Steering a Motorhome
We have been full timing for three years pulling a fifth wheel. We purchased a 2013 37' Winnibago Itasca Meridian. We have driven it for about 500 miles, it seems like I constantly need to be slightly...
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If you were to drive my DP, on a LONG-wheelbase Spartan chassis, and if you're a good pickup driver, you would be surprised how easy and comfortable, and stable directionally, my Dutch Star is to drive. The wheel alignment was perfect from the factory, I always load it such that the front tires are loaded to the max limit, 12,000 lbs, (in order to enjoy maximum caster authority). The tire air pressure is alwasy 107 psi on all rears, and 116 on the fronts. Even at my age, I can do 10 hour drive days (stopping every 3 hours to stretch and walk the puppies), get 7 hours of sleep, and go again next day. Easy peesy.
Long wheelbase and short rear overhang. There's no "tail wagging the dog here". It's simply a great design feature that drives the cost up, and THAT'S why so many motorhomes do NOT have it.
My first 4 Class A gasser MHs did not have this feature, and their other shortcomings started me thinking about exactly what makes for "good design". Then I got me a 33 ft gasser Vectra on a Ford chassis with a long wheelbase. That one was directionally stable, and easy to drive on the highway. Except, that Ford chassis had other problems. It really took me "back into the books". It led me into special ordering my Dutch Star, with the expensive optional Spartan Chassis. That chassis was worth the money.
Long wheelbase, short rear overhang, I insist on it. PLUS, a properly designed suspension system:
Long wheelbase and short rear overhang. There's no "tail wagging the dog here". It's simply a great design feature that drives the cost up, and THAT'S why so many motorhomes do NOT have it.
My first 4 Class A gasser MHs did not have this feature, and their other shortcomings started me thinking about exactly what makes for "good design". Then I got me a 33 ft gasser Vectra on a Ford chassis with a long wheelbase. That one was directionally stable, and easy to drive on the highway. Except, that Ford chassis had other problems. It really took me "back into the books". It led me into special ordering my Dutch Star, with the expensive optional Spartan Chassis. That chassis was worth the money.
Long wheelbase, short rear overhang, I insist on it. PLUS, a properly designed suspension system:
