Single-Axle vs Twin-Axle Caravans: Which One Should You Choose?
Having spent many years as a caravanner, touring with single-axle and twin-axle models, I wanted to share my findings in case anyone else has similar questions.
Layouts for single-axle caravans and twin-axle caravans
A twin-axle caravan chassis is designed to accommodate a larger caravan body, which allows for more living space. This often means the caravan will have a longer lounge, a larger washroom, and more room in the bedroom. This extra room can be a blessing when travelling as a family, especially on extended tours. Choosing the right caravan is important.
Someone recently said, ‘When choosing a leisure vehicle, opt for the smallest unit that does everything you need.’ These are wise words indeed if a smaller, single-axle caravan suits your travelling requirements. However, on longer trips with a single-axle van, we missed the extra living space a twin-axle caravan affords.
When buying a caravan, look at two things:
- Choose your perfect layout. Is it on a single-axle or twin-axle chassis?
- Check the caravan’s weight against your car’s towing limit. Can your car tow your ideal caravan?
Weight
A twin-axle caravan has a larger body and an additional axle, so it weighs more than a smaller single-axle caravan. For example, I currently have a twin-axle Bailey Phoenix GT75 762 (6-berth), which has a maximum weight, or MTPLM, of 1636kg. Our previous caravan was a single-axle Bailey Phoenix+ 650 (5-berth) with an MTPLM of 1409kg.
If you’d like additional load capacity – to carry more caravanning essentials or fit extra products – it may be possible to increase the payload figure by upgrading your MTPLM. For example, the Phoenix GT75 762 is based on an 1800kg chassis, so upgrading it will give a maximum payload of 344kg. The beefy nature of the twin-axle chassis allows for a substantial weight-carrying capacity.
However, as with the abovementioned point, ensure your car can cope with any additional weight.
Stability
Having covered considerable distances year-round with twin-axle and single-axle caravans, a twin-axle caravan does have a slight edge regarding stability. That said, a modern single-axle caravan has excellent towing manners, bridging the gap between larger and smaller caravans.
Correct loading and nose weight are critical, regardless of the caravan type chosen. A guide can be found here. If you’re unsure how a caravan should be loaded, whether single-axle or twin-axle.
Twin-axle caravans can be less susceptible to windy conditions, and the tendency for the caravan to pitch up and down on undulating roads is also lessened. However, the towing manners of a correctly loaded single-axle model are remarkably close.
Manoeuvrability - is it easier with a single axle?
This may be a personal preference, but given enough room, I find twin-axle caravans easier to reverse. The extra axle makes it turn in a slightly lazier arc, making it easier to predict. However, tighter spaces are easier to navigate with a single-axle caravan due to the sheer size difference and the ability to turn tighter in a smaller space.
Sometimes, especially on continental sites, there isn’t enough room to manoeuvre, and a motor mover may be required.
Motor movers
Motor movers are great, serving as a get-out-of-jail-free card when things don’t go to plan or manoeuvring room is limited.
A single-axle caravan setup will have a motor fitted to each wheel, allowing it to navigate tight turns and spin on its axle. The weight for such a unit is likely to be between 30kg and 35kg.
A twin-axle caravan has two options – dual motor or quad motor. A dual motor set-up, as described above, drives the wheels on just one of the axles, which can limit traction. Some mover manufacturers offer a separate control unit for twin-axle caravans, so the caravan zig-zags automatically when performing a 90-degree turn. This stops the undriven wheels from carving marks in the grass or gravel.
A quad mover has motors on all four wheels, allowing a twin-axle caravan to pivot around tight turns easily. Traction is vastly improved, too, but this comes at a cost. The extra motors add to the price tag and weight. This type of motor mover is likely to weigh between 60kg and 70kg.
Servicing - are single axle caravans cheaper?
Regular maintenance is critical for safety and the longevity of any warranty. In broad terms, the only real difference in annual servicing between single-axle and twin-axle caravans is the additional cost involved in maintaining the extra axle. I’ve found the price difference to be approximately £100, which may differ across the country.
Tyres should be changed every five to seven years, so a twin-axle caravan would need four tyres, whereas a single-axle caravan would require two.
Summary
Choosing between a single-axle and a twin-axle caravan involves various factors, from your perfect caravanning layout to your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Having towed many Bailey models, from a single-axle Discovery D4-2 to the twin-axle Alicanto Grande Deluxe Evora, I hope this guide helps with any decision-making processes.
As mentioned, we currently have a Bailey Phoenix GT75 762, which is a 6-berth caravan with fixed bunks. Even though we’ve enjoyed many holidays in it, I’m still blown away by the amount of living space the twin-axle layout affords.
Twin-axle versus single-axle FAQ
What are the advantages of a single-axle caravan?
Single-axle caravans are lighter, cost less to service, and can be towed by a wider variety of tow cars.
What are the advantages of a twin-axle caravan?
Twin-axle caravans have a larger living space, often translating into larger seating areas, washrooms, and bedrooms. They also offer increased stability in windier conditions.
Can I tow a twin-axle caravan on my licence?
Since the automatic grant of a BE licence category to B licence holders, you can tow a trailer or caravan that weighs up to 3500kg. Your car, however, must be able to tow the caravan’s weight.
