Manoeuvring systems for caravans: a comparison of RANGER and MAMMUT GALAXY
A caravan manoeuvring system moves your caravan electrically into position without a tow vehicle. Particularly on campsites with limited space, on inclines or in narrow driveways, the manoeuvring aid makes positioning much easier and gives you greater control.
AL-KO VT offers two solutions with different comfort levels: the proven RANGER as a semi-automatic entry-level model, and the new MAMMUT GALAXY as a fully automatic system for greater manoeuvring comfort.
Key facts at a glance
- A manoeuvring system moves an uncoupled caravan electrically without the need to push or pull it by hand.
- Manoeuvring aids make it easier to park the caravan, turn it and couple up precisely.
- With the RANGER, the drive rollers are engaged manually and the caravan is operated using a remote control.
- With the MAMMUT GALAXY, the drive rollers engage automatically at the touch of a button and direction and speed are controlled continuously via joystick.
What is a manoeuvring system for a caravan?
A manoeuvring system, also known as a mover or manoeuvring aid, is an electric drive system for caravans. The drive units are mounted on the chassis close to the wheels. When manoeuvring, the rollers engage with the tyres and move the caravan forwards, backwards or around turns in a controlled manner.
The system is operated via a remote control or joystick, which allows you to position the caravan precisely even without a tow vehicle. This is particularly useful when space on the pitch is limited or the caravan has to be positioned accurately on levelling ramps, under a carport, or in front of the towball of the towing vehicle.
Why is a manoeuvring aid worthwhile when camping?
Many caravans can still be moved by hand on level ground. However, in tight spaces, with heavier caravans, on gravel or slopes, manoeuvring quickly becomes more demanding. A manoeuvring system reduces the physical effort required and makes you less reliant on help from others when positioning the caravan.
The advantages of a manoeuvring aid at a glance:
- Greater precision: The caravan can be moved to the desired position in a controlled manner and in small increments.
- Less physical effort: There is no need to push or pull the caravan into position by hand.
- Greater independence: The caravan can be aligned on many pitches without additional help.
- Easier coupling: Instead of moving the tow vehicle back centimetre by centimetre, the caravan can be positioned directly towards the towball.
- More control in confined spaces: Walls, hedges, neighbouring vehicles or narrow entrances can be negotiated more easily.
A manoeuvring system is not essential for every camping holiday. For large or heavy caravans, cramped pitches and travellers who often manoeuvre alone, however, it can make handling the caravan considerably easier.
RANGER or MAMMUT GALAXY: Which manoeuvring system suits your needs?
Both systems from AL-KO VT move the caravan electrically and with high precision. The main differences are in user comfort, performance and the technology used for engaging the drive rollers. The RANGER is designed as a semi-automatic, straightforward solution. The MAMMUT GALAXY combines automatic roller engagement with continuously adjustable joystick control and flexible power supply options.
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AL-KO VT RANGER |
AL-KO VT MAMMUT GALAXY |
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System type |
semi-automatic |
fully automatic |
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Roller engagement |
manual |
automatic at the touch of a button |
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Control |
ergonomic remote control |
continuously adjustable joystick control with 3 speed levels |
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Suitable for |
single-axle caravans up to 1,800 kg, tandem-axle caravans up to 2,500 kg |
single-axle caravans up to 2,500 kg, tandem-axle caravans up to 3,500 kg |
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Climbing ability |
up to 18% |
up to 35% |
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Obstacles |
up to 2 cm |
up to 4 cm |
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Special features |
Soft start and soft stop, proven entry-level model |
from 25 kg, more than 1.0 km/h, 12-V or 18-V power supply |
AL-KO VT RANGER
The proven entry point to powered manoeuvring
The RANGER is available for single-axle caravans up to 1,800 kilograms and tandem-axle caravans up to 2,500 kilograms. The drive rollers are engaged manually against the tyres. You then control the caravan with an ergonomic remote control, manoeuvring it precisely into place, even to the millimetre.
Soft start and soft stop support smooth, controlled manoeuvring. The RANGER can overcome obstacles up to two centimetres high and manage gradients of up to 18 per cent. This makes it particularly suitable for caravan owners looking for a proven, functional manoeuvring aid with straightforward operation.
AL-KO VT MAMMUT GALAXY
A new generation of manoeuvring comfort
The MAMMUT GALAXY is the successor to the MAMMUT and introduces a range of new features. The drive rollers automatically engage with the tyres at the touch of a button. The caravan is controlled via a joystick, which continuously translates your movements into direction and speed. Three speed levels allow precise low-speed corrections as well as faster manoeuvring over longer distances.
Depending on the variant, the MAMMUT GALAXY is suitable for single-axle caravans up to 1,800 or 2,500 kilograms and for tandem-axle caravans up to 3,500 kilograms. It reaches speeds of more than 1.0 km/h, overcomes obstacles up to four centimetres high and manages gradients of up to 35 per cent. Single-axle versions with U-mount start at a system weight of just 25 kilograms.
The system also offers flexible power supply options and can be operated using compatible 18-V power tool batteries or a suitable 12-V onboard battery.
Which AL-KO VT manoeuvring system is the right choice?
The RANGER is a good choice if you are looking for a reliable manoeuvring system for typical camping situations and are happy to engage the drive rollers manually. It covers the key manoeuvring requirements of many single-axle and tandem-axle caravans.
The MAMMUT GALAXY is designed for caravan owners who want greater operating comfort, higher performance and more flexibility. Automatic roller engagement, continuously adjustable joystick control, greater climbing ability and variants for caravans up to 3,500 kilograms make it suitable for heavy caravans and more demanding pitches.
However, the decisive factors are always the vehicle weight, number of axles, chassis and installation conditions. Before purchasing, check which system is compatible with your caravan. Our experts at the AL-KO customer centres will be happy to assist you in selecting the right manoeuvring system for your requirements.
Retrofitting a caravan with a manoeuvring system
Many caravans can be retrofitted with a manoeuvring system. Whether RANGER or MAMMUT GALAXY can be installed depends, among other things, on the chassis, number of axles, permissible gross weight and available installation space.
With the MAMMUT GALAXY, the appropriate chassis mounting and power supply also need to be selected. For product selection and professional installation, we recommend contacting an AL-KO VT customer centre or an authorised specialist workshop.
