Twin Axle V Single Axle

[TLC]

Help!! My husband wants a twin axle as he says they are more stable to tow. However I have been told they are difficult to move, some sites don't allow them or only will have them in certain pitch's, they are hard to level, insurance is higher etc, etc. Any advice......

 

[Lutz]

I think you've already answered the question yourself. It is almost a philosophical one. Some people prefer the one, some the other. I chose a single axle for just about the same reasons that you mentioned. I'd just add one other one. The second axle weighs about 50kg and that is dead weight that you are carrying around with you and reducing your payload. There is no real need for a twin axle except when you get to about 1800kg or above but you're right, the twin does have advantages, too. Two axles have better braking performance is a reason that is often forgotten.

 

[Garfield]

Years ago there were a number of 16 & 18' caravans that were twin axle, these days it is rare to see any new caravans that are twin axle at less than 20' they are virtually all single axle, similarly, almost everything 20' and above is twin axle so it is more to do with what size caravan you want rather than one or two axles,

A 1400 kg single axle caravan will have a heavy duty axle and heavy reinforced tyres, wheras twin axles use lighter axles and conventional tyres so the weight difference is less than you'd think.

Our freind's single axle caravan has a miro of 1254kg and a mtplm of 1400 so has a very small payload allowance. Our twin axle is three foot longer with a miro of 1266kg and a mtplm of 1600 so our payload is nearly 200kg more.

Manouvering T/A's with the car is no more difficult but you are right, they are a pig to move by hand!.

Has anyone had experience of sites turning away T/A's recently?? I haven't.

If your single axle van is satisfactory but unstable to tow, you should address the stability problem first.

 

[Del_374232870]

I find maneuvering the twin axle with the car a lot easier than a single axle, as when reversing it easier to keep it straight due to the 2 axles keeping it in line. Have to admit it is a pig to move by hand.

 

[RiaandJames_374303418]

As a lady caravanner who often tows the caravan in the UK and Europe without my Husband after many years or towing if you want peace of mind buy the twin axle. We have never had a problem pitching a twin any where in the UK or Europe, and manouvering is just a matter of common sense and practice. Also we do not have a motor mover as we have never found we needed one.

We have towed both sorts of caravans in many conditions on many different roads. And we have shared the use of our caravans with our parents.

None of us would tow a single axle trailer or caravan of any kind given the choice.

This year I must have been to around twenty sites from North Yorkshire to San Marino, and have never needed plastic ramps or planks to level the van.

The odd time we've move the caravan unhitched, we raise the front with the jockey wheel so the front wheels are taking less of the weight and the caravans are quite easy to use. Even for three women.

And your husband is a wise man ;-) listen to him on this one.

Ria

 

[TLC]

Thanks for all your comments. Ria you have given me new confidence. We shall be definitely be going to look at some twin axls. Will keep you informed as to what we choose!