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Subject Topic: Single or double axel Post Reply Post New Topic
30/6/2014 at 5:00pm
 Location: Preston
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Don't have a caravan but just been wondering what are the reasons for having a double Axel on caravans. Is there an advantage over a single Axel.( just curious as I've noticed several on the motorway)


30/6/2014 at 5:29pm
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Twin axle caravans are a lot more stable on the road but a lot more difficult to manhandle on site.
but you would use the car anyway, and probably a 4x4 or a good size estate
Any disadvantages are outweighed by the extra space you get
I have been using a twin axle van since the year 2000.
You could be told on here that some sites dont accept twins but i have never come across this anywhere.

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alpiner


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30/6/2014 at 5:32pm
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For the length & weight of the van, TA is more stable to tow, They are harder to man handle, But if you have good reversing skills its easy.

-------------
Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!


nant mill.N/Wales
just dont go there.


30/6/2014 at 5:55pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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TA are usually bigger and heavier. Usually its best with a 4x4 with a heavy duty clutch if you need to reverse them.

They can get your clutch burning as one axle maybe scrubbing instead of moving a smooth arc. Although you can get a twin axle where you can raise one axle to manouvre it.



30/6/2014 at 8:08pm
 Location: Retford
 Outfit: Vango Icarus Airbeam 600
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Love the stability of a twin axle.


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01/7/2014 at 12:37am
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Agree with bill terry,my twin axel is so smooth you can forget its there,ive had single axel aswel and they were ok but im sticking with twin axel.I dont have a motor mover as i can reverse without it and as yet have not needed one.Loads of pluses with a twin and not many negs.I pull mine with a chrysler 300 ,yes grampion,a 300c estate and its bloody brilliant.We call it our baby bently,i dont know where your mate got his peice of crap and maybe he dont look after it,our outfit is perfect for us.Autos are better for towing.


01/7/2014 at 9:59am
 Location: Huddersfield
 Outfit: swift conqueror 645+jeep commander
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Much more stable, easier to tow as they don't bounce around I find it though impossible to move on your own without a motor mover (or car)
and I think relatively cheaper second hand than the up 1500kls vans because of the car required to tow them   


01/7/2014 at 10:24am
 Location: Lincolnshire
 Outfit: Elddis Xplore 302 SE 2011
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pnefan Are you coming over to the dark side ? There is plenty of room this side


01/7/2014 at 11:05am
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it comes down to size and weight.. big heavy vans need them.. smaller lighter vans dont need them..

having said that i have a two ton boat trailer with just a single axle.. its far more stable than any caravan i have ever towed.. :)

the axle is a long way behind the hitch and it has very little rear overhang.. its rock solid during the tow..

trog


01/7/2014 at 11:17am
 Location: SHEFFIELD
 Outfit: Coachman laser RangeRover Sport4.4
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Size DOES matter, in my opinion.

 26' internal size against (???) which would you choose if you had wife two grandkids cothes all the parafinaylier that comes with it?

I've just moved to twin wheeler, for size only. Had single wheeler, much more room in the twin i have now.Tows just as easy albeit alot heavier.

 

Kevin



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01/7/2014 at 1:24pm
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on UK roads caravans have beyond the description of touring vans.. having no wife and kids i like "small".. small because small goes more places..

i talk about "size" with my son.. he has the wife and kids and the big caravan.. he does know its disadvantages as well as its advantages though.. :)

size does matter but big isnt always better..

trog


02/7/2014 at 5:27pm
 Location: Preston
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Thanks for all the answers. I had wondered what the advantages or disadvantages were. We have been touring around America after having been to Miami for the pre world cup matches and saw a lot of 5th Wheelers. Also so a few 'normal' caravans but noticed very few had single axles. obviously the Americans like to lugg more weight in there vans so prefer double axles.
And Camcroft no I am not considering a caravan. just being interested.


02/7/2014 at 8:26pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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But the US trailers tend to have electric brakes.

And they get twice as much kit for half of what we pay.



03/7/2014 at 6:17pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit:  Mitsubishi ASX4
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Quote: Originally posted by pnefan on 02/7/2014
Thanks for all the answers. I had wondered what the advantages or disadvantages were. We have been touring around America after having been to Miami for the pre world cup matches and saw a lot of 5th Wheelers. Also so a few 'normal' caravans but noticed very few had single axles. obviously the Americans like to lugg more weight in there vans so prefer double axles.
And Camcroft no I am not considering a caravan. just being interested.



US kit is much much heavier, and you will see almost all pulled by large trucks with 4-6 litre 6-8 cylinder petrol engines in them. They just about creep into double mpg figures when towing carefully! 'Tis a whole different world over there!



03/7/2014 at 7:34pm
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i think the americans view fifth wheelers as an alternative to large rigid motor homes in the same way as we see artics not as an alternative to caravan..

i envy them their space and cheap fuel.. the australians seem to do it in style as well.. "Urban Escape Vehicles" or UEVs for short.. love the name.. :)

trog



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