Forum Discussion
- msturtzExplorerWe have a short DP at 34' 6". It handles fine compared to our 33' 6" gas class C. The shorter rear overhang as well as the shorter wheelbase helps a lot with turning radius.
- Canadian_RainbiExplorerIt depends on what you want/need. Do you want the ride of a Mercedes or the maneuverability of a Smart Car?
Our 32' DP has a fairly long overhang but the ride and handling is still much better than the 29'10" gasser we had previously. The short wheelbase makes it much more maneuverable. Of course short wheelbase usually means longer overhang. To us the maneuverability was much more important due to where we park at home and also for travel in Mexico. I can be facing a wall 10' in front of me, turn the wheel hard over and drive out. - Cloud_DancerExplorer IIIn 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. - deppelerExplorer2016 Tiffin Allegro Breeze at 33'6"
- Kayteg1Explorer III am not aware about 34' DP, but the main difference with length will be lack of tag axle.
Tag axle adds to stability and although even some 40-footers come with 2 axles, they are not famous for good handling.
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