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Old 09-23-2018, 02:40 PM   #1
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Comments about turning radius of Axis and Vegas

I feel the turning radius of my 2016 Axis 24.1 is way to large. I Haven't measured it yet but it sure seems excessive. Has anyone else noticed this ? I'd like to hear your comments. Thanks

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Old 09-23-2018, 03:41 PM   #2
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We just got back from a 5 week trip in the Smokey mountains. Two or three times we had to make U turns either to cross a median or a U turn as we were lost.

I agree, for the size of our 2016 Axis the turning radius seems a bit much. 3 or 4 Lanes are needed. Or a huge intersection!! It's not unmanageable but we had to plan more then I would have liked.
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Old 09-23-2018, 03:41 PM   #3
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Considering it is a stretched Ford van chassis; sure (Ford's don't have the best turning radius' to begin with and then you stretch the chassis which would effectively increase the radius).

Having said that I've been able to maneuver our Axis all around in tight spaces--even spun it 180 inside a campsite (we arrived late at night so I just pulled in forward and then spun it in the morning).
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Old 09-23-2018, 06:26 PM   #4
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With proper planning, a bit of skill... and a whole lot of luck: you can park them anyplace that you'll ever need to!

Oh! I almost forgot about keep a bit of "overconfidence" handy!
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Old 09-23-2018, 06:58 PM   #5
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Oh, I agree. This RV handles great for an RV. We put it everywhere we needed to. Backed it into every spot without a hitch.

Then again, I used to drive a fire truck!
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Old 09-23-2018, 07:30 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by nick104 View Post
I feel the turning radius of my 2016 Axis 24.1 is way to large. I Haven't measured it yet but it sure seems excessive. Has anyone else noticed this ? I'd like to hear your comments. Thanks
I agree it could be better, but as Jamie said, the longer they stretch the wheelbase, the longer the turning radius or circle will get. Unfortunately, the E-Series chassis doesn’t have a tight front wheel cut angle, so it can get pretty long when stretched. Your Axis wheelbase is stretched to 188 inches, which isn’t as bad as some longer Class Cs on same chassis that are stretched to over 220 inches.

I recall doing a U-Turn in Vegas in a long Class C (same chassis) and had to back up to finish the U-Turn across 4 lanes of traffic. Not my preference for a “fun-to-drive” vehicle, which is what I want when enjoying a vacation. This is but one reason many like smaller motorhomes.

Personally, I think the Axis/Vegas 24.1 could (should ????) have been built on Ford 176” OEM long wheelbase. That would help with turning radius some.
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Old 09-23-2018, 07:34 PM   #7
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209" wheelbase here. . You just have to always have a plan.
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Old 09-24-2018, 02:30 AM   #8
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My main comparison is between my previous 30 ft Southwind and current Vegas 24.1 and, yes, I was shocked at how much wider the turning radius was in the Vegas. Now I just plan ahead and adjust for the change.
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Old 09-24-2018, 03:27 AM   #9
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209" wheelbase here. . You just have to always have a plan.

Having a plan is a great idea. Having a tight turning radius that doesn’t require one is even better. Peace of mind is priceless.
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Old 09-24-2018, 03:39 AM   #10
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driving a e350 plumbers van for 10 yrs and coming from a 40' DP, I think the turning radius is in line with its size. In all 3 I've never said ah, I'll just make a u turn and see what happens. The Vegas is def my favorite to drive.
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Old 09-24-2018, 10:57 AM   #11
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We frequently will also have a toad on a dolly so the planning process has to include that. Still so far haven't really had any issues navigating anywhere with the Axis toad or not.

In reality all your plan has to involve is a quick looksee and if you don't think you'll fit move along. Nothing more complicated than that.
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Old 09-24-2018, 12:06 PM   #12
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Thank you: I agree...
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Old 09-24-2018, 01:46 PM   #13
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Since Nick had mentioned that he hadn’t measured the turning circle yet, I interpreted the question to be less subjective than most replies have addressed. I agree we can deal with most anything when we have to, but here’s some objective data to compare.

Fortunately, Ford manufactures all three motorhome platforms with a wheelbase that is very close to each other, so we can compare the numbers directly. And as expected, the E-Series is the worse.


For 176” wheelbase, E-Series curb-to-curb is 60.3 feet.

For 178” wheelbase, Transit curb-to-curb is 56.4 feet.

For 178” wheelbase, F-53 curb-to-curb is 49.7 feet.


It’s interesting that for the F-53 Ford motorhome chassis, we’d have to be at 228” wheelbase to nearly match the same curb-to-curb, which is 60.6 feet.

These are numbers from Ford specifications, to be interpreted any way we want. I see that the E-Series, for its size, doesn’t turn as tight. After dealing with it just fine for 200,000 miles, it would still be nice for it to turn tighter.
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Old 09-24-2018, 02:40 PM   #14
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A solution exists...


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Old 09-24-2018, 02:40 PM   #15
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And in case we’re wondering how these curb-to-curb turning circles compare to other manufacturers, the RAM ProMaster is a good example because most test drivers notice and comment how tight it turns.


For 158” wheelbase, E-Series curb-to-curb is 54.8 feet.

For 159” wheelbase, ProMaster curb-to-curb is 46.8 feet.
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Old 09-24-2018, 02:43 PM   #16
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By any "chance"(): did they happen to list the 209" E-450?
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Old 09-24-2018, 02:51 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
By any "chance"(): did they happen to list the 209" E-450?
The F-53 chassis with 208" wheel base, turning circle is listed at 56.1'.
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Old 09-24-2018, 02:58 PM   #18
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Really Bob?

There is no such OEM wheelbase for E-350 or E-450. You’ll have to use math or a tape measure. Ford only manufactures 138”, 158”, or 176” for E-Series.

Since it doesn’t bother you, it shouldn’t make much difference anyway.
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Old 09-24-2018, 03:00 PM   #19
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The F-53 chassis with 208" wheel base, turning circle is listed at 56.1'.
His, being an E-Series, is way north of that.


P.S. — Roughly about 71 feet — give or take.
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Old 09-24-2018, 03:34 PM   #20
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Really Bob?

There is no such OEM wheelbase for E-350 or E-450. You’ll have to use math or a tape measure. Ford only manufactures 138”, 158”, or 176” for E-Series.

Since it doesn’t bother you, it shouldn’t make much difference anyway.
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.
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