HANDS ON WITH THE OPTIMOVER V3 – EFFORTLESS TRAILER MANOEUVRING AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON…
There are plenty of accessories on the market that promise to make towing easier, but very few genuinely change the way you use your caravan or boat trailer. The Optimover V3 Remote Control Jockey Wheel by Optitec is one of those products that deliver exactly what they promise.
To see just how simple it was, Mike Watson from Optitec called at our home in Arkles Bay, which features a challenging, slightly inclined driveway with a dog-leg kink midway, to demonstrate the Optimover V3 system. Rather than arriving with a toolbox full of equipment and planning a lengthy installation, Mike showed just how straightforward the process really is.
Within minutes, and using nothing more than a single spanner, the mounting bracket was secured to the trailer’s A-frame. The Optimover V3 was then attached, the electrical connection was made (in this instance, the power source was a reasonably priced $150 power pack from Repco), and the unit was ready for operation. It really was that simple.
The first impression is one of solid engineering; the unit feels robust without being cumbersome, and every component appears designed for years of reliable service. Mike reports very few warranty issues; Optitec has an industry-leading 3-year warranty. Once powered up, the supplied remote control quickly becomes the star of the show.
With gentle pressure on the controls, the Optimover V3 moves away smoothly, allowing the boat trailer or caravan to be positioned with remarkable precision. There is no sudden lurch or jerky movement. Instead, the electronic control system provides a progressive start and stop that inspires confidence from the very first use.
For anyone who has struggled to reverse a caravan into a narrow driveway, manoeuvre a boat trailer into a garage, or position a trailer in a crowded storage yard, the advantages become immediately obvious. Rather than repeatedly hitching and unhitching from the tow vehicle or relying on helpers who give conflicting directions, Google reviews call the Optimover ‘a marriage saver! A single operator can move about or stand in the best viewing position to guide the trailer exactly where it needs to go.
This level of control (with an operating speed of 8 meters/minute) is particularly valuable in many homes, where driveways can be narrow or awkwardly angled. The ability to make small adjustments without using the tow vehicle removes much of the stress from parking and greatly reduces the risk of accidental bumps and potential marriage divorces.
The Optimover V3 has been engineered specifically for Australian and New Zealand conditions. Whether manoeuvring a caravan into a campsite, positioning a boat trailer beside the house, or moving a heavy trailer around a workshop, the unit provides the power needed while maintaining excellent control – offering a towing capacity of 3,500 kg (with a max. towball weight of 350 kg). If you need more than this, there is the big brother All-Terrain Mover, with an all-terrain track tread that is great for movement on soft grass and uneven surfaces, and it offers a huge 4500 kg tow capacity.
The Optimover V3’s compact design means it doesn’t dominate the drawbar, yet beneath its tidy appearance is a surprisingly capable drive system. The remote control has a positive feel, with intuitive operation that most owners will master within minutes. During our demonstration, it quickly became apparent that even those with limited towing experience could confidently move a sizeable caravan in tight spaces with very little effort.
Safety has clearly been a major focus in the Optimover’s design. The smooth acceleration and braking eliminate the sudden movements that can occur with some powered movers, enabling precise positioning while maintaining full control. Being able to walk alongside or even right behind the trailer while operating the unit provides an excellent view of clearances around fences, walls, and other obstacles.
Routine operation is equally straightforward. Simply attach the unit, connect it to a suitable 12-volt power source, switch on the remote, and you’re ready to manoeuvre. When finished, the Optimover can be removed just as easily, leaving only the compact mounting bracket in place.
Another reassuring feature is the level of local support available. Optitec backs the Optimover V3 with local advice and service in New Zealand and Australia, giving owners confidence that assistance is readily available should they ever need it.
Perhaps the strongest endorsement comes from existing customers. Across Australia and New Zealand, the Optimover range has earned more than 500 five-star reviews, reflecting consistently high owner satisfaction.
After spending time with Mike and seeing the system installed and operated first-hand, it’s easy to understand why. The Optimover V3 takes what has traditionally been one of the more stressful aspects of caravan and boat trailer ownership and transforms it into a simple, controlled and, dare we say, enjoyable task.
For caravan owners, boat owners, and anyone who regularly moves heavy trailers, the Optimover V3 isn’t simply another accessory; it’s a practical investment that saves time, reduces physical effort, and makes every manoeuvre considerably easier. It takes the hard work out of positioning a trailer, making you far more likely to use your caravan or trailer without giving the manoeuvring a second thought.
After spending the morning with the Optimover V3 and since, I can honestly say that once you’ve experienced moving a trailer at the touch of a button, it’s difficult to imagine going back.
