single or twin axle?

[Benspickup]

New to caravans and wonder which is more stable to tow, looking at a 4 berth and spending around 4k. Tow vehicle is a land rover 110 defender. Thanks Ben

[nagsheadwarrior]

Twins more stable but normally bigger and harder to move about.

[Happy82]

Check whether you require a b&e licence too.

I think the main downside to a twin axle is that they're more desirable for our wonderful nomadic friends.

[DHE]

Not all sites allow twin axles, can churn the pitches up but also due to the association with our nomadic friends.

[DHE]

Not all sites allow twin axles, can churn the pitches up but also due to the association with our nomadic friends.

[Chrisgr31]

DHE said:

Not all sites allow twin axles, can churn the pitches up but also due to the association with our nomadic friends.

Is there any basis to this or is it an old wives tail? I cant really see our friends wanting to visit an actual campsite, after all they'll have to pay on entry at many sites!

[Chrisgr31]

Having googled it appears that twins might allegedly be banned from a number of sites in France however this does not necessarily appear to be related to the twin axle itself.

The problem appears to be that many French sites were designed with smaller caravans in mind and therefore it's possible that a twin axle or even large single axle van will not physically fit around some French sites, let alone fit on a pitch.

If towing with a UK registered vehicle you are unlikely to be considered to be a troublemaker just because you have a twin axle caravan.

[surveyor]

Chrisgr31 said:

DHE said:

Not all sites allow twin axles, can churn the pitches up but also due to the association with our nomadic friends.

Is there any basis to this or is it an old wives tail? I cant really see our friends wanting to visit an actual campsite, after all they'll have to pay on entry at many sites!

Not come across this in the uk.

Single axle easier to manoeuvre. More wobbly.

Twin axle needs motor mover, or tow car to move. Will tug the tow car up and down vertically on uneven roads.

Obvious twin axle is heavier, but with more space

[Super Slo Mo]

surveyor said:

Twin axle needs motor mover, or tow car to move. Will tug the tow car up and down vertically on uneven roads.

All you need to do is raise the front on the jockey wheel so the forward axle lifts off the floor, more or less, and you have the same manoeuvrability as a single axle caravan.
Due to the, generally, additional weight of the two axle caravan though you need an extra person to help shift it around.

[Rosscow]

Super Slo Mo said:

All you need to do is raise the front on the jockey wheel so the forward axle lifts off the floor, more or less, and you have the same manoeuvrability as a single axle caravan.
Due to the, generally, additional weight of the two axle caravan though you need an extra person to help shift it around.

Interesting - will try this method out!

[Dog Star]

Happy82 said:

Check whether you require a b&e licence too.

I think the main downside to a twin axle is that they're more desirable for our wonderful nomadic friends.

My mum and dad have a beautiful Fendt - fantastic thing with aircon, underfloor heating, it ace. These things are especially popular with do-as-you-likeys, and the only reason I think it hasn't disappeared from their drive is that it's a single axle.