Forum Discussion

Explorer II

Aug 23, 2018

Question about wheelbase and handling issues???

I used to have a 2000 Fleetwood class A 30' coach with the workhorse chassis and 454 Chevy engine. This coach had a large section of the body past the rear axle and it handled terrible in the wind. I have a class A license and I have driven a lot of large vehicles that coach was the worst thing I ever drove when the wind kicked up. I take trips through the Columbia River Gorge and that thing could shift sideways 4' when a gust hit me. I have had many travel trailers 5th wheel and bumper pull and nothing was a s bad as that.

I no longer have that RV but I am looking at getting another class A and I really don't want to end up with another one that handles like my old one. I always thought the problem was the large overhang beyond the rear axle making it like a bat when wind hit the back end. That coach also really whipped around from the air wash from large trucks. I am looking at coaches in the 32'-34' range one of the coaches is a 03 Monaco 32 Cayman with the Cummins 5.9 and Alison trans the picture makes it look like it has a large overhang like my old one and that worries me. Can anyone comment on how the Monaco 32' handle?

Thanks Mike

Class A

24 Replies

mike_brez
Explorer
Aug 23, 2018
After dumping probably 5k in front end parts on my Old P30
Bell cranks,idler arm,steering dampener,larger ipd front sway bar with poly bushings front and rear,rear trac bar,Koni shocks,ditched the air bags inside coil springs and installed Henderson springs, inner and outer bearings and seals,allready had a steer safe on it,new tires and multiple front end alignments and still drove like ****.

I finally fixed it by selling that POS
garyemunson
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2018
Poor handling in wind is often a case of insufficient toe in caused either by general wear and tear on the front end (or lax maintenance with a grease gun) or just incorrect alignment. Toe in compensates from the interaction of the forward motion of the coach and the caster setting trying to 'spread' the front wheels to a toe out condition.
Bruce_Brown
Moderator
Aug 23, 2018
Apples to basketballs.

Your old one was a gasser on an old, outdated chassis. The Monaco is a diesel pusher with and air ride suspension. Two totally different animals.

Going from memory here, which isn't always good, check for any recalls and/or updates on the rear suspension arms. I can't remember which Monaco chassis had the issue, be sure you do. Not a huge deal but something to be aware of.
Isaac-1
Explorer
Aug 23, 2018
There are things that could be done to greatly improve the performance of that P32 chassis motorhome you no longer have, such as adding a rear track bar.