Whatever, I do not wish to get involved in a game of forum "bat & ball" but I think that I speak for the majority of caravaners, when I say that layout, build quality, weight, cost etc, take priority over the amount of axles. This is a leisure time hobby, and for the vast majority of people pursuing it, the caravan remains static for the bulk of it's life, so the amount of axles for most comes way down on the list of priorities, thus 1 axle will surfice.
I have no idea which is safer,maybe it is a twin axle but i
was put off considering a twin by the fact that there are parks
all over the uk and europe that will not allow twin axles on
site.
This may not be fair, but as the term touring caravan applies,i
tour and really do not want to turn upto a site at the last
minute to find they do not allow twins..
was put off considering a twin by the fact that there are parks
all over the uk and europe that will not allow twin axles on
site.
This may not be fair, but as the term touring caravan applies,i
tour and really do not want to turn upto a site at the last
minute to find they do not allow twins..
Never been refused entry to a park because we have a twin axle. Its also very easy to ask if there are any restrictions when you book
On this and other forums. People post queeries on the safety of van re loading, tyres, snaking, types of road and how to carry equipment or where bikes shoul be carried and asic servicing. Questions over speed and driving in various weather and climate conditions and on distances covered and driver fatigue. Also there are others on the types of tow car that they use re towing.
That's a heck of a lot of questions and considerations re something that's static most of it's life and shows that some consider miuch more than just price and layout etc. ;-)
That's a heck of a lot of questions and considerations re something that's static most of it's life and shows that some consider miuch more than just price and layout etc. ;-)
steve, we tour thats why we have a caravan.
we have a single axle, so that the problem of no entry to a site
never accurs.
And yes there are plenty of sites that forbid twin axles.
we have a single axle, so that the problem of no entry to a site
never accurs.
And yes there are plenty of sites that forbid twin axles.
The opinions expressed in this thread are pretty diverse, proving that there is no cut-and-dry case for either a single or a twin. The lack of any factual data one way or another concurs with this finding. So, in the end, it's just a matter of personal choice or how one sets one's priorities.
Having never owned a twin wheeler I cannot comment on the stability issue, but we do have friends who have twin axles who as far a I am aware have never failed to get on any site they want and that includes the continent. The next van we buy will probably be a twin axle but for the reason of the layout, as the layout we would like you cannot get on a single axle. With this in mins I agree with the comment that you buy the caravan for the layout not the number of axles the van has.
Giovanni " And yes there are plenty of sites that forbid twin axles " Bet they don't if they are not fully booked up !!!!!!
Val & Frank
Val & Frank
A good few years back we were told that the French had some problems with their " Gypsies/Travellers " and some municipal sites barred T/A carthereavans for that reason and a few sites where there was a language barrier just barred UK T/A vans. We've never been barred frrom any sits in the Uk or on the continent with a T/A and nor have friends and family, and we've never met a T/A owner on site that has been turned away.
"That's a heck of a lot of questions and considerations re something that's static most of it's life and shows that some consider miuch more than just price and layout etc.
The users on this forum account for a very very small percentage of the caravaning public, if what you say is correct cris, why are twin axles so vastley outnumbered by single axles?
The amount of wheels does not sell a caravan.
Berty.......
The users on this forum account for a very very small percentage of the caravaning public, if what you say is correct cris, why are twin axles so vastley outnumbered by single axles?
The amount of wheels does not sell a caravan.
Berty.......
why are twin axles so vastley outnumbered by single axles?
The same reason as to why Fords out number Rolls Royces.
Val & Frank
The same reason as to why Fords out number Rolls Royces.
Val & Frank
I think Berty was referring to a fair comparison on a size-for-size basis. In that case, the cost penalty for the second axle, while still appreciable, is not that significant.
Surely the amount of axles does not dictate to weather it is a " Rolls Royce " or a Mini, take a look at the Vanmaster range, and the price of there single axle caravans far exceeds the price of you main stream double axle manufacturers.How much for an extra axle? like Lutz says, not a lot.
Horses for courses.
Horses for courses.
Why dont we all just end this thread now because it just seems to be going round in circles. As i previously said & many others its just down to personal choice if you want a S/A or T/A.
Lutz goes on about scientific evidence does it really matter you choose a caravan within a budget you have & layout that you want the same as anything else you buy its what you want.
i have never been turned away at sites either & Know no one who has maybe there are sites that dont but there are certainly hundreds that do & a simple question is all that is needed when you book so its not a problem.
S/A out number T/A because more people want them based on the average cars & affordability etc, but all manufactures make T/A for the market that is there.
Regards to all & lets enjoy our hobby.
Lutz goes on about scientific evidence does it really matter you choose a caravan within a budget you have & layout that you want the same as anything else you buy its what you want.
i have never been turned away at sites either & Know no one who has maybe there are sites that dont but there are certainly hundreds that do & a simple question is all that is needed when you book so its not a problem.
S/A out number T/A because more people want them based on the average cars & affordability etc, but all manufactures make T/A for the market that is there.
Regards to all & lets enjoy our hobby.
I fully agree with you, David. The only reason why I got into "scientific" details was because Cris was making a blanket statement suggesting that twin axles are overwhelmingly superior to single axles. However, there was absolutely nothing but personal opinion to support this theory or which would stand up to scrutiny. Reading such a reply, one could be forgiven to believe that it would be positively irresponsible to tow a single axled caravan. Some of the argument was based on Forumla 1 experience where conditions are hardly comparable with those encountered when towing an 8ft high box at only 60mph and relatively gently around bends.
