TWIN AXLES

You can’t beat a twin-axle van if you’re after space and stability, but which secondhand model should you go for? We highlight seven great buys

The conundrum

Are you looking for a bargain in which to go caravanning? Will you be touring with a large family, who like to pack lots of stuff? Have you always envied the reassurance of having a twin-axle caravan, but feared you could never afford one new? Well, fear not: here is our pick of secondhand twin-axle models that wowed our reviewers when they were launched, and a secondhand version that was available when we went to press.

LUNAR QUASAR 696 (2019)

Layout L-shaped front lounge with rear bunks

Berths 6

L/W 7.86m/2.45m 

MTPLM 1680kg

Payload 181kg 

MiRO 1499kg 

Plus points Spacious lounge, rear bedroom you can shut off 

Minus points No ATC, dining space for six is a bit limited

Our review said…

The Quasar 696 was the last significant model that Lunar has produced. (It only released a limited range for the 2020 season, with no really new models.)

However, this is a cracking van. It was the second model within mainstream Lunar (as opposed to the Alaria brand) to be 8ft wide, and its development was a lot smoother than the first, the 686, which underwent several readjustments before it was launched.

Our reviewer loved the spacious, light-filled front lounge, with its L-shaped settee and solid wall designed for a TV. The children’s lounge at the back - which can be partitioned off with solid doors – is well kitted out.

We also love the central washroom, and in particular, the handy pull-out step to help children reach the basin when they are brushing their teeth.

In fact, the only thing that we felt was really missing was Al-Ko’s ATC trailer system, to make this a smooth run on the road. Look carefully and you might be lucky and find one with this fitted as an extra, however.