What is the difference between a single and twin axle caravan?
By
Elaine Knight
In this article, we will explain the difference between a single and twin axle caravan. We will decide which one is different, and discuss the pros and cons of each.
What is the difference between a single and twin axle caravan?
The main differences between a single and twin axle caravan are the number of wheels and the weight they can support.
A single axle caravan:
- Has two wheels;
- Is a small-sized unit with a permissible weight of 750 kg;
- Is more manoeuvrable and behaves well on uneven roads and rough terrain.
A twin axle caravan:
- Has four wheels;
- Allows you to carry much larger loads and more weight;
- Handled better when reversing.
Which is better: single-axle or twin-axle caravan?
To determine which is better: single axle or twin axle caravan, we will evaluate the following factors:
- Behaviour on the road;
- Carrying capacity;
- The mass of the caravan;
- Convenience;
You avoid the grey card with the single axle if less than 500 kg in trailer load is included with the towing vehicle’s registration. Two axles, automatically more than 500 kg with grey card and personal trailer registration. the advantage of double axles, if one wheel goes flat, you don’t get stuck.
A single-axle trailer is a small-sized unit with a permissible weight of 750 kg. The main load is taken by the tires of the wheels and axle hubs. Able to carry no more than 600 kg. Biaxial – these are large-sized units that have a doubled pair of wheels.
Difference between a single and twin axle caravan: Behaviour on the road
When choosing a twin-axle or single-axle trailer, remember that four wheels will keep on the road better than two. Two-axle models are more stable, but at the same time, they create problems when driving on rough terrain or bumpy roads.
In the case of biaxial models, some slippage is observed. The use of a turning device compensates for this disadvantage, but this only increases the trailer’s cost. But in reverse, the gain is clearly behind two axles, because one axle always strives to turn in the wrong direction.
Difference between a single and twin axle caravan: Carrying capacity
It is better and more correct to choose a single-axle or two-axle trailer in terms of carrying capacity. Models on two axles can carry loads weighing up to 1800 kg when the load on each wheel reaches 450 kg. Single-axle models are suitable for undemanding motorists transporting light loads.
Other questions you may be interested in
Can a Jeep Wrangler tow a caravan?
What is the maximum weight for a single axle caravan?
What is the lifespan of a caravan?
Difference between a single and twin axle caravan: The mass of the caravan
The mass directly depends on which trailer is a two-axle or a single-axle one. Samples with two axles are usually heavier, but you also need to consider the body’s dimensions.
Due to this, some uniaxial models turn out to match the biaxial ones – heavy. The lighter the caravan, the fewer driving problems and the higher the speed, the easier it is to overtake.
Difference between a single and twin axle caravan: Convenience
When choosing a single-axle or twin-axle trailer for a car, you should think about the convenience and handling. Single-axle, low-weight models can be easily deployed by hand for easy docking. In the case of two axles, it will be problematic to deploy the trailer – to dock you will have to manoeuvre with the car itself. And if the trailer is also heavy, then the procedure will have to be carried out together.
You should consider weight distribution. Models on two axles are less sensitive to this – the mass is mostly distributed to the wheels, and not to the hitch. In the case of one axle, the opposite is true – to ensure the trailer’s stability and the car itself, the load will have to be centred.
The single-axle trailer is aimed at urban dwellers who move mostly on asphalt and those who do not need to transport heavy loads. New drivers are better off practising driving with two-wheeled models.
The four-wheeled vehicles are focused on moving large loads, including on country roads and rough terrain. They are also suitable for transporting goods with a high centre of gravity.
Single axle caravan: Pros and Cons
Pros of single axle caravans:
Price. The cost of single-axle vehicles differs significantly from the price of two-axle vehicles. The former is much cheaper.
Dimensions. The small size of the single axle trailer allows it to be used for various small household purposes.
Behaviour on the road. The single axle light trailer is more manoeuvrable and behaves well on uneven roads, rough terrain, and forest.
Load distribution. A single axle trailer allows you to distribute the load as you like by moving the load either backwards or forward.
Cons of single axle caravans:
Carrying capacity. A single axle trailer with two wheels will not be able to withstand heavy loads, since each of the wheels, on average, is designed for a load of 250 to 500 kg.
Limiting the length of the load. It is inconvenient to transport the long and bulky cargo listed above with a two-wheeled trailer; a four-wheeled version is better suited for these purposes.
Controllability when driving in reverse. Driving a single-axle vehicle, while driving in reverse, is more complex than a two-axle vehicle, the former turns very easily and with a lack of experience, you can manoeuvre for a long time.
Twin axle caravans: Pros and Cons
Pros of twin axle caravans:
Carrying capacity. As mentioned above, a twin axle vehicle can withstand a much greater load due to the number of wheels.
Large overall loads. The four-wheeled trailer allows you to carry much larger loads and more weight.
Cons of twin-axle trailers:
Cost. The price of four-wheel trailers is much higher compared to single-axle trailers.
It is much more difficult to load the towbar with a twin-axle trailer. In addition, if the ball is too low, the rear wheels will be less stressed and traction will deteriorate. All this, in the end, can cause an accident, because, during cornering, a car with a trailer can “fold”.
Driving irregularities. A single axle trailer is better suited for bad roads, with two wheels simply rolling, repeating every bend and bump, rather than four. In addition, when the trailer wheels hit a large bump, the load on the hitch is reduced, and the drawbar rises, thereby raising the rear of the car.
To summarize
I recommend buying a single-axle trailer for those who plan to use it for personal purposes, for transporting small loads on different roads, both forest and public roads. A single-axle trailer is well suited for summer adventurers, as well as outdoor enthusiasts.
As for a twin-axle trailer, it is better to use this solely for the towing capacity and cases where the two-wheeled analogue does not cope with the task at hand. If you are going to transport heavy loads or a fully-loaded 1800 kg caravan, you better buy a two-axle trailer.
Each caravan, like everything else in this world, has its own purpose, it is only important to think carefully and weigh all the pros and cons before buying. Before buying a light trailer, you must clearly understand for what purposes you are purchasing it, you should definitely study all the pros and cons of each of the applicants.
Only in this case will your choice be deliberate and correct. I hope you make the right choice. I hope your purchase will be successful!
Please let us know if you have any comments or questions on the content.
FAQ on What is the difference between a single and twin axle caravan?
Can I tow a twin axle caravan?
You can tow a twin axle caravan, as long as the total weight of your caravan+car doesn’t exceed the legal towing limit. Towing a twin axle caravan is harder to manoeuvre than a single axe.
How much does a 16 ft caravan weigh?
A 16 ft caravan weighs 1795 kg unloaded, and 2200 kg (or more) loaded with water, luggage and passenger weight.
Do twin axle caravans snake?
Twin axle caravans will not snake as long as you load the caravan correctly. You may feel slightly more rolling resistance with a similar single axle trailer, which you certainly won’t notice.
References
- Twin axle vs Single Axle – Discussions | The Caravan Club
- Twin axle caravan or single axle caravan, what’s the difference …
- What Type of Trailer Do You Need – Single or Double Axle …
