Twiñ axle v single axle
We currently have a single axle bailey unicorn we are looking at changing it and have seen a twin axle we quite like. Loking for advice on the differences (not just 2 extra wheels) 
what are the advantages and disadvantages. Thd dealer is quoting £2k for a double motor mover which seems a big dis advantage. Thanks
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Something to bear in mind is that some sites in the UK & elsewhere do not allow twin axle caravans onto their sites so could be another disadvantage. CAMC as far as I am aware do allow them. Good Luck.
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The twin axles that are not welcomed on some sites in the UK tend to be very large hobby and other makes favoured by the traveling community.
The likelihood of being refused a pitch with a Swift, Lunar, Bailey etc is minimal. France might be different!
Go for a twin for the space, stability, safety and manoeverability.
A motor mover is probably essential as they are not easy vans to move by hand.
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We have had a twin axle Sterling for 11 years now and really like it.
So much space, good stability, easier to reverse.
For a mover.......we have a single Truma mover, the TE, it is designed for a twin axle but is only fitted, in our case, to the front wheels. Weight about 32kg.
It does what we need.......gets the van off the street, through 90degrees and onto our 1 in 10 driveway which is only 5cm, yes 5cm, longer than the caravan.
We also use it for manoeuvring onto pitches, and for hooking up when we are leaving.
If buying a twin axle, you can usually get a good weight upgrade, certainly on a Swift, so I would advise that you get as big an upgrade to the MTPLM as possible.
Can your towcar handle the increased Max weight?
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There are very few UK sites that will not take a twin axle.
We have found some problems in France, where some sites seem to think anyone with a twin axle could be an undesirable traveller, but nothing major. It seems to be only France that has this problem, other European countries are fine.
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I've had an Adria Isonzo for 4 years now, touring across Europe and the UK. People at the time I purchased it stated (at 8' wide) too large for UK - funny how most UK manufacturers now offer the same - and it has been brilliant.
It's only in the UK where we have this fixation for twin axles - they're not as common 'over there' but unless you've actually towed one, comments like , extra stability, more room etc etc are totally unfounded and incorrect. Granted there's an extra tyre if one bursts, but there's also Tyron bands, which can be purchased from the savings in not buying a twin!
The Euro Delta chassis is not available on UK vans and therefore cannot be compared.
I'm really happy with my single axle, especially now the time is coming up to replace the tyres. Stability? Just ask a professional driver which is easier to control in a snake!
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Yes i have a 7.3m coachman single axle, the only thing that is a bit of a worry sometimes is the distance between the wheels and the rear of the caravan, sleeping policeman can be a pain, but have not problems with stability. Have used Tyron bands for years, excellent, so good, that was stuck in traffic in Dorset some years ago, tap on the window and a guy said "did you know you have a flat tyre" drove to next layby, slowly, changed the wheel, punctured tyre in perfect condition.
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Better stability, yes, but more room inside doesn't necessarily apply. There are some pretty big single axle caravans around, bigger than a good number of twins. Having experienced a tyre blow out on a single axle I can only say that I can't imagine that a twin would have performed any better. Ease of reversing has more to do with overall length than the number of axles. A longer caravan is always easier to reverse than a short one.
A second axle costs and obviously weighs more than just one so it would increase the MIRO. Besides, you've got four tyres to replace instead of two.
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I find it a lot easier than faffing about getting the car in the exact position and hauling the van onto the hook, I am only talking about the last foot or so.
Engagement is electronic so absolutely no problem, takes about 10-15 seconds to put the mover on.
Have often seen people whose vans do have movers doing what you suggest, a lot of shouting and gesticulating between driver and observer, sometimes some bumper crunching, much heaving of van to get it hooked on.....why???
I take the easy route.
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well my vehicle is a very modest 6 year old Sorento and although the onboard screen is quite small it does have reversing camera, though i appreciate that there are some who are driving around in vintage cars or who choose not to purchase the reversing camera if an added option. Re movers, i have just fitted a Powrtouch Evolution auto which as you say swings into action very quickly, not yet used it as i dont go out during July/August as a general rule, but will certainly try it when i do.
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I wouldn't say most .... but lots do, even my daughter's Aygo has one.
My Merc's reverse camera has a setting specifically to aid you to hitch up with.
Using my movers requires me to go inside my caravan to switch the units on each time as they auto switch off after so long as well as engaging the movers themselves so I tend not to bother with them unless I have to.
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stability IMHO is down to common sense. If someone towing a caravan is in the middle lane doing 70mph overtaking a line of lorries then they deserve to suffer from instability problems single or twin, for my sins i have driven double decker buses twin axle rear stear with a luggage trailer attached, these will swing if not driven correctly.
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I don't deny that, but it's a question of whether the difference is so great that one would feel uneasy without the second axle. I can't say that I can fault my 1800kg single axle which would lead me to wish for further improvement. Why else is there a trend towards ever heavier single axle caravans? 2000kg single axles aren't uncommon ans I've been told that 2200kg ones are in the pipeline.
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Having towed both singles and twins, I prefer the stability of a twin. Mine have all been UK vans, so perhaps the European singles that typically have a longer 'A' - frame may be better. Do get a mover and plate upgrade if you can. Twins don't turn as well as singles on the motor mover, lots of scrubbing. If you have spacious storage shouldn't br a problem. However, there are some pitches where you will definitely need a mover.Also, twins seem to run wider around corners, so be careful with clearances when towing. Ultimately, it's a personal choice as there are pros and cons for both.
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I've been told that 2200kg ones are in the pipeline
Dont doubt this, but you need a substantial vehicle to tow such a beast in an age when we are going to see the demise of diesel engines etc, and a move to electric/hybrids.
so using a single axle goes someway to reducing the weight ?, yes distribution of weight is better with a twin, and i am told twin axles roll more freely, but you still need the weight ratio caravan/towing vehicle to be in the correct ball park.
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