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: Twin axle and single questions Post Reply Post New Topic
01/3/2007 at 7:30pm
 Location: Bristol
 Outfit: Lunar Conquest 544 a
View wizard9956's Profile View Profile   Reply to wizard9956 Reply   Quote wizard9956 Quote  
Joined: 25/9/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   7531

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

Hi all , we're thinking of buying a twin axle caravan , if you have a twin axle how do you level it when on site and is a motor mover a must have .
The reason we're thinking of buying one is because we want a fixed bed with a full size washroom behind and a decent size lounge , so far i've only found this setup in twin axle caravans , does anyone know if there's a single axle with the same setup .

Thanks

Wizard



01/3/2007 at 7:42pm
 Location: Wigan
 Outfit: VW Passat Lunar Quasar end bdroom
View Sue Wigan's Profile View Profile   Reply to Sue Wigan Reply   Quote Sue Wigan Quote  
Joined: 18/9/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   559

Site Reviews Total: 2
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

We have had this van for 18 months now and had loads of nights away in it and have never yet had trouble levelling, we just have a recky before we go on to 'eye' level side to side. As far as motor movers go again we have not yet found anywhere that we have struggled to get on. You definitely cannot manhandle twin axle vans, they are too awkward, just need to learn to reverse well. (OH HGV driver so this probaly helps but saying this he says 40' wagon easier to reverse than caravan)

Sue

-------------
Sue

Rowntree Park York/April
Hillside Brixham/June
Braithwaite Fold Bowness/September
(and as many weekends as
possible in between!)


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

01/3/2007 at 7:45pm
 Location: south yorks
 Outfit: Bailey ranger 4 70
View don-ros's Profile View Profile   Reply to don-ros Reply   Quote don-ros Quote  
Joined: 29/12/2006

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   23

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 been to look at caravans today and the salesman told me that caravan makers are making bigger vans on single axles because when you go abroad sites think that english gypsies have twin axle vans and won't let you on

-------------
Don


01/3/2007 at 8:15pm
 Location: Weston Super Mare
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant Bretagne S7.
View rlen99's Profile View Profile   Reply to rlen99 Reply   Quote rlen99 Quote  
Joined: 03/8/2006

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   99

Site Reviews Total: 1
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

Quote: Originally posted by don-ros on 01/3/2007
I been to look at caravans today and the salesman told me that caravan makers are making bigger vans on single axles because when you go abroad sites think that english gypsies have twin axle vans and won't let you on

  Sorry, but that does make me laugth!!!!!! Who cares what the french think!!!!  

I'm finding a twin axel very stable, easy to tow, no problems with leveling, and they just need a bit more umpth to move them!!!!!!



01/3/2007 at 8:38pm
 Location: Bristol
 Outfit: Lunar Conquest 544 a
View wizard9956's Profile View Profile   Reply to wizard9956 Reply   Quote wizard9956 Quote  
Joined: 25/9/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   7531

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

and they just need a bit more umpth to move them!!!!!!

My car has 100bhp and weighs 1800kg there abouts , will that be enough power ?

atb

Wizard



Advertisement



01/3/2007 at 10:04pm
 Location: Weston Super Mare
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant Bretagne S7.
View rlen99's Profile View Profile   Reply to rlen99 Reply   Quote rlen99 Quote  
Joined: 03/8/2006

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   99

Site Reviews Total: 1
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

Nah, I mean if your gonna move it on site or at home with man power   Takes two or three of you!!!!!!


01/3/2007 at 11:46pm
 Location: On the road
 Outfit: We gone back to a tent :-)
View ivanparkin's Profile View Profile   Reply to ivanparkin Reply   Quote ivanparkin Quote  
Joined: 01/12/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1433

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

Twin axles have many advantages over single axles, but there are some disadvantages too.

On the plus side: Mors stable on the road, more space,, etc.

Disadvantages: They are invariably heavier, almost impossible to move by hand, etc.

Levelling twin axles causes much debate. Some folk say the must have a level pitch because they are so difficult whereas others ahve no problems at all.

Personally, I have never found a problem with twin axles. Just make sure your towcar is heavy and powerful enough to pull it and you are confident enough to reverse it. As far as levelling goes, I have a set of home made ramps capable of raising one side of the van anything up to about 8 inches. I also have a set of Fiamma jacks (similar to axle stands) which I use to supplement the steadies when on an uneven pitch. I have used these jacks on a couple of occasions when the pitch was so sloping, the front steadies would not reach the ground and had no problems at all.



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




02/3/2007 at 12:22am
 Location: NW of Glasgow
 Outfit: Sterling Searcher 2008 Volvo XC90
View jennifernn's Profile View Profile   Reply to jennifernn Reply   Quote jennifernn Quote  
Joined: 14/1/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9057

Site Reviews Total: 17
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

Wizard, the layout of twin axle you are considering weighs in at about 1700kg for a new one.  I think your car would struggle with that, but an older one could well be lighter.

We are considering the same layout for our next van.



-------------
Jennifer


02/3/2007 at 9:01am
 Location: Dundee
 Outfit: Hobby 650 Premium & Range Rover HSE
View jamsie423's Profile View Profile   Reply to jamsie423 Reply   Quote jamsie423 Quote  
Joined: 12/9/2006

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   194

Site Reviews Total: 6
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

Hi Wizard9956,

We used to have a single axle 2-berth and last year you bought a new twin axle with fixed bed and although it is a lot bigger than our single, the extra space and, of course, fixed bed makes it worthwhile. They are no problem to level and only require a little bit more winding on each corner steady to achieve this. Positioning and reversing is a bit more tricky but with plenty of practice and take your time it becomes second nature, as for a mover, may I would suggest you give the reversing a try before purchasing one as they are a bit expensive for a twin axle. Good luck.

Jamsie



02/3/2007 at 9:44am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View simonm65's Profile View Profile   Reply to simonm65 Reply   Quote simonm65 Quote  
Joined: 20/8/2006

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   118

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

Quote: Originally posted by jamsie423 on 02/3/2007

Hi Wizard9956,

We used to have a single axle 2-berth and last year you bought a new twin axle with fixed bed and although it is a lot bigger than our single, the extra space and, of course, fixed bed makes it worthwhile. They are no problem to level and only require a little bit more winding on each corner steady to achieve this. Positioning and reversing is a bit more tricky but with plenty of practice and take your time it becomes second nature, as for a mover, may I would suggest you give the reversing a try before purchasing one as they are a bit expensive for a twin axle. Good luck.

Jamsie




Hi, do you mean you use the steadies to level your caravan? If so you really shouldn't do this they are designed to steady the caravan not be used as jacks, you are running the risk of twisting the chassis.


Advertisement



02/3/2007 at 10:00am
 Location: leeds
 Outfit: lunar solaris 2
View dunders's Profile View Profile   Reply to dunders Reply   Quote dunders Quote  
Joined: 23/2/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5

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

We have just purchased the Lunar Solaris 2 great van, tow with a Toyota Previa. No problems reversing.



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...














5886 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