So, let's leave it at that. Those that feel happier with a twin, fine, but please leave the single axle its legitimate right to exist without making significant compromises regarding safety.
So, let's leave it at that. Those that feel happier with a twin, fine, but please leave the single axle its legitimate right to exist without making significant compromises regarding safety.
Well said, Lutz. There seems to be a little bigotry creeping in, not only on this topic, but others. Just because a piece of equipment, a place to go or a method of doing something suits one particular person, It doesn't mean it suits all.
Thats right Lol, there are some on the Forum who love an argument and they know just how to start it.Each to their own I say and if everyone had a big 4x4 and a twin axle the world would be a safer and happier place ;O)
Brian (",)
(joke)
Brian (",)
(joke)
Thats exactly what i am saying & im not being bigotry.
Lets all enjoy our hobby & this forum to exchange ideas to enjoy it better not to cause arguments.
No matter if you have a s/a t/a 4x4 small car or a 20year old caravan. It certainly beats package holidays in a cramped up room in a hotel. ( not a topic to start another argument)
Happy caravanning
Lets all enjoy our hobby & this forum to exchange ideas to enjoy it better not to cause arguments.
No matter if you have a s/a t/a 4x4 small car or a 20year old caravan. It certainly beats package holidays in a cramped up room in a hotel. ( not a topic to start another argument)
Happy caravanning
That is not quite the case Lutz, If you are amking a choice ibvolving single axle re twin axle caravan you are not going to be buying a small caravan.
Your so called scientific theories discount facts re superior resistannce to lateral movement with twin axles and the benefits of having twice as many tyres and brakes.
Th that are many facts and whhat I post is noty just my personal view as you say but that of many who tow twin axle caravans and trailers.
You like your scientific reports and a recent scientific report (about 5 weeks ago) brought up the dangers and dificulties 4 x 4's have when you try and bring them under control when they go into a weave. Higher C of G and tyre construction they use were said to be major contributing factors.
As many make the choice of towing T/A's with such vehicles any advantage however slight that a T/A gives in conjunction with such a tow car could be a critical factor.
This is not an atack on 4 X 4 but just pointing out that they excell at somethings and that causes a compromise with other things. That does not make them bad like S/A caravans are not bad.
But some of the handling differences attiributed to 4 X 4 handling also equate to diferneces between S/A and T/A Caravans as they would other vehicles.
Many reports mention the natural resistance to lateral movement of T/A caravans and also suggest that T/A's do not need stabilisers unlike S/A's. That is not my personal view that is a general line from caravanners and people in the trade etc.
Your so called scientific theories discount facts re superior resistannce to lateral movement with twin axles and the benefits of having twice as many tyres and brakes.
Th that are many facts and whhat I post is noty just my personal view as you say but that of many who tow twin axle caravans and trailers.
You like your scientific reports and a recent scientific report (about 5 weeks ago) brought up the dangers and dificulties 4 x 4's have when you try and bring them under control when they go into a weave. Higher C of G and tyre construction they use were said to be major contributing factors.
As many make the choice of towing T/A's with such vehicles any advantage however slight that a T/A gives in conjunction with such a tow car could be a critical factor.
This is not an atack on 4 X 4 but just pointing out that they excell at somethings and that causes a compromise with other things. That does not make them bad like S/A caravans are not bad.
But some of the handling differences attiributed to 4 X 4 handling also equate to diferneces between S/A and T/A Caravans as they would other vehicles.
Many reports mention the natural resistance to lateral movement of T/A caravans and also suggest that T/A's do not need stabilisers unlike S/A's. That is not my personal view that is a general line from caravanners and people in the trade etc.
He certainly doesn't, Berty. In desperation he's now swapped comparisons with F1 to comparisons with 4x4's, where the conditions are almost just as different. I presume his references to poor handling of 4x4's is based on results of the "Moose Test", but this is rather out of date since the advent of ESP.
I think you are getting carried away Lutz. Nothing about "bad" handling. But the report of the tests was in the press about motorway crash barriers that 4 x 4's can turn over on due to their height and higher C of G and the research had shown that the cars can be very hard if not impossible to get under control when they get into a weave or lose control !
Nothing to do with any "moose" test.
And Lutz if you email Mod 1 you will find that "BERTY" Who ever she or he is has had at least 3 accounts closed in the past few days !
Nothing to do with any "moose" test.
And Lutz if you email Mod 1 you will find that "BERTY" Who ever she or he is has had at least 3 accounts closed in the past few days !
Lutz
Your not going mad, I deleted Berty's mail and account. Kangarit I am afraid, even if this time he was right!
Your not going mad, I deleted Berty's mail and account. Kangarit I am afraid, even if this time he was right!
What is the "Moose Test" if it isn't a standardized test to evaluate the handling performance of a vehicle when avoiding a hazard ahead, i.e. when weaving?
Berty, it would appear that you have several log ins which is against forum rules. If you had just one with a proper email address I think you would be ok. I certainly haven't found any of you posts offensive although the truth does hurt sometimes ;O)
Brian (",)
Brian (",)
Right, that's it, the brandy is in the bin. I could swear this topic looked different, earlier.
Can someone tell me who the good guys are and who the baddies are?
Can someone tell me who the good guys are and who the baddies are?
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