We've only just decided to switch from a tent to a caravan and I'm squarely in the research phase!
I have a quick question - is there any reason I shouldn't consider a twin axle van? I guess they're generally bigger/heavier, but I have a Land Rover Defender 110 which we use for camping and would use to tow the van, so I think I should be OK with a larger van. Or, am I just being silly as it's our first van and should I stick with something as small as possible?
Looking at ads for secondhand vans and some of the larger (23ft'ish) vans seem good value by comparison.
Any input/advice is greatly appreciated at this stage!
My first van was a twin axle Fleetwood Heritage and I thought it was more stable to tow. Bigger provides the better options in general in terms of facilities and less compromises. Best to ensure it complies with the 85% limit for towing of course. At the end of the day let your pocket be your guide!
Doug
ps make sure it comes with a good motor mover. You will not move it easily/at all by hand.
We had one and although there was a lot of room it was too big to tour with and a pig to manouver.
You can now get some really good layouts on single axles now and as it is your first van I would go single.
So basically it's gonna cost more to own/run and will be a pain to move around. Thanks for the heads-up. It's always useful to know what you're getting yourself into.
Perhaps it might be best to avoid for our first step into caravanning. Unless, of course, we come across a stupendous deal on one.
Quote: Originally posted by Judders on 01/6/2010
So basically it's gonna cost more to own/run and will be a pain to move around. Thanks for the heads-up. It's always useful to know what you're getting yourself into.
Perhaps it might be best to avoid for our first step into caravanning. Unless, of course, we come across a stupendous deal on one.
It's generaly easier to manouver a single axle van. A twin axle mover can be very expensive Just a note for you. proper Land rovers have a stiff suspension & a Dixon Bates Hitch is recommended in order to prevent shock damage to the caravanframe & chassis http://www.dixonbate.co.uk/towing/product.asp?PartNo=202047
That's right Richard,
Had ours 3 years and never once thought I wished I had a mover. My father had a twin for years, long before they were even invented. I actually enjoy reversing, its a bit of an art for me - getting the van just where I want it. We also have a light Quasar 615-6, and after towing singles its far better in many ways, no bouncing and less swaying on motorways, and I've yet to see a twin axle on its side after a blow out. My storage costs are the same as my friends single axles in the same storage, insurance the same - and as for extra fuel for towing, lighter van equals same as single as Richard quoted, plus if you got a defender or disco like me then your not out for the best MPG in the first place.
However if I'm still vanning in my later years - I probably would like a mover for ease, single or twin.
I would say that you have the right car to pull anything - so choose the right layout for you and your family and go with that, rather than decide on twin or single. Unless you cannot reverse a van to where it needs to be! CC do lessons, which may help.
Good luck, and enjoy - because no matter what you get it still beats tenting!!!!!
P.s there is also another thread on this and majority including myself have never been turned away from a site for having a twin in the UK. In fact some of the new single layouts are longer than ever and some are only 300mm short of alot of twins. Go for the layout - not the axles.
Oh yeh! - one down side - the Gypsies love their Twins! probably because they live in em! Say no more!
Quote: Originally posted by caravancaz on 01/6/2010
Go for the layout - not the axles.
Oh yeh! - one down side - the Gypsies love their Twins! probably because they live in em! Say no more!
Thanks for the response Caz, very much appreciated. I like the 'go for the layout...' advice too, seems sensible to me now you mention it.
I can reverse a trailer just fine as I was brought up on a farm with tractors etc. I also have a tow ball on the front of the Landy too(prev. owner into boating), which should help in the tighter spots.
So, I just need to find a twin, learn to tell fortunes, find some lucky heather and I'll be all set.
just because it has twin axles does not mean its long. my mate has a 20ft twin axle but my van is just shy of 24 ft on a single axle you need to find the layout that suits you best thats important to us the o/h found the layout and i decided if i was gonna tow it ok with the car we had at the time keep looking for the layout which suits then there is nowt to stop you good luck
Width and tailswing are important factors,even more so when starting out.Are you used to driving nigh on 40ft of vehicle.That long overhang off the back axle can be a bugger if you want to go off the beaten track.Id say start smaller.....there are many shorter vans with clever layouts that seem roomier than 22footers.Go to a big showroom and get in few and compare.
On the axle front,twins are traditionally more stable but ther are a lot of newer singles that are just as good.Twins can be a bugger to move maneuver (sp?) in tight spaces but then again they can sit on the wheels with no weight on the jockey.So many pros and cons,too many to cover here.I have a 23ft twin axle Roma but use a 15ft cotswold single for touring.
On the whole I reckon start a little more modest and work your way up.Just my 2 pennyworth.
PS Doh!!!! missed your bit about driving tractors etc so delete where applicable above!!
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Topic: twin vs. single axle
