If you've ever tried to reverse a fully loaded caravan into a tight parking spot with millimeter precision, or position it exactly on a sloped campsite, you know the problem: without some technical help, it quickly turns into a test of patience.
Motor movers promise to solve this – but many systems are heavy, slow and complicated. That's why AL-KO Vehicle Technology has unveiled a completely redesigned motor mover, the Mammut Galaxy.
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 the top priority
When it comes to caravan accessories, the biggest issue is and always will be payload. Every extra kilogram matters when you're already pushing up against the weight limit. That's exactly where AL-KO focused its efforts. As Lukas Schwer explains, cutting weight was the central goal of the entire development process.
Three and a half years ago, AL-KO decided to completely rework and rethink the motor mover from scratch. The main goal was to make the system as light as possible. The result speaks for itself: the core system without a power source now weighs just 25 kg in the single-axle version – down from 32 kg on the predecessor, a saving of 7 kg.
One key innovation lies in the power supply: alongside a classic 12-volt onboard battery (like lithium-ion or AGM), the Galaxy can flexibly run on 18-volt power tool batteries from Metabo or the cross-brand Cordless Alliance System (CAS). The control unit has been separated from the drive itself and is now mounted inside the caravan, where you can simply plug in the tool batteries.
Two batteries with 4.0 amp-hours each weigh just one kilogram combined – enough for caravans up to 1,800 kg. For heavier rigs up to 2,500 kg and tandem-axle caravans, stronger batteries weighing two kilograms in total are used. All told, that's a saving of around ten to eleven kilograms compared to the old Mammut – and the difference is even bigger compared to a heavy AGM battery.
Handy side effect: take the batteries out for the drive
Another clear advantage of the swappable battery setup: you can simply remove the power source before setting off and carry it in the tow vehicle instead. That means you save even this bit of weight while driving to your destination. According to Lukas Schwer, many visitors at the trade show specifically praised this feature. AL-KO also offers the batteries as a package deal that includes a matching charger.
Finally faster: more speed thanks to 18 volts
Besides weight, speed was the second big complaint about the predecessor model, which Nele describes from personal experience as notably slow. Thanks to the higher voltage of the power tool batteries (18 volts instead of the usual 12 volts), the new system now reaches a driving speed of over 1.0 km/h.
On open ground, you can activate the maximum speed setting via the remote control by holding down the plus button. For safety reasons, the system automatically slows down as soon as you steer. This lets you combine speed on straight stretches with safe control through turns.
Millimeter-precise maneuvering thanks to crawl mode
Actual maneuvering is often about millimeter-level precision – for example when hitching up, where the coupling head needs to line up exactly with the ball. Holding down the minus button switches the caravan into a slow precision mode. According to Lukas Schwer, this setting even makes 360-degree turns easy to pull off.
According to the manufacturer, the Mammut Galaxy can handle obstacles like lowered curbs up to four centimeters high. On slopes, the single-axle version manages up to 35 percent gradient with smaller rigs (around 1,300 kg). At two tonnes, it's about 22 percent, and even the tandem-axle version (up to 3,500 kg) still manages 15 percent.
Smart remote control & fully automatic swivel-in
The remote control has also been completely redesigned. It features a clear color LCD display that shows driving states and status messages. The proven joystick for stepless control remains, and the built-in battery charges conveniently via USB-C. An integrated flashlight function helps with hitching up in the dark.
The Galaxy is still a fully automatic maneuvering system: swiveling the drive rollers onto and off the tires is done at the push of a button, by holding down the circle and minus buttons for three seconds.
Better diagnostics when something's wrong
AL-KO has also improved things on the service side: the color display shows error codes that can be looked up in the included manual. Dealers also have access to a USB-C port on the control unit for advanced diagnostics, readouts, and software updates.
DIY installation possible, but not required
The Mammut Galaxy was explicitly designed so that handy campers can install it themselves. Using the tool batteries makes the electrical installation inside the vehicle much easier, since no special knowledge is needed for the battery connection. If you'd rather not do the installation 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 sales launch is planned for CMT 2027:
Single axle up to 1,800 kg: from 2,000 euros (RRP, excluding installation & power supply)
Single axle up to 2,500 kg: from 2,300 euros (RRP)
Tandem axle up to 3,500 kg (4 drives): 4,300 euros (RRP)
The matching power package (CAS batteries incl. 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 please 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:
Podcast · Episode 438
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