Dual or Single Axle Pop Tops

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.

They both have advantages and it depends a lot on the size and weight of the van.

Dual axle is generally more stable for and aft, less pitching. A single is generally easier to manoeuvre.

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

G'Day Brinic,

Before you put the money down for a Coromal, join the Caravanners forum on nineMSN and gets some views on other brands.

From a current Coromal owner

Rolande

I say Tandem....Why, in the archives go to ThreadID: 33574

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Brinic
Check out this website , I'm sure you will find some very helpful information.

lets-getaway.com


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Brinic
This webpage might be of interest to you;

Single Axle v Tandem Axle Caravans

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