If you've ever tried to back a fully loaded caravan into a tight parking spot with millimeter precision, or position it just right on a sloped campsite, you know the struggle: without some technical help, it turns into a real test of patience.
Motor movers are supposed to solve this problem – but a lot of systems out there are heavy, slow, and overly complicated. That's why AL-KO Vehicle Technology has introduced the Mammut Galaxy, a completely redesigned motor mover built from the ground up.
Nele met up with product manager Lukas Schwer at the Caravan Salon. He's worked at AL-KO for 15 years and knows the new system inside and out.
Ten kilos lighter: weight was priority number one
The biggest issue with caravan accessories has always been payload. Every extra kilogram matters when you're already pushing your weight limit. That's exactly where AL-KO focused its efforts. As Lukas Schwer explains, cutting weight was the main goal of the entire development process.
Three and a half years ago, AL-KO decided to completely rethink and rebuild the motor mover from scratch. The top priority was making the system as light as possible. And the result speaks for itself: the core system without a power source now weighs just 25 kg in the single-axle version – a 7 kg saving compared to the 32 kg of the previous model.
One major innovation lies in the power supply: alongside a classic 12-volt onboard battery (like lithium-ion or AGM), the Galaxy can also run flexibly on 18-volt power tool batteries from Metabo, or any brand within the cross-manufacturer Cordless Alliance System (CAS). The control unit has been removed from the drive and is now mounted inside the vehicle. That's where you simply clip in the power tool batteries.
Two batteries with 4.0 amp-hours each weigh just one kilogram together — enough for caravans up to 1,800 kilograms. For heavier rigs up to 2,500 kilograms and tandem-axle caravans, more powerful batteries weighing two kilograms in total are used. Overall, that saves around ten to eleven kilograms compared to the old Mammut — and compared to a heavy AGM battery, the savings are even bigger.
Handy side effect: remove the batteries while driving
Another obvious advantage of the swappable battery setup: you can simply take out the power supply before setting off and carry it in the tow vehicle. That way, you save even this extra weight during the drive to your destination. According to Lukas Schwer, many trade fair visitors singled out exactly this point as a big plus. AL-KO also sells the batteries directly as a bundle with a matching charger.
Finally faster: more speed thanks to 18 volts
Besides the weight, speed was the other major complaint about the previous model, which Nele describes from personal experience as downright sluggish. Thanks to the higher voltage of the power tool batteries (18 volts instead of the usual 12 volts), the system now reaches a top speed of over 1.0 km/h.
On open stretches, you can activate the maximum speed level by holding down the plus button on the remote control. For safety reasons, the system automatically slows down as soon as you steer. That way, you get the best of both worlds: speed on straight sections and safe control through curves.
Millimeter-precise maneuvering thanks to crawl mode
Actual maneuvering is often about millimeter-precise accuracy — for example when coupling up, where the hitch head has to line up exactly with the ball coupling. Holding down the minus button lets you move the caravan in a slow, precise mode. According to Lukas Schwer, even full 360-degree turns are no problem at this level.
According to the manufacturer, the Mammut Galaxy can handle obstacles like lowered curbs up to four centimeters high. On inclines, the single-axle version manages up to 35 percent with lighter rigs (around 1,300 kg). At two tons, it's about 22 percent, and even the tandem-axle version (up to 3,500 kg) still handles 15 percent.
Smart remote control & fully automatic pivoting
The remote control has also been completely redesigned. It features a clear color LCD display that shows driving status and system messages. The proven joystick for stepless control remains, and the built-in battery now charges conveniently via USB-C. A built-in flashlight function helps you hitch up in the dark.
The Galaxy is still a fully automatic maneuvering system: swiveling the drive rollers onto the tires happens at the push of a button, simply by holding down the circle and minus buttons for three seconds.
Better diagnostics when something goes wrong
AL-KO has also upgraded the service side: the color display shows error codes that you can look up in the included manual. Dealers also get a USB-C port on the control unit for advanced diagnostics, data readouts, and software updates.
DIY installation possible, but not required
According to AL-KO, the Mammut Galaxy was specifically designed so that handy campers can install it themselves. Using the tool batteries makes the interior wiring much simpler, since no electrical expertise is needed for the battery connection. If you'd rather not install it yourself, you can buy the system through a dealer and have it fitted there.
Prices and availability
The MAMMUT GALAXY can be pre-ordered in various versions; the official market launch is planned for CMT 2027:
Single axle up to 1,800 kg: from €2,000 (RRP, excluding installation & power supply)
Single axle up to 2,500 kg: from €2,300 (RRP)
Tandem axle up to 3,500 kg (4 drives): €4,300 (RRP)
The matching power package (CAS batteries including charger, or a 12-volt battery) can be ordered separately.
More information at www.alko-tech.com/de_de/produkte/rangierantrieb-mammut-galaxy.
Conclusion: A well-thought-out upgrade
The AL-KO Mammut Galaxy shows what modern maneuvering systems can look like: lighter, faster, and more flexible when it comes to power supply. The weight savings will come as a relief to anyone worried about payload, while the higher speed and precise steering make everyday maneuvering noticeably easier.
You can listen to the full conversation with AL-KO product manager Lukas Schwer here:
0 Kommentare
Noch keine Kommentare — sei die/der Erste und teile deine Erfahrung!
Danke!
Dein Kommentar wartet auf Freischaltung und erscheint, sobald er moderiert wurde.