What Happens If Your Caravan Mover Stops Working on Holiday?

If your caravan mover has stopped working on holiday, do not assume the mover itself has failed. In many cases, the cause is a low leisure battery, a loose connection, incorrect roller engagement or a handset issue. These can often be checked on the pitch in around ten minutes. If there is a genuine fault, current Powrtouch movers are covered by a 5-year no-quibble guarantee on parts and labour, and the technical support team can advise on the next step.

Summer touring puts extra demand on a caravan mover. Soft grass, uneven pitches, heavily loaded caravans and tight manoeuvring spaces all make the system work harder. The important first step is to separate a simple power or setup problem from a genuine mechanical or electrical fault.

First, is it really a mover breakdown?

A Powrtouch mover does not have its own power supply. It relies entirely on the caravan’s leisure battery. This means that a mover which runs slowly, cuts out under load, pulls to one side or does not respond may be showing the symptoms of a power problem rather than a failed motor.

Common symptoms and their likely causes

• Nothing happens when you press the handset: check the leisure battery, isolator switch and handset pairing first.
• The mover works briefly, then cuts out under load: this often points to a battery that appears charged but cannot supply enough current when the motors are working.
• The caravan pulls to one side: check that both rollers are engaged firmly and evenly against the tyres before assuming one motor has failed.

Battery condition is particularly important after a caravan has been standing between trips. A battery may show some voltage at rest but still struggle when the mover places it under a heavy load. Our guide to caravan mover battery care covers this in more detail.

Five checks to make when your caravan mover stops working

Work through these checks in order. Together, they resolve many of the problems reported during a trip.

1. Check the leisure battery. Make sure it is fully charged and in good condition. If you have been touring without electric hook-up, low charge is the most likely cause.
2. Inspect the battery terminals and isolator switch. Look for loose connections, corrosion or an isolator that has been switched off. Rough tracks and vibration can loosen terminals over time.
3. Check the roller engagement. Both rollers should sit firmly and evenly against the tyres. A roller that is not fully engaged can slip and make the mover feel weak or unresponsive.
4. Check the tyre pressures. Underinflated tyres can alter the contact between the tyre and roller, causing poor traction or uneven movement.
5. Check the handset. Replace the handset batteries and confirm that it is still paired with the control box. Pairing may need to be restored after the caravan battery has been disconnected.

If all five checks are satisfactory and the mover still does not operate correctly, contact technical support rather than repeatedly trying to force the system to work.

What does the Powrtouch guarantee cover?

Every mover in the current Powrtouch range, from the Freedom to the Evolution All-Wheel-Drive, comes with a 5-year no-quibble guarantee covering parts and labour. The labour cover is important because it means the guarantee is designed to support a repair, rather than simply supplying a replacement component.

Powrtouch has manufactured caravan movers in the UK since 1991. Spares and technical support are also available for many earlier generations, so a fault does not automatically mean the complete mover needs replacing.

What information should you have ready?

Providing the following details will help the support team diagnose the problem more quickly:

• Mover model and serial number. The serial number is normally found on the drive unit and helps identify the exact model and generation. The support section of the website explains where to look.
• A clear description of the problem. For example, ‘the mover runs but cuts out under load’ is more useful than ‘it is not working’.
• The checks you have already completed and what happened during each one.
• Your current location and how long you will be staying there, as this may affect the available support options.

Need to speak to someone?

Powrtouch’s technical support team can guide you through further checks and advise whether the mover needs to be inspected or repaired.

Contact technical support →

How to manage without a mover temporarily

A caravan with a faulty mover is inconvenient, but it is not immobilised. You can still tow the caravan, and you may be able to reposition it with the tow car if the site layout allows.

• Ask the site team whether a more accessible pitch is available, particularly one you can reverse onto with the car.
• Do not try to push a loaded caravan on a slope. The weight can quickly become difficult to control.
• Before towing, make sure the rollers are fully disengaged from the tyres.
• A useful reminder from Powrtouch’s useful tips is to place the engagement socket wrench on the driver’s seat while the rollers are engaged. This makes it harder to drive away without disengaging them first.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Powrtouch guarantee apply while I am away from home?

Yes. The 5-year no-quibble guarantee covers parts and labour and is not limited to faults that occur at home. Contact technical support with your model, serial number, symptoms and location.

How can I tell whether the problem is the battery or the mover?

Start with the battery charge, battery terminals, isolator switch and roller engagement. If the mover still does not operate correctly with a known-good, fully charged battery, the mover or its control system may need further investigation.

Can I tow my caravan if the motor mover has failed?

Yes. A motor mover does not affect normal towing. Make sure the rollers are fully disengaged and check that all visible components and fixings are secure before travelling.

How do I identify my Powrtouch mover?

Find the serial number on the drive unit. This identifies the model and generation. The support section of the Powrtouch website explains where to look and what information to provide.

Who should I contact if my caravan mover stops working during a trip?

Contact Powrtouch technical support through the website. Have the mover model, serial number, symptoms, checks completed and your current location ready.

Every Powrtouch mover is designed and manufactured in the UK and supported by a 5-year no-quibble guarantee on parts and labour.