We are looking to move up from our Class C Minnie 22 ft with 138" wheel base. I test drove a New class C that was 32' 3" with a 220" wheel base. I like to ride down the road, but turning was something else. couldn't make the turn into the dealers driveway without backing up.Question, the actual length of the MH we want is 28' 1" with a 202" wheel base. 4' 1' shorter than the one we test drove and 18" shorter wheel base. The actual one we were interested in was in the showroom, so not readily available for a test drive that day.Would the differences in shorter length and wheelbase make enough difference in the turning or is it just the nature of the beast. I am spoiled with our short length and wheelbase and can easily make U turns, park and back up. This is a whole new experience and I wonder about backing into site and maneuvering in tight CG roads with their trees.

I always advise to get the longest, biggest RV you want and can afford. You will become comfortable with driving it after just a few trips.Sure longer RVs may be harder to maneuver but you will learn how to overcome any problems.

A 28' with a 202" wheelbase should still handle well and have good stability, as the wheelbase ratio is better than the 32' with a 220" wheelbase.

Based on numbers, shorter one has a 60% ratio of WB to length and the longer one is a little less favorable at 57%.That ratio tries to identify good handling, which is in turn based on good weight distribution. So, even though 60% is very good (I think 54% is considered minimum), the real issue is the actual weight distribution. It'll change as you load it up for travel, so where is the Storage, how will you load it, where are Tanks and will they be full/empty, what will you carry on the back, etc. etc. You want at least 1/3 of true, loaded weight on the front axle. Some say at least 75% of front axle rating. If it's a new E450, then 75% of 5000# or 3750# and that's minimum. So include a truck stop in your test drive and get the actual total and axle weights now. That's a starting point. Some mid-size C's, say 26-29-ft, have a short wheelbase and heavy rear overhang. That's because the stylist wants to offer walk-around-queen in smaller coaches. UNLESS the wheelbase is adequate, that results in poor handling from a light front end, and possibly an overloaded rear axle. By your numbers, I don't think that will happen in either of the coaches you're looking at. Unless you hang two motorcycles off the back...

We moved up from a 22 foot Class C The 22' also had the same wheelbase as our Suburban.to a 28 foot Class C.The biggest difference that I have found is that you must go MUCH deeper into a corner before starting a turn otherwise you'll run the rear wheels over the curb.Other than that, everything else is pretty familiar.Tim

The Ford has a bigger turning radius than the Chevy. Something to keep in-mind about that.I personally would be concerned over maneuverability if you primary spend time in national parks and such. Your 22' Minnie Winnie is ideal. Not so much with the 28'.

How much wheel base and length effect handling and steering?

j-d
Explorer II
Jun 03, 2015
Based on numbers, shorter one has a 60% ratio of WB to length and the longer one is a little less favorable at 57%.

That ratio tries to identify good handling, which is in turn based on good weight distribution. So, even though 60% is very good (I think 54% is considered minimum), the real issue is the actual weight distribution. It'll change as you load it up for travel, so where is the Storage, how will you load it, where are Tanks and will they be full/empty, what will you carry on the back, etc. etc.

You want at least 1/3 of true, loaded weight on the front axle. Some say at least 75% of front axle rating. If it's a new E450, then 75% of 5000# or 3750# and that's minimum. So include a truck stop in your test drive and get the actual total and axle weights now. That's a starting point. Some mid-size C's, say 26-29-ft, have a short wheelbase and heavy rear overhang. That's because the stylist wants to offer walk-around-queen in smaller coaches. UNLESS the wheelbase is adequate, that results in poor handling from a light front end, and possibly an overloaded rear axle. By your numbers, I don't think that will happen in either of the coaches you're looking at. Unless you hang two motorcycles off the back...
carringb
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
A 28' with a 202" wheelbase should still handle well and have good stability, as the wheelbase ratio is better than the 32' with a 220" wheelbase.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jun 03, 2015
I always advise to get the longest, biggest RV you want and can afford. You will become comfortable with driving it after just a few trips.

Sure longer RVs may be harder to maneuver but you will learn how to overcome any problems.

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How much wheel base and length effect handling and steering?

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