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ezgoin's avatar
ezgoin
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013

Handling issues with shorter Class A's?

We're considering getting back in RVing, but with a smaller class A than the 32 footer we sold several years back, looking at something in the 27-30 foot range. I was curious about any handling issues that might come with a smaller coach. Will sway or wind push from 18 wheelers be more of an issue with the shorter wheelbase of 178"-190"? Or will it be a non issue? We're still just looking at various floor plans and haven't driven anything yet. I figure most of our interstate driving would be along I-10 which has very heavy truck traffic. In our old 32 footer, pulling a toad, handling wasn't that much of an issue, and I was curious what difference I might expect with a shorter coach.

Thanks for any feedback you may provide.
Class A
  • RFCN2's avatar
    RFCN2
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2013
    Bill and Terry - It is not the length but the ratio of the length of the house (box) to the chassis length that is the important figure. What happens if you have big overhangs in back of and in front of the wheels the leverage on the tires is greater. So when the 18 wheeler goes by and the truck wash air pushes the rear of the coach, a big overhang means more leverage. So you want the wheels close to the front and rear as possible. The % that is usually considered good is around 56% or more. Below 50% and you are likely to have more problems. There are other factors that come into play too. But chassis ratio is the big one.

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