We're considering getting back in RVing, but with a smaller class A than the 32 footer we sold several years back, looking at something in the 27-30 foot range. I was curious about any handling issues that might come with a smaller coach. Will sway or wind push from 18 wheelers be more of an issue with the shorter wheelbase of 178"-190"? Or will it be a non issue? We're still just looking at various floor plans and haven't driven anything yet. I figure most of our interstate driving would be along I-10 which has very heavy truck traffic. In our old 32 footer, pulling a toad, handling wasn't that much of an issue, and I was curious what difference I might expect with a shorter coach.Thanks for any feedback you may provide.

Bill and Terry - It is not the length but the ratio of the length of the house (box) to the chassis length that is the important figure. What happens if you have big overhangs in back of and in front of the wheels the leverage on the tires is greater. So when the 18 wheeler goes by and the truck wash air pushes the rear of the coach, a big overhang means more leverage. So you want the wheels close to the front and rear as possible. The % that is usually considered good is around 56% or more. Below 50% and you are likely to have more problems. There are other factors that come into play too. But chassis ratio is the big one.

uRear trak ar helps. Ford now installs front trak bar. Extra anti sway bars and steering control is also helpful.

I got a 27' and can't tell the difference from my dads 34' other than my turn radius kicks butt.

Our antique Class A has a 140" wheel base, while one can feel the influence of a passing truck, I would have to say that handling is not any kind of an issue. Matt

Just the fact that you will be towing will stabilize the coach in winds and from passing trucks. Just make sure to load the coach properly so that the front axle is not too light.

Handling issues with shorter Class A's? | Good Sam Community

ezgoin
Explorer
Nov 10, 2013
Thanks everyone for the info. I looked at a 2011 Hurricane 31D with only 8500 miles yesterday that looked almost new. It was a cherry. The wheel to length ratio is just a tad under 50%. It seems like most of the shorter rigs run from 51-53%. I didn't test drive the Hurricane because the floor plan didn't work to our liking but the info you folks provided will sure help going forward. Thanks again.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Nov 09, 2013
Born To Travel wrote:
All high profile vehicles will rock n roll in cross winds and when passed by other high profile vehicles...

Ours doesn't! :)
Cobra21
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
It's all what RFCN2 stated. The wheel base ratio to the box ratio in a nut shell.
I drive a 49 percent unit which can be dicey on windy days. Divide your wheel base inches by your total length in inches to get your percentage. This gives you
a good idea of what to expect without even driving the rig.

Brian
timmac
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
My last motorhome was 26ft and no issues, however it was a 2002 with factory upgraded suspension and 19.5 tires, just make sure its a newer rv 2002 or newer, Workhorse and Ford did better improvements after these years.
Born_To_Travel
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
All high profile vehicles will rock n roll in cross winds and when passed by other high profile vehicles... The answer is learning how to handle it.. I don't think length is as important as height in winds.. I learned a couple weeks ago about the value of a shorter class A.. When visiting friends in Niagara Falls, NY who live in the city in a residential row house area, I was able to navigate the tight city streets and park my 28' RV in their 30 foot driveway and not have to worry about parking two blocks away in a city parking lot because the city does not allow parking on the street.. Also it will fit in many small business parking lots like restaurants and gas stations..
Daveinet
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
Are you looking at new or used? If used, how old? As you get into older coaches, they are not as tall, which helps handling. Look at the rear overhang, that may give you a clue as to the weight distribution, which is really the dominate factor. For the most part, you will just have to test drive a lot of different coaches, to get a feel for what you are dealing with.

If you really want handling, you can go as old as the 80s, and get a Revcon. A mechanically sound Revcon will drive better than any other coach made.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Nov 09, 2013
Just the fact that you will be towing will stabilize the coach in winds and from passing trucks. Just make sure to load the coach properly so that the front axle is not too light.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Nov 09, 2013
Our antique Class A has a 140" wheel base, while one can feel the influence of a passing truck, I would have to say that handling is not any kind of an issue.

Matt
zman-az
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
I got a 27' and can't tell the difference from my dads 34' other than my turn radius kicks butt.
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
uRear trak ar helps. Ford now installs front trak bar. Extra anti sway bars and steering control is also helpful.