But would a twin axle tear the lawn up when manoevering it? (it would have to be with a motor mover because its storage position requires steep turns in a confined space)
Quote: Originally posted by IanH on 12/9/2010
But would a twin axle tear the lawn up when manoevering it? (it would have to be with a motor mover because its storage position requires steep turns in a confined space)
Depends a lot on how you handle the situation, if you want to tear the lawn up to make a point then you will be able to, however if you have a twin wheel and want to move it across the lawn without damaging it then it can be done - motor mover on the rear wheels, jockey wheel raising the front, skid plates under the front wheels and you'll spin a twin almost in it's own length without tearing the grass out
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Don't have a twin axle now, but used to. Given the choice I'd take twin over single without hesitation, as has been said they are much more stable to tow. They are no more difficult to reverse than a single imo. They are more dificult to push by hand - but I just don't do that, I use the vehicle !
Have heard of the disbarring on some French campsites,was told it was because of the grass getting torn up - I suppose then that either more French people can't reverse caravans properly or just all the overseas tourists who can't must frequent those campsites a lot.
------------- Fools and charlatans know everything and understand nothing . Anton Chekhov
Quote: Originally posted by alpiner on 12/9/2010
David if you go onto the caravan clubs web site click on insurance you will see at the bottom the quote. Please note that twin axle caravans must have two AL-KO secure or BPW Diamond wheel locks on the same side. If you want the discount???????????
Thanks for that information. I checked it out and you do indeed need to have two AL-KO secure or BPW Diamond wheel locks on the same side in order to qualify for the 10% discount. I know that for a single axle van the minimum requirement for insurance purposes with the CC is generally 'one security device' (hitch or wheel) as a condition for the insurance (unless special conditions apply). I would be interested to know what the CC quote as the minimum security requirement for double axle vans. It may still be one security device? This may be of interest to anyone who finds it difficult to fit two whhel devices.
Quote: Originally posted by caravancaz on 12/9/2010
RC? never heard of that with a TA caravan before raising front wheels with jockey! Is that something you have done?
It is the theory of using just two wheels controlled by motormover on a twin axle - you will never lift the front wheels off the ground - just lighten the load on them to make them skid easier.
Don't have a motor mover myself - I can reverse a caravan
------------- Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby
David, I'm a member of CC and the quote for insurance was way off what I already pay with Safeguard caravan and motorhome insurance. They don't ask for 2 wheel locks, just hitch, alarm and 1 wheel lock. I was shocked at CC, thought as a member I might get a good deal. Its gone down £30 this year after 3 years with them (no claims)
Have heard of the disbarring on some French campsites,was told it was because of the grass getting torn up - I suppose then that either more French people can't reverse caravans properly or just all the overseas tourists who can't must frequent those campsites a lot. Â
I've heard this as well but I wonder what makes the most mess a twin axle or a idiot in a 'go anywhere on road tyres 4x4' with all four wheels spinning at maximum revs trying to get his SA off the pitch?
------------- Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby
Having moved from a SA to a large (1900kg) TA I can say that the TA van is much more stable on the road. It is inherently safer, as the load is spread across 4 wheels with tyres operating at substantially lower pressures than SA units. These are also the reasons why all modern horse boxes are now TA.
TA vans are much easier to reverse but for fine adjustments off car I believe a motor mover is essential. As for levelling, I've only ever used a single plastic levelling block that I used with my SA. I just use the mover to put the first wheel on the block and found that sufficient, unless you decide to park on a bad transverse slope, which isn't a wise thing to do.
It is true that insurers generally insist on two wheel clamps, but given that most anti theft devices are little more than ornaments I just use two basic clamps and that satisfies the insurance requirements. Servicing is more expensive and some compounds charge more to store a TA, but that's usually because they are bigger. I would be reluctant to go back to a SA now.
Quote: Originally posted by caravancaz on 12/9/2010
David, I'm a member of CC and the quote for insurance was way off what I already pay with Safeguard caravan and motorhome insurance. They don't ask for 2 wheel locks, just hitch, alarm and 1 wheel lock. I was shocked at CC, thought as a member I might get a good deal. Its gone down £30 this year after 3 years with them (no claims)
We only have a SA van and the CC ask for just one security device, but they do insist we store on a Gold Cassoa site, since our previous van was stolen.
When our last van was stolen the CC insurance were excellent and replaced the van with a van of our choice from a dealer of our choice. They dealt with the claim efficiently and with no fuss - just filled in a simple form and supplied them with a list and costing for the equipment/ personal effects in the van. We had to wait a standard 4 week period (to see if the van was recovered) and then it took a further short period for the dealer to take delivery of the new van as they were awaiting delivery we had new for old cover. The person who had his van stolen at the same time was insured through th C&CC and had to provide photos. His loss adjuster visited the site and he had to undergo a fairly intense 3-hour interview.
After this, only extra stipulation from the CC Insurance was that the van had to be stored in a Gold Cassoa site. In spite of our claim the cost of insurance rose by only a very small amount. I will admit that the CC is not the cheapest caravan insurance, but the straightforward and helpful way in which they dealt with the claim, plus the standard of cover took a lot of the stress away from the situation. It was dealt with very sympathetically.
.........apologies for digressing from SA/DA vans to Caravan Insurance.
My husband had a twin axle yrs ago so when we considered our options he would only have another twin axle!! They tow steady and loads of room for the family! We love it! When we upgrade down the line it will be another twin for sure! We waited quite a while to find the right van to turn up - glad we did!
We had to have 3 security devices on it for the insurance! Either 2 wheel clamps and a hitch lock or 1 wheel clamp, a hitch lock and an alarm. We opted for 2 wheel clamps and hitch lock.
Having watched 4 men at the dealers push a twin axle van through 90deg I was alarmed at the distortion of the tyre side wall
It was almost coming off the rim
So its no wonder it chews the grass up
If you have a decent driver you can turn a twin (or even a tri axle) without damaging the surface or leaving half your tread behind. We use both for hauling marquee equipment and are always aware of not causing damage to customers property.Try to turn it on a sixpence and you will scrub everything in sight.
Having watched 4 men at the dealers push a twin axle van through 90deg I was alarmed at the distortion of the tyre side wall
It was almost coming off the rim
So its no wonder it chews the grass up
If you have a decent driver you can turn a twin (or even a tri axle) without damaging the surface or leaving half your tread behind. We use both for hauling marquee equipment and are always aware of not causing damage to customers property.Try to turn it on a sixpence and you will scrub everything in sight.
This is 100% true, if you back any caravan on full lock on the spot, you will tare the grass, also your jack-knifing your unit!
Quote: Originally posted by caravancaz on 13/9/2010
Quote: Originally posted by H.Jardon on 13/9/2010
Quote: Originally posted by JohnG on 12/9/2010
Having watched 4 men at the dealers push a twin axle van through 90deg I was alarmed at the distortion of the tyre side wall
It was almost coming off the rim
So its no wonder it chews the grass up
If you have a decent driver you can turn a twin (or even a tri axle) without damaging the surface or leaving half your tread behind. We use both for hauling marquee equipment and are always aware of not causing damage to customers property.Try to turn it on a sixpence and you will scrub everything in sight.
This is 100% true, if you back any caravan on full lock on the spot, you will tare the grass, also your jack-knifing your unit!
As I posted earlier its not always possible for even a good driver to get a van into some storage places or on some pitches
This is especially true with twin axle vans as many are bigger (longer)
The situation I quoted at the dealer was not one where even a good driver could have reversed without demolishing several adjacent vans to the front rear and side
I was answering the point made about chewing up the grass
I am not anti twin axles but all sides of a debate need airing for the OP to get a balanced view
It seems to me that it depend on personal preferences and the kind of sites used together with pitch and storage access
On our last outing to Wythall CC site one arrival tried 4 pitches before he got one big enough or well placed to allow the reversing manoever to be completed
We have a single axle Bailey California which is extremely stable on tow and allowed me to join in the rally held at the site where the pic posted above was taken
Its also got a mover which enable me to drive the outfit off the road at home and then position the caravan in a tight space without blocking the lane and risking collision with vehicles cresting the hill
For me a mover would be a must
We holiday in France every year so site refusal would also be a problem
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: single axle versus twin
