While a single-axle van will only have two wheels, a twin-axle caravan will have four wheels, providing you with extra stability when you’re towing your tourer. However, choosing the right type of caravan for your needs isn’t always an easy prospect; there are a wide selection of different caravan makes out there, after all. That’s where our best twin-axle caravan guide comes in.
In this guide, we’re sharing our pick of the best twin-axle caravans, including models from Bailey, Coachman, Swift and more. This includes tourers from the 2023 season and some of our other favourite vans from recent years too.
One thing to bear in mind is that a twin-axle caravan can be harder to get into position once you’ve arrived at your campsite, so a motor mover could be worth investing in (take a look at our best caravan motor mover guide if you want a hand with finding one).
You can also take a look at our best caravan guide for more tourer inspiration.
The best twin-axle caravan – our top picks:
Bailey Alicante Grande Evora
- Year: 2023
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1855kg
- MiRO: 1694kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Length: 7.86m
- Width: 2.45m
This Bailey caravan is a smart and stylish choice.
We like the inclusion of two external lockers – these make unloading any outdoor furniture a simple process. An offside service light is another appreciated feature.
The Evora has a good lounge space; we’d say there’s room for at least six to sit, and it will be easy to take in any sunsets, thanks to that impressive central window.
If we had one complaint about it, it would be the table. This goes beneath the rear transverse island bed, and this means that getting it out can be a struggle, due to the bed base not staying up on its own. If you’re touring as a two, there is a work around – instead, you can just slide out a shelf from the central chest to use.
The kitchen impresses too, as you may expect from the tourer that won the best caravan over £30,000 category at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023. It’s separated from the lounge by a Perspex divider; in here, you get a four-burner dual-fuel hob, as well as a separate oven and grill.
That’s not all though, as there’s a Dometic 700W microwave which includes a fixed ceramic plate, as well as a 153-litre two-way opening fridge and an Omnivent.
The end washroom continues the trend seen throughout; it’s an elegant space with a spacious shower cubicle on the right that includes a large riser, LED lighting and a roof vent (although there’s only a single drainage hole).
The bedroom feels spacious as well. You can then use the lounge settees as either singles (suitable for those under 6ft) or a spacious double.
Full review: Bailey Alicante Grande Evora
Coachman VIP 675
- Year: 2023
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1810kg
- MiRO: 1650kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Length: 7.89m
- Width: 2.31m
It’s easy to see how the VIP 675 made it into our best twin-axle caravan round up.
This is a comfortable van, boasting a transverse island bed / end washroom layout, and coming with ATC and shock absorbers.
In the lounge, there are two low-slung settees in the lounge, which provides a spacious setting for the four of you. A folding table lives in a nearby storage slot, while there’s also the option of pulling out a shelf from the central chest if required.
A large sunroof creates a nicely lit space, with LEDs, four spotlights and ambient lighting providing lighting in the evening.
The good lighting extends into the kitchen, where you get a large sink, a four-burner dual-fuel hob and a microwave. As well as this, there’s a separate oven and grill, along with a 153-litre fridge.
A huge mirror can be found in the washroom, creating a real sense of space. While we’d like to have seen more than a single drainage hole in the shower, it’s a nice sized space. We think the marbling effect is a nice inclusion too, generating a vibe that is more like a domestic bathroom.
If you want to watch TV on tour, the large dresser in the offside corner will be ideal for placing your set (our caravan TV guide will help you identify the right one for you).
One of our favourite things with this twin-axle caravan is the storage, especially in the kitchen where you really see the length being maximised. This includes a locker above the main workspace, as well as a sizeable cupboard with two baskets. One minor concern would be the extension you get here though – it juts into the lounge, and the workspace provided is already likely to be more than sufficient.
Full review: Coachman VIP 675
Buccaneer Barracuda
- Year: 2018
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1990kg
- MiRO: 1831kg
- Payload: 159kg
- Length: 8.16m
- Width: 2.45m
If you’re looking for a twin-axle caravan to use as a couple, the Buccaneer Barracuda is well worth considering.
Boasting a variety of accessories, ranging from AKS hitch stabiliser and an ATC anti-snaking device to shock absorbers and Secure wheel locks, this 2018 model impressed us when it came out.
We like how the rear bedroom feels private, while the lounge comes with USB and 230V sockets and is well-lit, thanks to a sunroof and roof light.
One of our favourite features in here is the kitchen; when we reviewed it, we found there was little to complain about. On the nearside, you’ll find a huge fridge/freezer with a microwave above, while the offside houses an uncluttered cooking area with plenty of worktop and a pop-top extension flap.
Then there’s the illuminated splash back, a pair of 230V sockets, a dual-fuel hob and a separate oven / grill – it’s a truly impressive area.
Storage is also excellent throughout, including a huge front gas locker, four overhead lockers in the lounge, twin wardrobes in the bedroom.
Full review: Buccaneer Barracuda
Coachman Laser Xcel 855
- Year: 2023
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1950kg
- MiRO: 1790kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Length: 7.90m
- Width: 2.44m
New for 2023, this twin-axle caravan provides a comfortable touring experience.
The Coachman comes with an L-shaped lounge layout which creates a sociable setting, as the settee faces the door.
Despite no front nearside window, it’s a very well-lit area, with the rest of the windows and the large sunroof more than making up for it.
The kitchen is unusual by caravanning standards – it’s on the nearside, to the right as you walk in. In this spacious area, you get a four-burner dual-fuel hob as well as a separate oven and grill. Then there’s a 153-litre fridge and freezer, a microwave, plenty of workspace, and an L-shaped unit, where a circular sink sits.
The rear bedroom is an impressively equipped area; in the rear nearside corner, you get a dresser, with a mirror and a socket. You even have the option of setting up a second television in here (a 32-inch TV comes in the lounge as standard). The bed itself is comfortable, and can be pushed back to create a daybed.
Another double can be made up in the front lounge with the base cushions and back rests.
If we had a niggle with this van, it would be in the washroom – the nearside shower has no roof vent, only a single small light, and the shelves have no retainer. Yet the offside washroom is a far more impressive space.
Full review: Coachman Laser Xcel 855
Swift Elite 835
- Year: 2021
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1853kg
- MiRO: 1536kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Length: 7.98m
- Width: 2.45m
This dealer special from Grantham Caravans is based on the Challenger X 835 and is a worthy entry onto our best twin-axle caravan round-up. As you might expect, the 2021 model comes with plenty of useful goodies, including ATC as standard, a 100W solar panel and a reversing camera.
Inside, a bit of warmth is injected into the lounge, thanks to copper scatter cushions. This is a welcome touch, considering it isn’t the largest of spaces. However, it’s ideal for seating four people.
One thing worth pointing out; there’s the niggle from the Challenger X 835, where the table is not the easiest to get out of its storage slot, due to the washroom door slanting forward. Yet it’s easy to fold out and is also solid.
The kitchen may feel a tad hemmed in due to the partition doors yet there’s plenty of light, and Grantham have included an Omnivent. This adds to the dual-fuel four-burner hob, a separate oven and grill, and a Series 10 Dometic two-way fridge, as well as a round sink and worktop, complete with extension flap.
An illuminated mirror adds to what was already an impressive washroom, with a wardrobe found in here – another two can be located in the bedroom.
Storage is the same as you get in the standard Challenger X, and at a level we’d call very good.
As dealer specials go, we’d say this twin-axle is a very impressive option.
Full review: Swift Elite 835
Compass Camino 650
- Year: 2023
- MTPLM: 1830kg
- MIRO: 1671kg
- Payload: 159kg
- Shipping length: 8.19m
- Width: 2.45m
There’s plenty to like in this 8ft-wide twin-axle tourer. There’s a reason it was this year’s winner of the best caravan for couples at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023, with its comfortable rear island bed impressing our judges.
At the front of the van, you’ll find no parallel settees; instead, you get a comfortable L-shaped arrangement that we think is ideal for relaxing in. It’s also a sociable interior, with the side part facing the kitchen, meaning any caravan chefs will not feel excluded.
In the centre of the van is the washroom. It’s nicely sized, providing an excellently sized shower, and also offers you enough room to get dressed in.
Full review: Compass Camino 650
Coachman Laser 665
- Year: 2023
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1828kg
- MiRO: 1668kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Length: 7.90m
- Width: 2.31m
If you’re touring as a family and want a tourer that offers space, the Coachman Laser 665 could be the best twin-axle caravan for you.
There’s plenty to like inside, including a comfortable front lounge with plenty of seating space. One of our favourite features here is the large table; it’s easy to get out of its slot, and once it’s set up, it’s an ideal setting for kids to mess around in if you find yourself pitched up on a wet afternoon.
At the rear of the van, there are two comfortable fixed singles, as well as plenty of storage.
Then there’s a truly impressive central washroom, which not only provides a wide shower but also an excellent wardrobe with drawers underneath, and a basin. It’s an impressive option, and it’s easy to see how it was the winner of the best caravan for families at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023.
Full review: Coachman Laser 665
- Looking for a towing vehicle instead? Then our best tow car guide could help
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.
