Lightweight twin axle?

[Magnus_5122323]

Hi All

We have only recently started caravanning and are thoroughly enjoying it but have come to realise that with 2 young kids we may need a bit more space. We currently have an 2003 Elddis avante 475 and were wondering whether there is a light weight twin axle available which we could tow with our Audi A4 avant 1.9 tdi (130bhp)

All suggestions appreciated

 

[rob_jax]

Hi,

The words "lightweight" and "twin-axle" don't really belong in the same sentence.

If only in the sense that a twin-axle will always weigh more than an equivalent single axle since you would be towing an additional two wheels and a second AL-KO axle around. And you could enjoy quite a few additional luxuries for the combined weight of two wheels and an axle.

Robert

 

[Lutz]

I fully agree with Rob_jax. There's contradiction in terms here. The second axle will add about 50kg to the unladen weight of the caravan, weight which could probably be put to better use elsewhere.

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Magnus, I have a 2005 Lunar Quasar615, this is a 5 berth model with a MIRO 1205kg (MTPLM 1405)and I tow it comfortably with a Renualt Espace. The layout of the van suits me, as the enemy consists of a wife and 3 kids, but as the other posts suggest, you could get a spacious 4 berth on a single axle for less weight and/or maybe more equipment,

best regards, Martin

 

[Magnus_5122323]

Thanks for the advice.

I just thought that the twin axle might be a bit better for towing. But I reckon that maybe a slightly bigger single axle may be the way forward. Can anyone reccomend some models which would be suitable for towing with my Audi A4?

I hoped to get an end washroom model or something with fixed bunks.

 

[jennifer_374227268]

Hi, take a look at the new bailey Ranger 620/6 (1550kg) its a twin axle with fixed bed and lots of room. We have been enquiring on here before about this caravan and any replies i got seemed good we hope to be changing to one at end of year.

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Jennifer, since when has 1550kg been classed as lightweight? I have always been under the impression that anything under 1250kg would be classed as light, I could be wrong,

best regards, Martin

 

[GeorgeB]

Magnus,

If you've still got the service book for your car, look in the inside page of the cover, thats where they put the car's data sticker, otherwise it'll be in the spare wheel well, the start of the bottom line should have 4 numbers, thats the factory's unladen weight of your car, my A4 avant 2.0 TDi is 1618kg & I tow a Bailey Senator Indiana max weight 1500 kg, slightly over the 85% guide lines, but well within the 1800kg max weight limit as set by Audi.

Up to 100% of the cars kerbside weight should be OK for you, but just watch your loadings, & try to put the bulky stuff in the back of the car, you've got a superb tow car, bags of grunt where it's needed the most.

 

[jennifer_374227268]

Jennifer, since when has 1550kg been classed as lightweight? I have always been under the impression that anything under 1250kg would be classed as light, I could be wrong,

best regards, Martin

Hi Martin, Sorry should have stated MTPLM 1549kg, i would regard this as a lightweight twin axle as most family sized cars should be able to tow it, where as the twin axle we have is 1700kg MTPLM which does require a 4x4 to tow, this is reason we have been looking to change to the Bailey.

 

[Jo-AnneFairway5402010]

hiya, have a look at the swift charisma 620 tourer of the year, or sterling europa 620, ace viscount or abbey vogue 620. huge rear washroom, side fixed bed, paralel seating and its a twin axel. in sept some dealers will be bringing there special editions out in the 620's so i will be waiting. approx weight of the top of my head is 1640 fully loaded. i dont know if you can tow that van with your car but its worth having a look.

jo-anne

 

[Lutz]

1640kg is hardly a lightweight caravan.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

You could have a look at the Sprite Major and Quattro, they are light for what they are but are probably still too heavy for your car.

 

[Garfield]

We may be selling our 2001 Lunar Gemini 615 20' twin axle six berth which at 1100kg miro and 1400 kg mtplm must be about the lightest caravan of it's size, the second axle does not add that much extra weight as the tyres, wheels and hubs are much lighter than the reinforced tyres, bigger hubs etc used on a single axle van of similar size, they tend to be heavier because they can!

 

[Peter_374225034]

We were in a similiar position to you 2 years ago.

We used to borrow a bailey champagne 4 berth rear washroom, and with 2 kids the lack of room and bed situation was making going away a chore rather than enjoyment.

We started looking for vans to use with our A4 avant 2.0TD.

In the end we changed our car and went for a Elddis Crusader Storm. (rear fixed bed, 2 fixed singles at the front) we avoided the l shape layouts due to the kids fighting with feet at night. We have found it to be the ideal layout. So much so that we are choosing the same layout for our new 2008 Van.

As for weight. take a look at the lunar 640 EW/I models they have a MTPLM of 1600KG. and the Swift Charisma 620 and ACE/Abbey variants, they are 1640KG from memory.

They may still be to much for the A4 1.9, But i would much rather have a lightweight TA than a big upto the limit SA.