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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: AC7880 on February 16, 2014, 11:44:51 pm

Title: Wheelbase questions for 2000 - 2005
Post by: AC7880 on February 16, 2014, 11:44:51 pm
I searched for the answers and only had limited success.  My reason for wanting hard numbers is not stability while underway, but rather for maneuverability backing into tight spaces on narrow roads in wooded campgrounds, and turning around on cul-de-sacs.

To explain, my current coach on a Spartan Mountain Master chassis is 37' 11" bumper to bumper with a beam axle with 38 degree wheel cut (like Foretravel), and 237" wheelbase.  We RV a lot in state and national parks, and in Thousand Trails in the Pacific North West.  Many tight sites, heavy vegetation, and narrow roads.  I can back into most sites that are long enough even if narrow road, but sometimes have to back fill a couple of times to avoid trees, branches, rocks, posts etc. 

My questions are for yr 2000 to yr 2005 U270/295/320, and also for Nimbus and Phenix.

What is the wheelbase of the U270 34'?

I found numbers that are probably accurate as follows:  36' = 228" wb, 38' (single axle) = 252" wb, and 40' (single axle) = 276"?

For the tag axle 38, 40, 42, what is the wheelbase to the pivot point (front axle to drive axle)?  Overall wheelbase info  from front axle to tag while useful won't tell me about pivoting to back into tight sites.

If you have numbers for any coaches I would appreciate it.


Title: Re: Wheelbase questions for 2000 - 2005
Post by: Caflashbob on February 16, 2014, 11:57:26 pm
I searched for the answers and only had limited success.  My reason for wanting hard numbers is not stability while underway, but rather for maneuverability backing into tight spaces on narrow roads in wooded campgrounds, and turning around on cul-de-sacs.

Not sure on the tag stuff but Foretravel used the old dodge WB normally on a 34'.  208"

Bob
Title: Re: Wheelbase questions for 2000 - 2005
Post by: Tom Lang on February 17, 2014, 01:49:56 am
Look what google found.  ;D
Title: Re: Wheelbase questions for 2000 - 2005
Post by: John S on February 17, 2014, 07:19:04 am
You can lift the axle on a tag and it makes my 42 turn like a forty.  Now that being said it is easier to back in then to pull in tight places. The newer coaches with IFS turn like a dream.  Our older coach's are great on the road and you will have to back and fill. I do not have the wheel base handy but have it in the files in the coach in the garage with about a foot plus snow between us.
Title: Re: Wheelbase questions for 2000 - 2005
Post by: Michelle on February 17, 2014, 09:35:40 am

Sweet!  Bro was just reminding me about the wheelbase/turning radius/overhang info for our coach so he or his boss can figure out a spot for us this spring. 
Title: Re: Wheelbase questions for 2000 - 2005
Post by: AC7880 on February 17, 2014, 02:35:12 pm
Tom,

Thanks for the yr 2007 PDF find.  That gives me the Nimbus and Phenix numbers.  Do you think the U270/295/320 would have the same specs on wheelbase?

Anyone have the U270 34' and 38' with tag wheelbase?

Title: Re: Wheelbase questions for 2000 - 2005
Post by: Tom Lang on February 17, 2014, 05:29:08 pm
Tom,

Thanks for the yr 2007 PDF find.  That gives me the Nimbus and Phenix numbers.  Do you think the U270/295/320 would have the same specs on wheelbase?

Anyone have the U270 34' and 38' with tag wheelbase?



I am pretty sure they are the same. I believe these numbers are correct for my 2003 U295.
Title: Re: Wheelbase questions for 2000 - 2005
Post by: AC7880 on February 18, 2014, 01:21:22 pm
Between the information provided on this thread in the 2007/2008 pdf above, and year 2003 PDF files that Tyle at Foretravel emailed me I think I have definitive answers for wheelbase that I will post below for future search results.

This should apply to both the U270/295/320 and the Nimbus/Phenix beam axle coaches.

Coach length/wheel base/ approximate turning radius for beam axle coaches:

34' 204" wb, 35'9" curb to curb, 37'8" wall to wall

36' 228" wb, 39'3" curb to curb, 41'4" wall to wall

38' no tag 252" wb, 39'7" curb to curb, 41'9" wall to wall

38' tag  228" to drive /278" to tag wb, 39'3" curb to curb, 41'4" wall to wall

40' no tag  276" wb, 44'3" curb to curb, 46'6" wall to wall

40' tag  252" to drive /302" to tag wb, 39'7" curb to curb, 41'9" wall to wall

42'tag  276" to drive /326" to tag wb, 46'5" curb to curb, 48'9" wall to wall

The pdfs atchd below have more numbers - but do display sideways on my PC.
Title: Re: Wheelbase questions for 2000 - 2005
Post by: AC7880 on February 19, 2014, 01:14:53 pm
The chart on wheelbase and turning radius has been added to Turning Radii (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:turning-radius)
Great place for it - I think it will help many newbies and lookers.