2
ADVICE
FAQ: Single or tandem?
How long should a single axle caravan be before it goes tandem?There is no official ‘tipping point’ to my knowledge; it all really relates to axle loading and what the chassis and suspension makers can offer caravan manufacturers.
For example, you need to fit larger and heavier components to a single axle van compared to a tandem axle van of the same weight as, on the latter, the load is shared.
Ditto brakes: Just about all single-axle off-road vans run 12in electric brakes, whereas many tandem off-roaders run four 10in brakes.
I have never seen a single axle van with an ATM of more than 2500kg and many manufacturers stick to single axle vans to ensure they are ‘Prado-friendly’.
As I said, the problem as you get heavier is that you are putting greater load on the individual axles and you need to maintain higher tyre pressures.
Regardless of the above, the general cut-off single/tandem line seems to be 17ft 6in, but there are smaller tandems. For example, my Trakmaster caravan is a 15ft 6in tandem as I wanted to spread the load and run lower tyre pressures.
Got an FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) you desperately need answered? Let us know in the Comments section below...
Share this article
Written byMichael Browning
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a caravancampingsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the caravancampingsales app
