Repairs on the road
Mover not working - where to start?
Before ordering a motor or controller, identify which part of the system has actually stopped working.
A caravan mover includes a battery, wiring, protection, controller, remote, roller-engagement mechanism and drive motors. Failure to move can have several very different causes. A good diagnosis starts with simple checks before dismantling anything.
Identify the exact symptom
Does the whole system fail, just one side, roller engagement, or the drive once the rollers touch the tyres? Can you hear a relay or motor? Do remote or controller indicators show a fault code? These details help narrow the search.
Power under load
A battery voltage reading may look healthy with no load but collapse when the motors start. Check charge level, terminals, the main fuse and isolator. Look for loose connections, corrosion and heat damage. Do not bypass protection for a quick test.
Remote and start-up procedure
Replace or measure the remote's battery, check the pairing procedure and the safety-switch position. Some systems report faults through flashing lights or beeps. The manual for your specific model takes priority over general online advice.
Compare left and right
If one side works, comparison can be useful. Listen, check responses to the same commands and inspect the wiring looms. Swapping components can be risky and should happen only when the documentation permits it.
Roller-engagement mechanics
Dirt, corrosion and a seized mechanism can increase the load. Inspect rollers and gearing without placing your hands in a pinch point. Use only the lubricants and lubrication points specified by the manufacturer. Grease on a roller's working surface or tyre reduces grip.
Controller and motor
If power reaches the system and the controller receives commands but the actuator does not respond, take measurements following the wiring diagram. Voltage alone does not prove a circuit can supply current. A burnt connector, damaged cable or worn motor can cause similar symptoms.
After the repair
Test safely with nobody close to the caravan. Check both sides, roller engagement and retraction, emergency stopping and cable routing. After a short test, inspect the connections and check for excessive heat.
The repair step by step
Our diagnosis led to replacement of a specific component. The same symptom in another caravan does not necessarily have the same cause.