How about a shorter diesel pusher?
Hey Good folks, How about a shorter diesel pusher? Say in the 34' to 38' range. Do they handle different? Do they ride different? ~Thanks, John
Forum Discussion
In any motorhome gas or DP, you want to look for the longest wheelbase plus shortest rear overhang. This feature will result in the best chance for optimum handling/directional stability.
That tag axle business is not a factor UNTIL you start looking at longer units, upward of 40 feet. The tag axle's primary function is for taking care of bigger loads (bigger than one axle can safely carry). Sure, the addition of a tag axle will incidentally enhance directional stability, but you won't find them on shorter diesel pushers. Therefore, this makes a short REAR OVERHANG feature MORE important.
OK allow me to clarify: On a diesel pusher, the longest wheelbase that's available (in whatever body length you might be evaluating) will result in the shortest rear overhang. Therefore, in a DP, the shortest wheel base that's available (in whatever body length you might be evaluating) will result in the LONGEST rear overhang. In other words, it's desirable to optimize the ratio of total length-to-wheelbase.
Note: the Country Coach 36ft DP was well known for having the longest wheelbase possible, in a short DP. It handled great, and had good directional stability at high speeds (I drove one). Also, the Foretravel possibly offered this great feature, in a short DP.
That tag axle business is not a factor UNTIL you start looking at longer units, upward of 40 feet. The tag axle's primary function is for taking care of bigger loads (bigger than one axle can safely carry). Sure, the addition of a tag axle will incidentally enhance directional stability, but you won't find them on shorter diesel pushers. Therefore, this makes a short REAR OVERHANG feature MORE important.
OK allow me to clarify: On a diesel pusher, the longest wheelbase that's available (in whatever body length you might be evaluating) will result in the shortest rear overhang. Therefore, in a DP, the shortest wheel base that's available (in whatever body length you might be evaluating) will result in the LONGEST rear overhang. In other words, it's desirable to optimize the ratio of total length-to-wheelbase.
Note: the Country Coach 36ft DP was well known for having the longest wheelbase possible, in a short DP. It handled great, and had good directional stability at high speeds (I drove one). Also, the Foretravel possibly offered this great feature, in a short DP.
