Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: single axle vs double Post Reply Post New Topic
21/4/2007 at 4:08pm
 Location: biggar
 Outfit: Disco Coachman mirage 500 5
View calseoni's Profile View Profile   Reply to calseoni Reply   Quote calseoni Quote  
Joined: 17/1/2006

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   92

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I am thinking about moving up from a 17.5ft single axle to 21ft double axle but I am a bit concerned about moving it about on the smaller roads and reversing it on sites.  I would love the bigger van but I am frightened that I get stuck on some small road etc.  has anyone move up to a much bigger van.  What are the pros and cons?  thanks


21/4/2007 at 5:05pm
 Location: manchester
 Outfit: Vx Antara & Elddis fusion 540
View rd57chad's Profile View Profile   Reply to rd57chad Reply   Quote rd57chad Quote  
Joined: 18/10/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   364

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Reversing a big twin axle is easier than a single as it changes direction slower so gives you a better chance to correct steering wheel inputs wheras a single axle turns in a lot quicker . However it is far easier to manhandle a single axle van my twin axle is impossible to move solo hence why i fitted a motor mover to it . I dont have the room in the storage compound to put the van in with the car cos there isnt enough room to manouevre it . I love the space in my twin axle van but will probably switch to a single axle when the kids no longer wish to come with us .


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

21/4/2007 at 5:26pm
 Location: biggar
 Outfit: Disco Coachman mirage 500 5
View calseoni's Profile View Profile   Reply to calseoni Reply   Quote calseoni Quote  
Joined: 17/1/2006

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   92

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

How do you find the length of the car+ van on small roads?  Your caravan looks about the same weight as the one I am looking at. Can you move it with a couple of people?


21/4/2007 at 6:25pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Avante 556 Smax 2.0 TDI
View raymcm's Profile View Profile   Reply to raymcm Reply   Quote raymcm Quote  
Joined: 12/6/2006

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   322

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

They are the same width which is the important bit, length is immaterial most of the time.

 

How much time do you spend reversing ... a couple of minutes each trip ? You can push it and get a hand if necessary.

If you need the length then buy it, its only just over a foot longer at each end



21/4/2007 at 6:36pm
 Location: biggar
 Outfit: Disco Coachman mirage 500 5
View calseoni's Profile View Profile   Reply to calseoni Reply   Quote calseoni Quote  
Joined: 17/1/2006

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   92

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I don't do reverse ever!  I get everyone to push the caravan.


Advertisement



21/4/2007 at 7:24pm
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: Adria Forma-Delica 2.8td-Movelite XL
View rabb_uk's Profile View Profile   Reply to rabb_uk Reply   Quote rabb_uk Quote  
Joined: 11/2/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2940

Site Reviews Total: 22
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 2
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi, Go for the twin ! ! Much more stable on the road, Easier to reverse, Much more room inside, Safer if you have a blowout, BUT you wont push it on your own and you do need two wheel clamps and have four tyres to look after...I wouldn't swap back

-------------
Doing as little as possible for as much as possible...


21/4/2007 at 7:26pm
 Location: newcastle
 Outfit: compass aztec
View wizzo1968's Profile View Profile   Reply to wizzo1968 Reply   Quote wizzo1968 Quote  
Joined: 08/10/2003

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   335

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The bigger the better

-------------



22/4/2007 at 11:06am
 Location: manchester
 Outfit: Vx Antara & Elddis fusion 540
View rd57chad's Profile View Profile   Reply to rd57chad Reply   Quote rd57chad Quote  
Joined: 18/10/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   364

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Calseoni,

 If you don't' do reverse ever' i don't think a twin axle is for you ! It takes upto 6 people to manouevre on grass especially if the ground is soft . My old single axle i could shift with just 3 of us . Unless you've got plenty of willing hands to help i'd suggest sticking with a single . The length of the outfit as stated by raymcm is largely unimportant when towing the only time i struggle is reversing it into its storage spot cos there isnt enough room to allow for the full unit length. The problem with the twin is the extra weight & overcoming the tyre friction generated by the twin axle arrangement. Some of the single axle vans are nearly the same length as my twin ( i.e Avondale Dart 556 ) but i must admit i havent seen a single axle van with the same layout as mine (  6 birth with full width rear washroom )

I have no wish to be drawn into a which is better single or twin debate but wish you well whatever you finally decide on .



22/4/2007 at 11:36am
 Location: biggar
 Outfit: Disco Coachman mirage 500 5
View calseoni's Profile View Profile   Reply to calseoni Reply   Quote calseoni Quote  
Joined: 17/1/2006

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   92

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks for that.  All that I am looking for in a caravan a double dinette which has  6ft 4" front benches or even 6ft if the door wat is at the end of the bench and 4ft 6"+ back benches and 6ft 4+ internal height.  I want an older van as I only want to spend about £4000 or less if I can getaway with it.  The only vans that I found with these specs are twin axles.  My single axle is great but only has 44" back benches and I want to use the back as a double and front as singles.  My husband and son should be smaller!!  Myself and daughter could get away with 5ft 5" with plenty of headroom!!  Nearly all of the time I tow so maybe I should take a course. 


22/4/2007 at 5:03pm
 Location: manchester
 Outfit: Vx Antara & Elddis fusion 540
View rd57chad's Profile View Profile   Reply to rd57chad Reply   Quote rd57chad Quote  
Joined: 18/10/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   364

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I think you will struggle finding any vans with 6ft 4inch long front benches . Even my twin axles front benches aren't quite that roomy ( 6ft 3 in but only on 1 side?) Good luck for your search for the holy grail !


Advertisement



22/4/2007 at 8:48pm
 Location: biggar
 Outfit: Disco Coachman mirage 500 5
View calseoni's Profile View Profile   Reply to calseoni Reply   Quote calseoni Quote  
Joined: 17/1/2006

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   92

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

My single axle coachman has 6ft 4" front benches.  Just not the bigger back ones. 



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














6134 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder