We have a twin axle 2008 Buccaneer and we're looking to replace it. In 2015 we retired to live in France, which led us into using European campsites much more. The vast majority of sites in France, Italy and Spain seem to have been established when vans were much smaller and the pitches have hedges or trees to demarcate them, which can make access with twin axles a pain or even impossible. Bordeaux refused entry, Chamonix had to use movers to enter & exit not only pitch but site as well. There is also a reticence, particularly near the cities, such as Bordeaux in France, to accept twin axles due to problems with travellers. Please note, not ALL sites in France are like this but many are. Germany, Austria & Switzerland do not seem to demarcate pitches anywhere near as much, so no problems experienced in these countries.
Has anyone else changed from twin to single axle and were you happy with your decision? We have a 3.0 Amarok, so the tug is no problem.
Stick with a TA. I have never been refused access to French sites, although I agree that on occasions, a mover is necessary to make best use of pitch - at least they have none of the ridiculous pitching to a peg so beloved of CC sites.
We moved from single axle to twin axle vans about 10 years ago and just due to take delivery of our latest twin (Swift Elegance 645).
We tow with a 4WD and tour France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria regularly . We also went on a trip to Croatia and we have never had a problem booking in at any sites for our stays (including overnight stops).
As you will already know, towing with a twin is a whole different experience than a single , particularly on the Motorways and Autoroutes. I have towed many thousands of miles on the continent and would never consider going back to a single axle again.
I have heard that some of the provincial sites close to cities in Germany for example , may not accept twin axle , but I have not exoerienced this myself when passing through Germany?
You pays your money takes your choice our van is basically the same layout as the swift elegance above. It is a bit heavier same length wider, but single axle, it is a Hymer but I would also look at Adria as well. It’s towed by a 3.0l Touareg btw. There are alternatives out there.
Quote: Originally posted by richardandjo2010 on 24/1/2019
I would get a twin axle if that's what you like and holiday here in the UK its beautiful here
Good idea, except they retired to France, so that would be adding cost travelling too and from the continent.
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Topic: Single or twin axle
via mobile 23/1/2019 at 9:40am
