Twin axle van

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Delt1c

I have made no comment regarding forward towing, all my responses have been about reversing.

Just as an attempt to explain the apparent difference you detect when reversing, even with caravans of the same length, its not the overall length that affects the reversing but the distance from the hitch to the rearward most axle. It is most likely the TA's rear most axle ihas a greater distance to the hitch compared to the SA caravan.

Consequently the reversing turning response will be slightly slower and thus feel more controllable.
As for forward towing I to believe a TA does feel more stable, but they are very sensitive to nose loading which can make a significant difference to the feel of the outfit.

 

[Delt1c]

Profesor John L
Fully agre with you . Regarding nose weight I normally am very particular packing the van keeping heavy objects above the axle and on the floor. Once in a rush I packed most between the front seats and it was the starngest tow, the van didnt have excessive snaking but every little movement seemed to transfer to the car. Quicky repacked after only a couple of miles and all was perfect again.
Reversing with the twin is simple , with the single axle van it would take me ages and many shunts to position the van , but with the twin no problems, even as a solo tower it is several years since I hd to use the mover.
Hitching up on my own I have to get it tight as there is no way I can swing the twin on my own (and dont want to have to engage the mover) , however I find that if I align the rear centre headrest with the centre front window and I can see equual amounts of the front of the van in my mirrors then no problems, this also applied to the s/a vns but I didnt have to be as exact alighning the van and car.
For me personally I much preffer the twin,s

 

[ro88o0]

hi all,
been reading this thread for a few days.
i am a newcomer to caravans, been through the tent,trailer tent, folding camper route. i have towed for the last twenty years on various trailers our last being a pennine pathfinder max weight 1050kg.
right, we went out to view as you do and we decided that a caravan would suit our needs better.
we brought the layout that we wanted and ensured that the car was safe to tow the van.
i expexted things to be different and sometimes difficult, but still went ahead.
we brought a lunar solar 615 ta (1400kg max weight) we tow with a citreon c8 deisel 2.0hdi (max tow weight around 1600 kg) just under 83% match via towsafe)
we have now had it just over a month with two trips out. i found the caravan to be more sluggish(cos its heavier). reversing easier(cos its longer i assume). the van bounces more (cos it has two axels).
Also and a big also i cant move the van without the car!!!!
i would say buy the van with the layout you want, if your car is safe to tow.
i dont think that there is a lot of different towing a 26ft ta to towing a 26ft sa.
anyway shoot me down but as a newcomer thats what i have found
thanks
ro88o0

 

[Lutz]

I agree with you, ro88o0. Whether a caravan happens to be be a single or a twin is less of an issue than whether the layout and size suits you. Usually you don't have a choice anyway. Once you have selected your preferred make and decided on the layout the single or twin option is taken out of your hands. I can't imagine many people set their priorities on a twin first, regardless of size.

 

[Delt1c]

Lutz
I have followed many postings on t/a and s/a vans . Could you tell us what t/a and s/a vans you have towed long term on which you base your findings, just out of intrest as I like to compare big Apples with big Apples.

 

[Lutz]

My replies are based on the laws of physics and not on personal experience, because the conditions surrounding the latter can vary too much to allow judgment on just one variable. In other words, it is always possible to pick holes in statements based on personal opinion because, in practice, it is difficult to compare apples with apples as something else always changes at the same time, too. This is only possible through strict scientific testing where all parameters are monitored.
This is also why I reserve judgment on Delt1c's comments. For example, he has not given any details of the weights of each of the caravans in question, the weight distribution left to right, tyre equipment and tyre pressures, prevailing road and weather conditions, or even whether the same towcar was used. All these factors can blurr the result.

 

[bakers-cottage]

We have a 7.8m lunar lexon 640 twin axle, I havent found any problems with towing it, it sits behind and does what its supposed to do!
I have found it alot better over rough old roads, which Im afraid is what we tend to be driving alot on these days as with 4 wheels it soaks up the bumps a bit better.
Moving it can be tricky, but then again, its a big lump, so not a real surprise. We havent got a mover fitted as we didnt fancy the extra 50kg plus added to the weight. So either reversing or with a bit of effort we have always managed to get it in to where we have wanted.
Only thing we would suggest is to check all sites just to make sure you can get in, visited a site recently and it was a bit tight getting out, no mention of it being restricted width/tight turn in CC book or mentioned when we booked, so we always try and take a look at sites before we book in now! Even if the site owners say its no problem getting in!
Other than that, if it fits all your requirements then go for it! Dont be put off by negativity!
You can see what we are all about at http://ourlifeinacaravan.blogspot.com
Jools & "M"

 

[Lutz]

The problem of gaining access to pitches is not confined to twin axles. As there are single axle caravans of the same size as the Lunar Lexon 640 mentioned above, one should bear in mind that the same could also apply to a big single axle.