I am thinking about moving up from a 17.5ft single axle to 21ft double axle but I am a bit concerned about moving it about on the smaller roads and reversing it on sites. I would love the bigger van but I am frightened that I get stuck on some small road etc. has anyone move up to a much bigger van. What are the pros and cons? thanks
Reversing a big twin axle is easier than a single as it changes direction slower so gives you a better chance to correct steering wheel inputs wheras a single axle turns in a lot quicker . However it is far easier to manhandle a single axle van my twin axle is impossible to move solo hence why i fitted a motor mover to it . I dont have the room in the storage compound to put the van in with the car cos there isnt enough room to manouevre it . I love the space in my twin axle van but will probably switch to a single axle when the kids no longer wish to come with us .
How do you find the length of the car+ van on small roads? Your caravan looks about the same weight as the one I am looking at. Can you move it with a couple of people?
Hi, Go for the twin ! ! Much more stable on the road, Easier to reverse, Much more room inside, Safer if you have a blowout, BUT you wont push it on your own and you do need two wheel clamps and have four tyres to look after...I wouldn't swap back
------------- Doing as little as possible for as much as possible...
If you don't' do reverse ever' i don't think a twin axle is for you ! It takes upto 6 people to manouevre on grass especially if the ground is soft . My old single axle i could shift with just 3 of us . Unless you've got plenty of willing hands to help i'd suggest sticking with a single . The length of the outfit as stated by raymcm is largely unimportant when towing the only time i struggle is reversing it into its storage spot cos there isnt enough room to allow for the full unit length. The problem with the twin is the extra weight & overcoming the tyre friction generated by the twin axle arrangement. Some of the single axle vans are nearly the same length as my twin ( i.e Avondale Dart 556 ) but i must admit i havent seen a single axle van with the same layout as mine ( 6 birth with full width rear washroom )
I have no wish to be drawn into a which is better single or twin debate but wish you well whatever you finally decide on .
Thanks for that. All that I am looking for in a caravan a double dinette which has 6ft 4" front benches or even 6ft if the door wat is at the end of the bench and 4ft 6"+ back benches and 6ft 4+ internal height. I want an older van as I only want to spend about £4000 or less if I can getaway with it. The only vans that I found with these specs are twin axles. My single axle is great but only has 44" back benches and I want to use the back as a double and front as singles. My husband and son should be smaller!! Myself and daughter could get away with 5ft 5" with plenty of headroom!! Nearly all of the time I tow so maybe I should take a course.
I think you will struggle finding any vans with 6ft 4inch long front benches . Even my twin axles front benches aren't quite that roomy ( 6ft 3 in but only on 1 side?) Good luck for your search for the holy grail !
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Topic: single axle vs double
