Community Forums

wannabervin · 12-17-2014, 06:37 PM

Thinking about buying a large Class C. I've read that class As that that have a short wheel base and a lot of body behind the rear wheels tend to be unwieldy, especially in the wind. The large class Cs that I've seen also have the long extension behind the rear wheels. How difficult are these to handle in the wind, or as semi tractor trailers roar past?

wannabervin · 12-17-2014, 07:11 PM

We rented from them a few years ago. It was a positive experience. They told us that their resale rigs are completely new except for the motor and chassis. So this seems a good option if the high mileage doesn't scare you away.

retired cop · 12-17-2014, 07:45 PM

I'm pretty new at rving, but I have owned my 31 ft Minnie for about three months. My experience is limited, but so far I have not had a problem. Yeah, you can definitely feel the wind and the passing semis, but to me it seems no worse than driving a u-haul van. The main thing to remember is the rear overhang when turning or backing.

Caswelld · 12-18-2014, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabervin

Thinking about buying a large Class C. I've read that class As that that have a short wheel base and a lot of body behind the rear wheels tend to be unwieldy, especially in the wind. The large class Cs that I've seen also have the long extension behind the rear wheels. How difficult are these to handle in the wind, or as semi tractor trailers roar past?

A great driving class C is the Phoenix Cruiser [NOT a 3 slide model]. They are a little shorter than most but drive really well, little to no push from 18 wheelers. But, if you are 6' 2" or taller, this coach is not for you.

Harvard · 12-18-2014, 08:17 AM

If the vehicle has enough front end +caster it will add to the stability no matter what the circumstance. IMO

jerdogg1 · 12-18-2014, 08:19 AM

I agree with Retired Cop. I have a 30' Class C, and of course you're going to feel the wind more than you would in a smaller vehicle, but I'm not sure the length of the wheel base has anything to do with it. It's just the fact that there's a lot more surface area of the wind to catch.

As far as semis going by, yes, you'll feel it once they are even with your back bumper. You'll realize pretty quick to keep an eye on your mirrors even moreso than in a car.

Dynadave · 12-19-2014, 06:07 PM

The class c rv's are not as tall as the class a's so generally they will not be affected by wind to the same degree as a class a. The correct chassis setup on either class is also critical. I have found that the B+ class drive better.

TCHB · 12-21-2014, 08:45 PM

Most of the newer motorhomes are stretching the wheelbase which really helps with the tail wag. I would add a couple things that really does help with the tail wag in wind and when trucks pass you.

1. Rear Air Bags to help with the extra weight behind the wheels.

2. Rear Track Bar to stop the leaf springs from going side to side.

dembree · 01-03-2015, 08:27 AM

I have a 34 foot Class C on a Ford F550 (truck) chassis. The F550 chassis is a dream to drive. It handles great in the wind. Passing or being passed by a larger vehicle is not felt. Our previous Class C 29 foot was on a Ford E450 (van) chassis. This motor home was not fun to drive in the wind; better hold on to the steering wheel. IMO a heavier and stiffer chassis is the way to go. Just ask my wife, she loves the F550 chassis, she does most of the driving; two trips to Alaska from the lower 48 in the past two years.

wannabervin · 01-04-2015, 04:02 AM

I'm looking at super Cs with a double rear (tag?) axils, rather than those with a single axial and long overhang. Seems that would help with stability in the wind. Does that make sense?

96 Wideglide · 01-04-2015, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabervin

I'm looking at super Cs with a double rear (tag?) axils, rather than those with a single axial and long overhang. Seems that would help with stability in the wind. Does that make sense?

Ah, sure does

!

TCHB · 01-04-2015, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dembree

I have a 34 foot Class C on a Ford F550 (truck) chassis. The F550 chassis is a dream to drive. It handles great in the wind. Passing or being passed by a larger vehicle is not felt. Our previous Class C 29 foot was on a Ford E450 (van) chassis. This motor home was not fun to drive in the wind; better hold on to the steering wheel. IMO a heavier and stiffer chassis is the way to go. Just ask my wife, she loves the F550 chassis, she does most of the driving; two trips to Alaska from the lower 48 in the past two years.

Sounds nice.

I really need to stay between 26-28 ft so chassis is limited now to the Ford 450 Ford Vans.

Funhaus · 01-04-2015, 06:29 PM

I think they all catch a good cross wind, after all they are about as aerodynamic as a brick, my last MH was a class C that was almost 30' and it wasn't that bad, the semis weren't that bad as they passed, it did push it a little but wasn't that bad really. I added Bilstein shocks and a Bilstein steering stabilzer and it improved the ride and steering dramatically.

TS192 · 01-04-2015, 08:26 PM

I just got home from a trip from TN to AZ and back in a 2014 Citation 29-TB (aprox 32) feet. Just got out of there, by the way, ahead of those storms. Going and coming the constant winds through parts of NM and OK were strong at times and for long stretches and I had to apply constant pressure to the steering wheel. I do get a blow when simi's go by me fast but I got used to it pretty quick and I too kept a pretty regular check on the mirror. I can't imagine any motor home being wind proof. It wasn't like we drove in constant fear of getting blown off the road but my wife and I both stayed sharp and aware of the traffic and conditions around us. I would think that would go without saying in any "RV". So I will say if you want to go Class-C just get what you want and get used to it's behavior. By the way, the Ford E-450 V-10 was awesome going up and down those mountains in northern Arizona. Going up I could blow by the trucks and going down I just turned off the overdrive and tapped the breaks on rare occasion. The van did the rest on it's own. Just thought I would throw that in. Good luck and happy motoring.