Comments about turning radius of Axis and Vegas

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Aha! I see the source of my befuddlement!
You were discussing unaltered chassis...
and I wasn't!

Based upon some really "sketchy" Math: mine should be out around 71,6'
But I'd probably use over 140' anyway!
I was actually just curious about it; that's all.

I was quoting Ford OEM numbers to keep it as objective as possible; since I wouldn’t be introducing personal bias that way. When others like MorRyde or Thor stretch a chassis, I doubt they care much about the effect on turning circle size, so why measure or report it.

To your estimate, it’s not exactly linear, but close enough. You’re probably in 70~71 foot range.

The OP makes a valid point easily seen in your size motorhome. Your E-Series at 70~71 feet requires about 15 feet more to make a U-Turn than does an F-53 of similar size. And that’s a lot. For example, when I had to back up to complete a U-Turn with a medium plus 4 lanes in Las Vegas, an F-53 of similar size would have probably made it easily.

It’s not a huge problem, but there is a difference, so in my opinion we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss. It’s actually one of the few things I don’t like about E-Series. For what it’s worth, while I’m not 100% certain, I think it was worse before Ford upgraded the Twin-I-Beam suspension years ago.

Bottom line is that it can’t be easily altered, so we have to live with it.

[JamieGeek]

Using this website's formula and plugging in some #'s I come up with 73' for Bob's turning radius.

turning radius

[Bob Denman]

If I could get it to turn like that: I'd be happier than a pig in fresh poop!

I might take more room to turn around than an F-53 chassis, but I can sneak under much lower bridges!

[Bob Denman]

This is only my uneducated opinion : Turning radiuses are most important in only ONE place... the racetrack!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohkAxbeMxVo

[Chance]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Using this website's formula and plugging in some #'s I come up with 73' for Bob's turning radius.

turning radius

That website suggest increasing wheelbase has a proportional increase in radius, or turning circle. Not sure how you got to 73 feet, but looking at Ford data shows it’s not exactly that simple. For example, if you increased wheelbase 20%, the turning radius/circle is increased by a little less than 20%, etc.

For Bob’s state of mind, any estimate is close enough.

[Bob Denman]

...
And with the way that I drive: I'm still probably going to hit something anyway!

[nick104]

Thanks everyone for your comments. As usual, I have learned a lot about my ability to make a U-turn and opt to use three 90 degree turns ( around the block ) when in doubt. I'll keep a ballpark number of about 75' if I'm considering a U-turn. I traveled to Alaska with a friend that drives a Thor ACE on the F53 chassis and he frequently could maneuver easily in places that I had to back up a time or two to complete my turn and his coach is five feet longer ( not sure what wheelbase he has) . Happy travels. Nick