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Topic: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31' (Read 488 times) previous topic - next topic
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Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
24' has 158" WB
27' has 176" WB
31' has 211" WB

So the 27' has 18" more overhang when compared to the 24'. And to my surprise, the 31' has only 13" more overhang compared to the 27'.

For some time now I have been comparing the 27' to the 31' and one of the main detractors for me was what I believed to be excessive overhang. But when I look at the numbers an extra foot does not really seems like much to be concerned with. Of course, the breakover angle becomes worse with longer WB but I have not heard too many folks complain about that.

Your thoughts?
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #1 –
It takes a couple of lanes to be able to do a u-turn in my 31IB.  If that is a consideration or not to you.  You do have to be careful about tail swing.  I already put a scratch on my right rear bumper because I wasnt paying attention and the damn post moved over :)
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #2 –
"It takes a couple of lanes to be able to do a u-turn in my 31IB."

I sat in the passenger's seat while my daughter performed a 'U' on the main drag in Lee Vining with the Lazy Bones, CRV in tow. (holding my breath, eyes wide open).   :o   ;D  Didn't hit a thing!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #3 –
Yes it’s true, I did successfully 💫 complete a u-turn in our Lazy Bones. I wouldn’t  do it everyday but saw I had enough clearance so I went for it 🚐 It was ether that or sit for hours in traffic do to a wild fire 🔥 ahead.
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #4 –
I have owned both the 27 and the 31 and from experience, you do have to be more aware with the 31 footer when turning.  My solution is to go very slow when turning, using a back up camera to judge distances.  For me, the livability of the 31 foot far outweighed the extra concern when turning the rig.  The walk around bed was such a relief after making the RB couches for 2.5 years.  Don’t get me wrong, the RB’s windows, the availability of seating 10 people at the couches and dinette were wonderful but making and unmaking those beds each day got tiring.  Whichever size you choose, you will be astounded with the quality and finish of a LD.  Good luck in your decision. 
'O6 IB Anniversary Model
Sue, My Copilot
Carlie, our canine princess
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #5 –
Besides turning radius, "wheelbase ratio" above 55% is something that most makers strive for.  Accordingly wheelbases with less than 55% can contribute to more jouncing, swaying due to winds and truck traffic zooming past, control of rig if rear tire failure. 

24' WB 158" Length 288" WBR  55%
27'   "    176"     "        324"   "      54%
31'   "    211"     "        373"   "      57%

2003 MB
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #6 –
Another issue with wheelbase - length can be significant if you keep your rig at home. We back ours into one side of our driveway where I had cleared space for the rear overhang in a planter area. This allows us to pull our cars in and out of the garage and clear the m'home cab. We have had friends with the 27' model back into the driveway, overhang over the planter area as well, and can still clear the front of the rig with our cars.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #7 –
Our 24 TK has a tighter turn radius that our old 4X4 full sized F250.  Still have to watch the tail.
Steve and Annette
2019 TK 24
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #8 –
Thanks for the first-hand experience regarding turning along with parking in the driveway, etc. I also read up on wheelbase ratio which is a term I had not heard previously. For full-time I kinda believe I would appreciate a permanent bed as compared to converting a sofa into one on a daily basis.
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #9 –
A.M. to all the above posts about the 31 foot.  We have a 2007 , 31 foot been allover  U S, Canada, and Alaska, no turning difficulties

would not trade for a new smaller unit.

Bob
2007 31 IB
Re: Overhang & wheelbase: 24' vs. 27' vs. 31'
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Renegade242  - 
For full-time I kinda believe I would appreciate a permanent bed as compared to converting a sofa into one on a daily basis.
When we decided to switch from a TT to a MH, my wife's research led to a focus on LD. From 86 to 10 we had TT's w/ crawl over beds.  Got a too-big TT w/ walk around bed.  We saw a 31 IB in Bandon, OR and asked if we could look at.  Upon exiting, DW said "We're getting one of these". One month later we sent a check.  As Joan says, YMMV.
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE