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SFVdave's avatar
SFVdave
Explorer
Sep 12, 2015

202" WB maneuvering into site?

Our new Class C has a 202" wheel base and turns like a 5 ton stake bed truck. Our old Winnebago had a 138" WB and was no problem backing into sites. The longer wheel base combined with the narrow turning angle of the front wheels makes for a lot of back and forth I would assume to get into the sites, especially if someone is parked directly across for us.
I would think it's best to pull up past the site and stay in the middle to allow room for the front to have room to swing out as I back up. Pivoting on the rear wheels and aiming for the edge of the site. Pulling forward and then back. Once clear of the edge, then pull forward and back until I get it straight in line with the site and back in.
Then to pull out, pull straight and start my turn once half way out. Then back up , watching for rear swing hazards and then pull forward as far as possible and turning wheel before I stop. Again watching for rear hazards Pull forward again and turning and hoping inside cheat doesn't run over something.
Does this sound like a way to do it or is there a simpler way? I may take some cones and go to a parking lot and try maneuvering into a spot.
I must confess, the DW and I used to watch others struggle to get into their spots and were happy we had a short Class C wheelbase.
Class C
  • Mich_F's avatar
    Mich_F
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2015
    I'm another one that has gone from a MH with a 158" wheel base to the current one with a 220" WB, and about a 12' overhang behind the rear axle. I don't believe I've ever thought about backing in anywhere before I got there, and what the "right way" is to do it. If I make it in one maneuver without pulling forward, that's fine. If it takes a 1/2 dozen attempts going back and forth , that's fine also - it is what it is. I just go slowly and cautiously. Haven't hit anything yet in 2 1/2 years with the "new" MH. :B

    The only thing that has ever bothered me with the longer wheel base is the additional room you need for a U turn. In many places it just can't be done.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Sep 13, 2015
    We went from a C with 158" WB to 218" WB now. The 158" was on an older E350 with a kingpin front axle that might have cut tighter than the ball joint axle we have now. Still, the wide turning circle is inconvenient at times but I can't say it's ever kept us from making a maneuver we needed to make.
  • klutchdust's avatar
    klutchdust
    Explorer II
    Sep 13, 2015
    Started driving towed vehicles around a wrecking yard at 15. Two things I learned and use to this day when backing up, go slow and turn the steering wheel in slow increments.

    New at it? Have a spotter and if at night they need a flashlight, if something isn't right they shine the light in your mirror. We park big rigs at racing events that you swear would

    never fit. Take your time.
  • SFVdave's avatar
    SFVdave
    Explorer
    Sep 13, 2015
    I backed the MH out of the driveway checking my leveler height and then backed down the street a bit. Then I followed directions I found on a website for backing in to a site. I backed into my driveway and only pulled forward once. The DW checked my leveler height backing in as was amazed at how easy I made that look. I confessed that I was following directions I found on the web. I want to try it on the blind side next.
  • MobileBasset's avatar
    MobileBasset
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2015
    I used cones in a parking lot when I first got my RV. If the lot had tree islands I used those. It took a couple sessions and was very helpful. It allowed me to be much more relaxed when it counted.
  • KristinU's avatar
    KristinU
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2015
    We have a 220" wheelbase and I'm kinda with DrewE that you might be overthinking it. It will take some getting used to and some back and forth depending on the site, but we can fit quite a few places. Many take more than one maneuver, but who cares. For us, coming from a truck and TT it is a million times easier backing our C.

    The cones idea is a decent one, but I feel like real experience is best...or put a cone where you a tree might be (where you don't think it is humanly possible to maneuver in there!) I also think that cones aren't going to give you enough height for a visual in the front and in the mirrors. Maybe with poles and flags???

    But honestly, forget that there might be people watching and snickering and take your time and do your thing :)
  • SFVdave's avatar
    SFVdave
    Explorer
    Sep 12, 2015
    Thanks DrewE. I found a website that says how to do it right the first time. Will try that.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Sep 12, 2015
    You are going to a much longer wheelbase, so maneuvering is understandably rather clunkier.

    It seems to me you're overthinking things. Get to the site, stare at it a bit, and do what it takes to get where you want to be safely. It may be some back and forth and back and forth. It might just be a pull forward and swoop around. It might (probably far too often) be a swoop except for that one rock or site number sign that is in the most inconvenient spot. Regardless, with a bit of practice, you'll get a reasonable feel for what needs to be done when.

    Practicing in an empty area of a parking lot is a good way to get a feel for things, and being able to put yourself in a (pair of) parking spaces properly is a very useful skill indeed in its own right.

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