Motor movers

GeoffSS replied on 22/10/2021 11:37

GeoffSS

Posted on 22/10/2021 11:37

We've just bought a new Swift Basecamp 2 caravan to replace our old Autosleeper Duetto campervan and, partly because I'm not as strong as I was, we opted to have a motor mover fitted. The electrical isolation switch is inside the van which makes it awkward to reach if the van's loaded ready to go with bikes, model aeroplanes etc stowed.

I accept the desirability of electrical isolation when the van is parked either at home or on site but is it necessary when towing? Obviously the friction drives are mechanically disconnected so, even if the mover motors are accidentally triggered (unlikely), they're not going to do much (nor consume much energy off load, for that matter).

It would simply be easier to leave them connected whilst towing as they may be needed on arrival anyway. I can't see any problems with this but if there are, what are they?

Geoff

26 replies

Wherenext replied on 22/10/2021 19:57

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Wherenext

Campervanner

Posted on 22/10/2021 19:57

RandR, don't you have a Coachman?

If so the switch in ours is fitted in the same place as yours but came as factory fitted, nothing to do with dealers. I like the idea of not being able to use both EHU and motor mover at the same time.

RogerP1956 replied on 22/10/2021 20:28

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RogerP1956

Caravanner

Posted on 22/10/2021 20:28

I don't think installing electrical switches in the gas locker would be a good idea

3 people like this

Wherenext replied on 22/10/2021 20:41

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Wherenext

Campervanner

Posted on 22/10/2021 20:28 by RogerP1956

I don't think installing electrical switches in the gas locker would be a good idea

Posted on 22/10/2021 20:41

I agree. That's why I am pleased ours is in the battery box, with easy access.

Tinwheeler replied on 22/10/2021 20:56

Tinwheeler

Campervanner

Posted on 22/10/2021 20:28 by RogerP1956

I don't think installing electrical switches in the gas locker would be a good idea

Posted on 22/10/2021 20:56

My thoughts, too.

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richardandros replied on 23/10/2021 06:33

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richardandros

Caravanner

Posted on 22/10/2021 19:57 by Wherenext

RandR, don't you have a Coachman?

If so the switch in ours is fitted in the same place as yours but came as factory fitted, nothing to do with dealers. I like the idea of not being able to use both EHU and motor mover at the same time.

Posted on 23/10/2021 06:33

WN - No it's a Knaus Starclass and the motor mover / isolator was fitted by the dealer before we took delivery.

Our last van - a Bailey - the dealer fitted the isolator just inside the rear locker under the fixed bed - which was convenient for access but did allow the EHU to be inadvertently plugged in at the same time. I did ask the Knaus dealer to do the same thing (not thinking about the EHU issue) and they said they always fitted it underneath the EHU socket in the battery box to prevent both being 'live' at the same time. I remember thinking "Ooh - what a good idea - why didn't I think of that!!

obbernockle replied on 23/10/2021 10:28

obbernockle

Posted on 23/10/2021 10:28

It is (arguably illegal depending on what legislation you follow) and very dangerous to have any electrical connections or even cables in the gas locker. If the isolator switch is located behind the battery enclosure door, it will be in the small sealed compartment where the mains hook up is located. It is good practice to locate the isolator switch so that the mains cable cannot be fitted whilst the Key for the isolator switch is in place, thereby preventing accidentally having the mains connected and running the motor mover (which would probably damage the circuit board). Modifying the Basecamp mentioned by GeoffSS to this layout should be a simple matter.

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Amesford replied on 23/10/2021 11:00

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Amesford

Caravanner

Posted on 22/10/2021 12:27 by

I sometimes forget to switch it off and have had no problems but I was under the impression that problems can arise once the EHU is connected if it isn't/

Posted on 23/10/2021 11:00

Our Isolation Switch is fitted in battery box in such away that until the large red switch key is removed the EHU cannot be plugged in

replied on 23/10/2021 11:05

Posted on 23/10/2021 11:00 by Amesford

Our Isolation Switch is fitted in battery box in such away that until the large red switch key is removed the EHU cannot be plugged in

Posted on 23/10/2021 11:05

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Tippsy replied on 09/03/2022 21:37

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Tippsy

Posted on 09/03/2022 21:37

HI, looking forward to picking up our new Bailey Unicorn Cadiz in in the summer (fingers crossed!). Dealer has offered to fit a Powrtouch Evloution at a cost for supply and fit of £1350. This seemed a bit steep to me but is that a reasonable price does anybody know?

Thanks in anticipation.