Forum Discussion

Nevadastars's avatar
Nevadastars
Explorer
Jul 19, 2014

Going from a 25 to a 31?

We just sold our 25 footer (27' overall) and looking to move up to a 31. Given they are the same chassis/engine, E450 V10, will mileage be much worse with the 31 because of its extra length and weight?

Also, will the longer wheelbase 31" be more stable when flat towing my 3200lb toad? It would sway a bit with the 25' and sometimes make me nervous. Nothing dangerous, but I knew it was back there.

I realize these are theoretical questions, but just hoping to get an idea of what to expect. We are looking at Fleetwood Jamboree or Tioga basement models and coming from the coach in my sig. Thanks for any input.
Class C
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    Jul 19, 2014
    Put Airtans on the new rig, more length means more sail area, more sail area means more crosswind susceptibility and effect.
  • Nevadastars's avatar
    Nevadastars
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2014
    Vet Man wrote:
    Sway may be caused by worn bushing on the tow bar, or lose hitch into the mount.


    That is very possible as the ball mount was pretty loose in the reciever of the 25 we just sold. The tow bar is basically new.
  • Vet_Man's avatar
    Vet_Man
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2014
    Sway may be caused by worn bushing on the tow bar, or lose hitch into the mount.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2014
    what 5M said. If the 31 has a decent wheelbase, it'll be a little more stable than a shorter coach. You WILL see how much bigger the turning circle is. If it has more rear overhang (rear axle to bumper) than the shorter coach did, a Rear Track Bar will help. So do proper tire pressures, and front end alignment with at least 5-deg CASTER on the Driver Side, 5.5-deg on Passenger Side.
  • 5Mainecampers's avatar
    5Mainecampers
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2014
    You won't see any difference in fuel consumption (the primary drivers to the MPG of Class C is the front end combined with the gear ratio on the E450 (geared to maximize power)). The sway is often a result of overhang behind rear axle as well as no tounge weight toad.

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