Thor Forums

[Chance]

Do taller motorhomes generally have more handling issues?

Unlike springs, anti-roll bars, shocks, etc., this issue is more difficult to compare because owners can't, for the most part, change the height of a motorhome. Before and after comparisons are therefore not possible.

We know that over the years motorhomes have generally gotten taller, which presumably increases the center of gravity on most of them; and also increases side area to winds. Additionally, the center of pressure to side gusts sits higher, which compounds effect of crosswinds. It's a bad recipe all around.

Lower-height motorhomes (thinking typical Class A gasser on F53 chassis as example) could handle and ride better, but the general design would require other types of compromises. First things that come to mind are present elevated floors that allow pass-through storage, and added interior headroom to make them feel more residential. The general adoption of slides also forced manufacturers to increase ceiling height. Unless manufacturers could start with a lower chassis, these design features would have to be limited somewhat in order to make motorhomes of lower overall height.

What do you guys think about this general trend that now has some motorhomes built in excess of 13-feet in height (some toy haulers are nearing the legal limit)? Are most buyers aware of the impact height has on handling and stability? Is the added space worth it? Should there be a legal limit as to what manufacturers can sell?

There are reasons race cars sit close to pavement in order to improve handling. Should designers and engineers try harder to make motorhomes handle better, or should they design what people want regardless of issues that may follow?