We are looking to purchase a CT2500 Camper Trolley to move our tandem 18' van. They are fairly pricey, happy to pay if they are as good as claimed. Interested in any feedback that users may be able to offer, particularly if it works well on grass.
I had the smaller version (CT1500) to move my Jayco Eagle. Was ok on dead flat ground but for me totally useless. Couldn't get the camper onto the driveway never mind the 8 degree gradient.
In total frustration, I sold the trolley, sold the camper and bought a motor home. I'm now negotiating the purchase of a small off road van and I'll get the Optitec caravan mover. Not only is it an Aussie product but the inventor/manufacturer is an easy bloke to talk to and gave me honest answers. Plus the Optitec is less than half the price.
Hey Maxy I purchased the CT2500 at the Batemans Bay camping show October Last year. We have a 23' Royal Flair 2490kg UNLADEN was informed that it would move a little more than 2500kg How I would rate it:
1) If your caravan is no more than 2500kg all up not a problem.
2) Grass might as well try pushing SH#T uphill especially if the undersoil is a wee bit soft.
3) Flat concrete surface a breeze
4) Warranty........ Ours packed it in after moving the van about 1/2 doz times one of the tracks would not move sounded as is it slipped a gear. Anyway rang the dealer and they organised pick up and repair at no cost to me so happy with the service.
5) If I was to purchase again I would like a demo at my place, where I intended using it, not some controlled camping show that is pushing around a van that is not similar in size and weight to mine ( I know my problem but I did ask a lot of Questions before purchase) like you said $3800 is a lot of $$
I am undecided if I will still keep mine as I don't have any problem really in backing the van into its storage area. I thought it might have been more useful for manoeuvring around the house when I need to be doing something rather than hooking up the car all the time.. It does this task quite well but its an expensive bit of gear to have in the shed and to be used only 2/3 times a year.
If you lived closer you are more than welcome to call in and try mine out "in the real world" and make up your own mind.
Hope this helps and good luck in what ever you decide.
I use an Aussie Wheel model AW3which will move a 3000kg van this is an excellent mover that is built in Western Australia and thEy havE a web page www,travellerwa.com.au phone 08 9398 3566, I purchased mine second hand on fleabay for $600 when it was about 12 months old this machine moves my 21foot van with ease I also found them very helpfull when I rang with questions good luck finding one you are happy with
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Thanks Bryan, have just had a look. Yeah the Optitec don't look bad. Need mainly for moving about the yard, and am concerned how the Camper trolley will work on the grass. Think this could be a possibility, and definately a lot better price. cheers for the info
-- Edited by Maxy on Wednesday 23rd of April 2014 06:48:10 PM
Appreciate the feedback, the grass issue is a bit of a concern, great to get info from someone who has used. They have only offered us a controlled demo on cement driveway in the city not our home town - this being our main concern also as you mentioned. Cheers for the info. Will post when we get a unit, with feedback. The Optitec at the moment looking a possibility.
-- Edited by Maxy on Wednesday 23rd of April 2014 07:39:26 PM
-- Edited by Maxy on Wednesday 23rd of April 2014 07:40:23 PM
-- Edited by Maxy on Wednesday 23rd of April 2014 07:41:05 PM