Dual or Single Axle Pop Tops
Submitted: Monday, Mar 24, 2008 at 14:31
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Member - Brinic (WA)
Hi all,
We are looking at buying a Coromal Pop Top either 541 or 511. We want to know which is better to tow. If anyone can give us some advice as to which is better in relation to the dual or single axle vans that would be great.
Cheers
Brinic
Reply By: Lindsay - Monday, Mar 24, 2008 at 14:59
Monday, Mar 24, 2008 at 14:59
We purchased a new Coromal PC511 (single axle) last year and at the time, wrestled with the same question. I don't believe that anyone would disagree that a dual axle van is more forgiving in the weight distribution of your load or that they sit better on the road with a crook pay-load, but these aspect aside, the single axle when packed correctly tows perfectly, is easy to reverse park into tight
places, lighter tow weight resulting in less fuel used and is a darn sight less expensive to purchase and maintain. On the Coromal, the main benefit that you pick-up with a 541 over a 511 is the length of the diner and the lounge. A word of advise if you are purchasing a new van. Choose the 'twin-bed' design. Much more room is available in what are 'small vans' and you won't have to crawl over the
cook every time you need to get out of the sack. The only access out of the double bed in either of the vans you are considering is out the end and guess what? Coromal recommends that when the bed is extended, you should not sit on the end of the bed as it may damage the slides that allow the bed to extend. Work that one out! We have had to fit fold-up legs to add additional support the the bed end and no....I am not an over-weight
grey nomad.
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Reply By: Keith_A (Qld) - Monday, Mar 24, 2008 at 17:21
Monday, Mar 24, 2008 at 17:21
Hi Brinic - if you tow off-road (gravel tracks into National Parks etc) get a dual axle. If you plan on bitumen only, single is fine.
We had a 511 (single axle) & rolled it on the Roper highway (NT).
Corrugations (from road trains) plus a wash-out on the apex of a bend was our undoing. Carefully loaded and driven - but it still happens.
We now own a dual axle - more stable on gravel.
(The Coromal has an aluminium frame, unlike our Supreme with wood rot at 11 months old.)......................Keith
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