Question on length

[MontanaCamper]

Hello All

Looking at going to a class A. Selling the rig and trailer below... DW and I are talking about starting at 26-30 foot..not sold on this length, just a place to start. We do know we will be towing a jeep wrangler for trail riding or a RZR on a trailer. Seen where one member said "go with the longer wheel base, you'll thank me later"...at the time I didn't think about it..I was more interested in what members thought of the RV in question...but now I am wondering..WHY?? I can see advantages to both..Longer for traveling down the road..shorter for maneuvering....Thoughts??

[Ivylog]

Why so short and how many days/year? RZR suggests boondocking so the shorter the MH the smaller the tanks.

[dahkota]

It is not the wheelbase you look at by itself - otherwise, everyone would be buying 45' rigs; they have the longest wheelbase. You must consider it combined with total length of the rig. The wheelbase will be a percentage of the total length; the general recommendation is to look for a ratio higher than 50%.

However, I will also suggest looking at chassis gross weight rating. At the size you are looking at, it can range from 14,500 to 22,000 lbs. The higher the GVWR, the 'heavier duty' the chassis and the more it can carry and tow. In our search, we saw class As with a cargo capacity as low as 1200 lbs and tow ratings as low as 3000 lbs. Can't carry or tow much of anything with those.

With 4 dogs, I would suggest the higher end of your length range. Best of luck in your search!

[WyoTraveler]

The next time you are looking at MHs stand back and look at the profile.If you put a long box on a short wheel base the over hang in the back is more likely to wag. However, the short wheel base is easier to drive around corners except the rear swings out more into the other lane when turning. On the highway and in wind the longer wheel base gives more stability. Manufactures can save money by putting a shorter carriage under the MH and extending the rear frame out behind the rear wheels. Installation of a rear trak bar will help prevent sway or wag. The trak bar goes from rear axle housing up to the frame on an angle to prevent the wag. If buying used I would be looking for the after market that were installed. By the time sway bars, trak bar and steering control is added it can add up to $$$$.