Caravan Movers and Trailer Dollies

Discover our range of caravan movers and trailer dollies, designed to make it easier to move and position caravans, trailers and other compatible towed equipment when manoeuvring with a vehicle is difficult or impractical.

Moving a caravan or trailer manually can quickly become difficult because of its weight and size. The task becomes even more challenging when it needs to be positioned accurately inside a garage, under a shelter, on a parking space or in a confined area.

A caravan mover or trailer dolly provides a practical solution for moving and positioning a trailer more progressively and precisely.

Depending on the model, these devices may be manually operated or equipped with an electric motor powered by a battery. Electric trailer dollies considerably reduce the physical effort required to move heavy trailers while providing greater control during manoeuvring.

What is a caravan mover?

A caravan mover is equipment designed to make it easier to move a caravan or trailer without using the towing vehicle.

Different types of caravan moving systems are available. Some are permanently installed on the caravan chassis, while others are independent machines that connect to the trailer coupling.

A mobile trailer mover generally supports or connects to the trailer drawbar or coupling and allows the operator to move the trailer forwards, backwards and change direction.

This solution is particularly useful when there is not enough room to manoeuvre comfortably with a car or van.

A caravan mover can be useful for:

• moving a caravan into or out of a garage;

• positioning a trailer under a shelter;

• moving a trailer around private property;

• manoeuvring in confined spaces;

• accurately positioning a trailer;

• storing a caravan after use.

The maximum capacity and permitted operating conditions depend on the individual machine. Always follow the manufacturer's specifications and operating instructions.

Trailer dollies for easier manoeuvring

A trailer dolly is particularly useful when a trailer needs to be moved regularly over short distances.

Even a relatively small trailer can be difficult to manoeuvre manually. Trailer weight, nose weight, load distribution and ground conditions all affect the amount of effort required.

A purpose-designed trailer dolly makes these operations considerably easier.

It can also provide improved control when positioning a caravan or trailer where space is limited.

This can be particularly useful when parking a caravan inside a garage, between buildings, alongside another vehicle or anywhere where manoeuvring with the towing vehicle would be difficult.

Battery-powered electric trailer dollies

An electric trailer dolly uses an electric motor to move the trailer.

Battery-powered models can operate independently without requiring a permanent mains electrical connection.

The main advantage of electric assistance is the significant reduction in physical effort required to move a caravan or trailer.

The operator can therefore concentrate more closely on steering and accurately positioning the trailer.

Depending on the model, controls may allow the operator to manage:

• forward movement;

• reverse movement;

• steering;

• travelling speed.

Specifications vary considerably between machines. Maximum trailer weight, permitted gradient, suitable ground conditions and battery operating time should always be checked before use.

Why use an electric trailer mover?

One of the main advantages of an electric trailer mover is the ability to perform low-speed manoeuvres with greater control.

Reversing a trailer with a towing vehicle can require considerable experience, particularly in a confined area.

With a mobile trailer mover, the operator can remain close to the trailer and monitor its position more easily.

This makes it easier to observe the available clearance around the caravan or trailer.

A trailer mover can also avoid the need to hitch the trailer to a car or van simply to move it a few metres.

What types of trailers can be moved?

Depending on the specifications of the model, a trailer dolly may be suitable for different types of trailers.

Subject to the capacities and applications specified by the manufacturer, these may include:

• caravans;

• utility trailers;

• leisure trailers;

• certain equipment trailers;

• other trailers compatible with the coupling system.

However, the type of trailer alone is not sufficient to determine whether a mover is suitable.

The actual trailer weight, nose weight, coupling configuration and ground conditions must also be considered.

Check the maximum trailer capacity

The maximum trailer capacity is one of the first specifications to check when choosing a caravan mover or trailer dolly.

Each machine is designed to move a maximum load under specific operating conditions determined by the manufacturer.

This capacity must never be exceeded.

It is also important to distinguish between the total weight of the trailer and the load applied to the mover through the trailer drawbar or coupling.

Always check the technical specifications and manufacturer's recommendations for the particular model before use.

