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Old 03-05-2023, 08:01 AM   #1
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THOR #29154
Four Winds 31WV turning radius/wheel base question

We are considering a Four Winds 31WV. It has a 223" wheelbase on an E-450 chassis with an overall length of 32'4".

I have not been able to find out any information on turning radius. I presently own a F250 (176" WB) and a 28' (overall length) TT, so having a fixed body of that length/wheelbase will be a new experience.

Do any current owners (or owners that have similar WB specs) have challenges navigating city streets, campgrounds, gas stations, etc?

Thanks for the input.

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Old 03-05-2023, 12:52 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by Summit Pond View Post
We are considering a Four Winds 31WV. It has a 223" wheelbase on an E-450 chassis with an overall length of 32'4".

I have not been able to find out any information on turning radius. I presently own a F250 (176" WB) and a 28' (overall length) TT, so having a fixed body of that length/wheelbase will be a new experience.

Do any current owners (or owners that have similar WB specs) have challenges navigating city streets, campgrounds, gas stations, etc?

Thanks for the input.
It’s not going down narrow streets without extreme caution. The two biggest issues are going to be tail drag in and out of driveways and parking lots and tail swing at service stations and around corners.

Practice in an empty parking lot with cones until you learn and are comfortable with the turning characteristics of the rig.
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Old 03-05-2023, 10:42 PM   #3
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With a huge emphasis on "tail swing". It's as important in your approach as it is when you're ready to dive off. People will block you in at pumps, etc.
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Old 03-06-2023, 12:20 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by EA37TS View Post
It’s not going down narrow streets without extreme caution. The two biggest issues are going to be tail drag in and out of driveways and parking lots and tail swing at service stations and around corners.

Practice in an empty parking lot with cones until you learn and are comfortable with the turning characteristics of the rig.
Your new wheelbase will be 4' longer and the unit length will be 4' longer. So, the rear overhang will be about the same as the old. The tail swing and drag on the old unit was probably worse than it will be on the new. The thing you need to watch for is side swiping one of the corner posts protecting the pumps installed at many gas stations if you should begin your turns too soon.
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Old 03-06-2023, 03:13 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by EA37TS View Post
It’s not going down narrow streets without extreme caution. The two biggest issues are going to be tail drag in and out of driveways and parking lots and tail swing at service stations and around corners.



Practice in an empty parking lot with cones until you learn and are comfortable with the turning characteristics of the rig.
Have a 31y. Tail drag is the first thing I check out. It is a non-negotiable for restaurants, gas stations, etc. That being said, had a minor problem (scrapping) maybe 6x in 25,000 miles.
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Old 03-06-2023, 04:46 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by EA37TS View Post
It’s not going down narrow streets without extreme caution. The two biggest issues are going to be tail drag in and out of driveways and parking lots and tail swing at service stations and around corners.

Practice in an empty parking lot with cones until you learn and are comfortable with the turning characteristics of the rig.
X2. We have a 30fe/30D. The biggest problems are going to be in the overhang getting into parking lots from the streets. Otherwise city driving isn’t really that bad just watch the width and the curbs. If you are pulling a toad that is a different story but that goes for any coach really.
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Old 03-08-2023, 02:50 AM   #7
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I had a 31W and the turning radius is no different that a van or truck, another word terrible
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Old 03-11-2023, 08:05 PM   #8
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Turning radius of chassis is around 28 feet what it is with the body you will have to calculate yourself but my guess will be 30-36 feet with no obstruction
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Old 03-11-2023, 09:45 PM   #9
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I have made one u-turn in my class a, a 30 foot Hurricane with toad. It took all of the turn lane, both of the opposite lanes and the shoulder to do so. It is easier and less stressful to go around the block for that maneuver. In 25 years of driving a 30 foot class c and equal length class a only 2 times has the hitch been in contact with the road surface. Seat time and your eyes will tell you what places not to turn into. However, tail swing will be a daily issue. For every parking lot and filling station you will need to be cognizant of where your tail is and what may be in its path.
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Old 03-13-2023, 06:00 PM   #10
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Don't be reluctant to use a spotter when getting into and exiting a place. A small personal communication device such as the "family radio class" radio is good. Another suggestion is to hook up the toad in a large clear flat parking lot. Do a 360* turn at full steering wheel lock. Make sure the toad doesn't kiss the back of the coach in that sustained turn. Obviously use a spotter to watch and report how much clearance.
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