Road handling issues
I have a 2013 Coachmen Encounter TZF, basically 38 feet. I can hardly keep it on the road in the wind and when a semi passes me it shoves me all over the place. I am about ready to sell it, between ...
Forum Discussion
More To See wrote:
In an ideal world, the wheelbase of a gasser should be no less than about 55 percent of the overall length of the rig. For your 38 foot (456 inch) rig the wheelbase should ideally be no less than about 250 inches. If, say, your wheelbase is 228 inches (50 percent) you might expect this to be contributing to the problems you are experiencing.
I consulted the specs for the Coachmen MH. The wheelbase is 242" against a total length of 451". That yields a 53% ration. On a DP that would be a good ratio. If you look at the DP as compared to a Gasser the "house" is situated in a different place on the chassis, changing the "balance" of the coach. Gas powered MHs have the front wheels at the extreme front of the unit causing a longer overhang in the rear with the same wheelbase. DP's move the house forward on the chassis, the front wheels being actually behind the driver. In mine, the engine and trans in the rear are balanced by the fuel tank,(120 gal) water tank, (100 gal) propane tank, )43 gal) and generator in the front. The holding tanks are just to the front of the rear axle.
Someone mentioned that you had to pay a million for a good handling MH. Mine was $280k sticker price in 2004 and todays similar models are going for between $300k and $400k.
I don't know if putting all the add-ons is going to help the situation with the handling problem. As I said in my previous post, get the coach weighed and check it against the weight handling capacity of the coach.
Ron
