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Topic: Are twin axles really problematic abroad?

White Rose

10/6/2013 at 11:12am
Location: West Yorkshire
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I'm really struggling to find the layout that I want in a single axle caravan (fixed bunks + long front beds that can either be used as double or single + separate shower cubicle) - but can find it with no problem in a twin axle.

However, I've been put off twin axle vans because I've been told that they are not accepted on many French campsites, and that the toll costs are much greater with them. How far is this true, please? Would be grateful for any info!

blueexpo97

10/6/2013 at 12:21pm
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Yes I have read on the camping abroad section that quite a few sites wil not accept them, as for tolls, just the same as a normal van I believe.

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jasie

10/6/2013 at 12:46pm
Location: Bath
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just a thought, but is it down to the probably length of a twin (perception being that they are longer)

When we had our twin axle we couldnt go to 2 sites in the past as they didnt allow twins (in the UK)
when challenged it was actually down to access issues and that they wouldnt fit around a particular corner or the pitches were just too short.

Opensauce

10/6/2013 at 2:32pm
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Toll costs are same whatever size of caravan. Very few French campsites ban twin axles, for those that do its only like UK sites banning Hobbys/LMC etc, ie to circumvent the law against banning specific racial demographics.

Main probs you would have with some French sites is difficult access for large caravans due to narrow roads to & around the site but easily avoided with a bit of forward planning.

sennen26

10/6/2013 at 3:37pm
Location: Lincs
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We had a twin for 8 years and went all over europe and it was never a problem we were never turned away or charged more even if site said no twin axle we still used them as we were brits and not traveler's. I think a lot of this problem is mainly people bring it up on forums ect we never met any one who had a problem in france or britian. We would still have a twin if we could have found the right one ours was 560m and max weight 1100kg and todays ones so heavy.
Sennen

archerypete03

10/6/2013 at 3:46pm
Location: Cider County
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After 6 years towing in France, this year was the first time we had a problem on a site at Binic nr Saint Brieuc the info on ACSI said it could take vans and m/hs up to 8m but some of the pitches were very tight and without a motor mover impossible to use so even with some planning you can have probs but it doesn't put me off there is always another site nearby you can try and if you travel at low season no need to pre-book.

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Andy R

10/6/2013 at 3:46pm
Location: Brigg North Lincolnshire
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When we had a twin, there were sites in France with signs saying that twin axled vans were not allowed. They accepted us though! In general, it's only gypsies and travellers who own twins in France, so hence the assumption. The tolls are the same for a twin as a single.

SGThomas

10/6/2013 at 3:54pm
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We are finding, this year, that many more municipals are making it difficult for twin axels.
At Beaugency they have a sign saying on 3 sites available for twin axels, alongside the sign "Complet".
At Moissac on the tarn they charged normal caravan tariff plus 60 (yes sixty) euros a night extra.

You should be OK on commercial sites, so long as you don't try selling them lucky white heather

Dave11

10/6/2013 at 5:00pm
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I have been taking my twin axles to all areas in France and so far not had any problem, in fact quite the opposite. When booking I tell them I have a twin axle also letting them know the length and will be using a full awning.
When we get there, they have normally reserved us one of their larger pitches.

White Rose

13/6/2013 at 2:53pm
Location: West Yorkshire
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Thank you all - so basically the biggest problems would be access logistics and municipals. That's not too bad as mostly we are restricted to school holidays so we tend to book private sites well in advance. Ok, will put that on the "to think about" list ... :-)

Mrs. Bonce

13/6/2013 at 7:03pm
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We are in France and are using ACSI sites, you can find out from the book or website which sites have larger pitches.

Anne

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