Picking a Wheelbase

[ReluctantTraveler]

When you say tail swing are you talking about an un stable condition going down the highway or a dimensional clearance thing when turning?

My primary concern had been clearance when turning. Obviously, turning radius in general is still a concern even if I go with the longer wheelbase since the rig is the same length regardless, but the physics of it change the closer to the rear the axles are.

That said... based on what @AbleGuy wrote, stability is also a concern.

 

[simple]

Tail swing would be pretty far down the list for me when weighing this decision. Have you driven both size trucks?

 

[ReluctantTraveler]

Tail swing would be pretty far down the list for me when weighing this decision. Have you driven both size trucks?

I have not, and that obviously is probably a pretty solid next step. Though I'd imagine the feel of driving one unloaded versus loaded will be pretty different.

 

[carleton]

I have not, and that obviously is probably a pretty solid next step. Though I'd imagine the feel of driving one unloaded versus loaded will be pretty different.

I guess that is a good point about Tail Swing.

I've driven 40' buses over mountain passes in Colorado. Those have a long wheelbase, and a long overhang (10+ feet).
What was the most difficult, though, was the rear tires tracking inside the turn on a long wheelbase vehicle, and 90% of the time that was what got you into trouble. Much more likely than the tailswing swinging into things.

Tight corners at full lock are pretty much relegated to slow speeds. If you are in a tight campspot that is so tight that you are worried about tailswing....then you need a spotter, keep an eye on front and rear.

 

[ReluctantTraveler]

What was the most difficult, though, was the rear tires tracking inside the turn on a long wheelbase vehicle, and 90% of the time that was what got you into trouble. Much more likely than the tailswing swinging into things.

Fair point! So, having to swing (comically) wide on turns to avoid clipping things? That makes sense.

 

[simple]

I have not, and that obviously is probably a pretty solid next step. Though I'd imagine the feel of driving one unloaded versus loaded will be pretty different.

You wouldn't get a sense of dynamics with a box but you would get a good feel for turning radius and general maneuverability.

 

[simple]

If your going for something like this OEV setup, they went with 84". So maybe that is the ticket.

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[ReluctantTraveler]

If your going for something like this OEV setup, they went with 84". So maybe that is the ticket.

Summit Hard Side Chassis Mount Camper

CHASSIS MOUNTED CAMPER SUMMIT (HARD-SIDE) BUILT FOR THE FORD F550 & RAM 5500 Learn More BUILT TO CONQUER. BUILT TO LAST. If you’re looking for an extremely lightweight expedition truck camper without sacrificing quality or comfort, look no further! The 2024 SUMMIT is a chassis-mounted camper...

overlandex.com

it would also make box construction substantially, easier, as I wouldn’t have to worry about angling the rear. I could just go straight up.