories that you can buy.

There are different types and models available for everybody’s needs and budget. Just decide how much you want to spend and how often you plan to use your caravan. If you’re a regular traveller, an electric caravan mover may be a sound investment.

Purple Line makes one of the best caravan movers in the nation today. It’s easy to use, is well-made, and has superb safety features. The price is comparable to other units in its class.

However, if you don’t want to break the bank or only travel occasionally, a motorised jockey wheel may be more suitable. The Trailer Valet Mover is at the higher end of this range but it’s worth the price.

Motor movers, along with caravan brake controllers, towing mirrors and reversing cameras, are one of the most important safety features you can add to your vehicle. They may seem expensive, but they can make your holiday a stress-free venture!

As ever, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below!