Consider gradients and ground conditions

The performance of an electric caravan or trailer mover also depends heavily on the operating conditions.

Moving a trailer across a level, hard and even surface requires considerably less effort than moving it across:

• a gradient;

• gravel;

• grass;

• soft ground;

• uneven surfaces;

• wet or slippery ground.

As rolling resistance increases, greater demands are placed on the motor and drive wheel.

The permitted trailer weight on a gradient may also be considerably lower than the maximum capacity specified for level ground.

Always check the manufacturer's operating limits for the particular model.

Ideal for positioning a caravan in a garage

Parking a caravan is one of the situations where a caravan mover can be particularly useful.

A narrow garage entrance, limited access between buildings or a driveway with little room for manoeuvring can make positioning a caravan with a towing vehicle difficult.

A mobile trailer mover allows the final positioning operation to be carried out at low speed while the operator remains close to the trailer.

This makes it easier to monitor the distance between the caravan and walls, doors, vehicles and other obstacles.

Caravan mover or chassis-mounted mover?

The term caravan mover can describe different types of equipment designed to manoeuvre a caravan without the towing vehicle.

A conventional chassis-mounted caravan mover is generally permanently installed on the caravan. Motorised rollers engage with the caravan tyres and rotate the wheels to move the caravan.

A mobile electric trailer dolly, on the other hand, is a separate piece of equipment. It is not permanently fitted to the caravan and, depending on its specifications and coupling system, may potentially be used with different compatible trailers.

Both systems are designed to make manoeuvring easier, but their construction and method of operation are very different.

Battery and operating time

On a cordless electric trailer mover, the battery is an important component.

Battery voltage, capacity and operating time vary depending on the machine.

Actual operating time may also be influenced by:

• trailer weight;

• frequency of use;

• distance travelled;

• ground conditions;

• gradient;

• temperature;

• battery state of charge.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for charging, storage and battery maintenance to maintain reliable performance.

How to choose a caravan mover or trailer dolly

Before choosing a caravan mover or trailer dolly, several specifications should be considered.

Important criteria include:

• maximum permitted trailer weight;

• capacity on gradients;

• type of drive system;

• battery voltage and capacity;

• operating time;

• drive wheel design;

• trailer coupling system;

• travelling speed;

• forward and reverse operation;

• manoeuvrability;

• recommended ground conditions.

The machine should be selected according to the actual intended use rather than solely according to its maximum stated capacity.

A heavy caravan being moved on an incline or uneven surface requires considerably more traction and power than a lightweight trailer being moved across a flat concrete floor.

Zipper electric caravan and trailer mover

Probois Machinoutils offers powered handling equipment designed to make moving caravans and trailers easier.

The Zipper ZI-ARW2000 electric caravan mover is a battery-powered trailer dolly designed for manoeuvring compatible caravans and trailers.

Its electric drive allows trailers to be repositioned without having to hitch them to the towing vehicle for every movement.

Consult the product page for the precise towing capacity, permitted operating conditions, battery specifications and technical characteristics of the ZI-ARW2000.

Safety when manoeuvring caravans and trailers

A caravan or trailer represents a considerable moving mass. A trailer dolly must therefore always be operated carefully and within its specified limits.

Before moving the trailer, check that:

• the load is within the machine's permitted capacity;

• the trailer is correctly balanced;

• the coupling is correctly secured;

• the intended route is clear;

• the ground provides sufficient traction;

• nobody is standing in the path of the trailer;

• the manufacturer's gradient limits are respected.

Never exceed the operating capacities specified by the manufacturer.

Caravan movers and trailer dollies at Probois Machinoutils

Browse our selection of caravan movers, trailer movers and trailer dollies designed to simplify low-speed manoeuvring and accurate positioning of caravans and trailers.

These handling machines are particularly useful when restricted space makes manoeuvring with a towing vehicle difficult.

Compare the maximum trailer capacity, electric drive, battery, operating time and permitted operating conditions of each model to choose a trailer dolly suitable for your trailer and intended application.