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)
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.
------------- alpiner
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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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.. :)