Input on driving Class C 25ft vs 30ft

[The Gritz Carlton]

Good point Bob...there isn't 40 different wheelbases available. The biggest difference is the extended overhang in the rear...which brings up another point...watch your tail-swing at gas pumps and when closeby other vehicles and turning sharply. You can throw your tail into the other lanes.

[Carol]

Speaking of RV driving and wheel base reminds me of something I learned years ago. Although I had been driving my motor home for about a year, I decided to sign up for a driving class. This was a one-on-one with an instructor from a company in California. He was a retired commercial truck driver and, if I remember correctly, I think he said he had 2 million miles on the road. One of the memorable tips/demos he gave me was this---he placed a cone near the front passenger side of RV and then had me drive forward with a full/hard left turn. I stopped and got out to see exactly how far the back of the RV extended beyond the cone. I think of that lesson every time I am pulling out a gas station (or very close to something else). The last thing anyone would want to do is take out the gas tank when leaving the gas station.

[Chance]

The E-Series (most Class Cs and Axis/Vegas) come in three wheelbases from Ford: 138; 158, and 176 inches. For longer motorhomes, RV manufacturers frequently cut and stretch the wheelbase (or have it done by third party) to much longer lengths (up to 220s seem common).

The F-53 Stripped motorhome chassis comes in seven wheelbases: 158, 178, 190, 208, 228, 242 and 252 inches. According to Ford specs, all are shipped with same rear overhang length, so manufacturers modify beyond that as needed for floorplan.

I would prefer a motorhome without a chassis wheelbase stretch, but it doesn’t seem to be a common issue even when they do stretch the wheelbase. It’s just more things that could go wrong; and sometimes does.

[Bob Denman]

Chance,
Do you have any statistics that can point out how much of a problem it might be?
(I'm not doubting you: I just like numbers... I'm also driving a 209" setup!)

[The Gritz Carlton]

Having built and sold commercial trucks for many years, I've had wheelbases "stretched" or shortened many times for many reasons. When properly done this area is stronger than the original frame as it becomes "doubled" with backing plates in the modified areas. It is a far more common practice than you would think.

[Bob Denman]

Do you mean that it might actually be the best-built part of my rig?
(Okay: that bar IS set pretty low! )

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Chance,
Do you have any statistics that can point out how much of a problem it might be?
(I'm not doubting you: I just like numbers... I'm also driving a 209" setup!)

Everything else being equal, I prefer simple over complex.

The stretch involves more than frame rails since they also have to stretch or replace the driveshaft, stretch exhaust pipe, brake lines, parking brake cables, wiring harness, fuel lines, etc.

It’s not that it can’t be done right, but it adds more probability of things going wrong. In your case there was no choice because the E-Series isn’t made that long, but for some smaller motorhomes I think they could avoid a chassis wheelbase stretch. I’m not 100% certain of Ford limitations on RV manufacturers.

I have looked closely under a couple of Axis and it reinforced by preference to have the correct wheelbase from Ford if it were available. However, that’s not an available choice on Axis/Vegas. They all get stretched also.


P.S. — When I was very young I worked in a welding and fabrication shop that built truck bodies for farm use, and many were stretched and/or modified in different ways. Buyers would often buy new Ford or Chevy trucks (like Ford F-600) and the shop would convert to 10-wheel drive using surplus military axles and transfer cases. It really wasn’t that hard.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for the input, and I also like to stay close to the K.I.S.S. principle!

[Coffee-Girl]

Sooooooooo- I did it! I got the 2018 Four Winds 28Z today. I drove home (with a lunch stop at Waffle House) and made it safe and sound.

Hopefully my son and I can take it out this weekend. I have to work tomorrow so I can’t start loading/organizing until tomorrow evening.... A big THANKS to the wonderful people on this forum!!😍

And a special shout out to Gritz Carlton for providing extra support and encouragement!

I only took 2 quick pics and if I figure out how to post them I will.

[The Gritz Carlton]

One more on our team!! We're gonna win this game!! Remember...just like the Waffle House...Thor Forum..."Always Open"!

[jpmihalk]

Congrats Coffee-Girl!!! You did it! Have fun this weekend while you get to know your 28Z!

[JamieGeek]

Congrats!

[Bob Denman]

And now: the fun can REALLY start!
Congratulations!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW1dbiD_zDk

[geno929]

Congratulations! Adventures A Hoy!

[Coffee-Girl]

Thanks everyone!! I’m really excited because my 14 yo son is wanting to go camping ASAP and wants to bring a friend in the future 🙌🏻

[lazinskm]

Awesome- if you have any questions about the 28z let us know- there are a few of us hanging out here.... Enjoy!

[Coffee-Girl]

Dang- can’t go camping between back to school, orchestra and back to college stuff it’s not gonna work out ☹️

[Bob Denman]

That's a bummer!
But there's always next weekend...

[lazinskm]

I think it would be sweet to drop off your son/daughter in the rig. You can definitely get everything they need in that basement

[Bob Denman]

It IS a great way to haul all of the stuff that ends up going to College!