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Vach's avatar
Vach
Explorer
Mar 06, 2014

Handling issues

I need help. I have been pulling a small 20 ft TT and have finally decided to upgrade to motorhomes. I read a ton of stuff here,looked at many and decided a small (26-30) ft class A or C would be best for us. Test drove a 2008 Winnebago 29t Access with only 8000 miles and was surprised how poorly it handled. Didn't expect it to drive like my truck but it was a handful. Read some more about wheelbase to length ratios and shocks and tires and alignment and swaybars.

Did I drive a lemon? Are all short wheelbase class c's a handful? Is a short class A any better. Do I have to spend big $ in upgrades to get a motorhome to drive well?

Be gentle, I don't mean to pick on a class or manufacture just have so many questions.
Class C

57 Replies

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  • Vach's avatar
    Vach
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    So in general it sounds like the short wheelbase to length can cause some handling issues but not everyone has that issue. Is there a certain make or length with short wheelbase that works or is it all over the place?

    I have read a lot of discussions here about handling issues but have yet to see a confident consensus of "do these things" and you will get good handling. Like I said in original post there are lots of recommendations of what to do; shocks, stabilizers, sway bars, alignment and others. I'm not confident I can buy a class c that handles poor and know what to do to fix it without throwing the kitchen sink and a boatload or money at it.
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    We have the Winnie View at 24 ft diesel V6 and don't seem to have problems. If it were only 2 ft longer I sure would like the extra storage capacity.
  • OldRadios's avatar
    OldRadios
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    I have a 27 ft. Class C on the E450 chassis (176" wheelbase). Handles very well. Better than my 19' my B did. A lot of factors can effect the way a rig handles. Lots of discussions here to read.
  • hotbyte's avatar
    hotbyte
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    I was actually surprised and pleased with how our class C handles. It is right at 32' and wheelbase is 208".
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Mar 06, 2014
    29T has too short a wheelbase. 190" for a 30' coach. Look at the 31C with 220" for 31'.

    It seems the Class A can get away with a proportionately shorter wheelbase than a C. I'd think of several reasons.

    The front-to-rear weight balance might be better
    The chassis could be stiffer
    A modern Class A is on a "motorhome" chassis vs. a "truck" chassis. A Class C is on a "truck" chassis. Difference? The MH chassis has a wider front track. The wheel spacing on a truck chassis is narrow.
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer II
    Mar 06, 2014
    We have a 23 ft. Class C on the E450 chassis, handles well. I can see where the long Class C's would be harder to handle if the weight isn't distributed evenly on the chassis. Air Ride levelers in the rear might be helpful too.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2014
    I have not heard good things for the E450 chassis when it's on one of the longer Class C's. There is a lot of weight out the back, and for most it only gets worse when you load them up.

    Mine was a 26 E450 and it seemed pretty good in comparison, but I have talked with another fellow that had a 29 and did not feel good in it.

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