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Quote: Originally posted by Jafa on 04/7/2007

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Not doubting what you've said timtheenchanter, but I don't understand about reversing pushing past the point where the brakes come on - isn't this just the opposite of going down a steep hill forwards? In that case you would want the brakes to come on. I'm not very technical, but I would have imagined the weight on the brake would be the same going backwards uphill as going forwards downhill........but I guess you're going to explain it for me aren't you.. . We too have blamed the brake for the smell and excessive wear on the clutch, to the point where I'm now reading about motor movers!

Jane



It is the rotation of the wheels in conjunction with pressure on the hitch that cause the brakes to come on or off. There's a mechanism in the brake drum which senses when you're reversing and prevents the brakes from coming on.

I recently had to reverse my caravan over a kerbstone - the motor mover wouldn't do it for me - and I got a whiff of hot clutch linings. It's quite normal but not good if done a lot. It's a real heavy smell isn't it that seems to hang around for a long time after.

Cheers!

Vic

but are definitely thinking about a motor mover after seeing vans whizzing backwards and forwards without damaging wet grass

I've yet to see a motor mover whizz a van anywhere...the ones I've seen being used, I could have pushed it quicker!

Poetic licence, Bob.  My mover is very slow because it is geared down to handle the weight of the van.  But on your own, you wouldn't push my van quicker.  And on a slope, it would be pushing or pulling you.  And that brings up another plus.  Because of its mechanical advantage, the mover acts as a brake and will not allow the van to go anywhere of its own accord.

The point of the thread is that a mover does two things.  It makes manoeuvring the caravan easy for one person, even if infirm.  And it helps to keep wear and tear on the vehicle transmission and clutch to a minimum.   Also, because you can walk around the van when moving it, there is no guess work, blind spot, or shouting by a second person.

Bertie.