24FT handling

[Tonyg]

How stable is the 24 ft. from wind and truck passing compared to the "Built for Two" and the 26 FT. ?

Thanks to all . This is a great source of info.

Tony

[robert newby]

I have had both the 24ft and now the 26ft -- I am impressed on how well both handle the wind and passing trucks -- I think it is because of the round-ness of the body -- wish you well in your choise of the Born Free coach -- BobN

[bcope01]

I recently drove my 22FT "Built for Two" from the factory in Humboldt, IA to San Diego, CA on mostly freeway through high crosswinds, lots of rain, and heavy truck traffic, and the handling was excellent. I used to tow a small travel trailer and everytime a truck passed me I left permanent fingerprints embedded in the steering wheel.

[Mel Wilbur]

My guess is that all three coaches will handle very much the same regarding passing trucks and wind. Any difference would most likely be equalized by the extra weight of the 24 and 26 when compared to the 22. The design of the Born Free coaches make them very driver friendly in these situations.

[Tonyg]

Thanks for the fast replies. The reason I ask is because the rv consumer group rates handling of the 24 ft. significantly lower than the 26 ft. or the "built for two". I think this is based on the wheelbase to length ratio. I was interested to hear from actual owners since we are very interested in the 24ft model. This is all new to me since we have never had a rv before.

Thanks again,

Tony

[Barbara & Ken]

We are second owners of a 2001 24RB. After our first trip, we installed the IPD system and Bilstien shocks on both front and rear axles. It improved the handling of the coach significantly.

Are similar systems installed on the more recent Born Free units at the BF factory?

[Mel Wilbur]

I would doubt if Born Free would ever consider adding any after market items such as IPD sway bars or high quality shocks such as Bilsteins or Koni's if for no other reason than the liability of altering the chassis. For what it's worth I have just installed the Koni shocks after three years with Bilsteins and the ride quality was a noticable improvement, firm but less harsh overall (my copilot agrees with me). We also have the IPD bars front and rear and the safe-t-plus steering stabilizer.

Tony, as a prospective buyer keep in mind that there are many Born Free coaches on the road without most of the addons that you will find discussed on this website, then there are those of us who like our toys and are looking for the ultimate in performance and handling which I will admit does come at a price. If you choose to purchase a Born Free I doubt that you will be dissapointed.

[Bill Ruh]

Hi Tony,

IMO, the built-for-two handles better than the 24'. Also IMO, born free's design (lower center of gravity and aerodynamics) do better than brandx of equivalent wheelbase/length.

FWIW, we've put 60k miles on a 22' rear door, which is like the built-for-two with a cabover. For a motorhome, it's handling is outstanding; crosswinds and truck wash are just non-problems. The previous owner put on a rear ipd anti-sway bar and front and rear bilsteins, so I'm sure they help, but I don't think that's the biggest contributor.

Drive 'em yourself. I'll bet you'll notice a difference.

[Barbara & Ken]

We agree with Bill. "Drive 'em yourself . . . you'll notice the difference."

If you are not near the Born Free factory or a dealer, contact Born Free for a list of BF owners in your area. We love to show off our BFs. We even allowed a prospective buyer drive our unit. He was impressed enough to buy a BF within a couple of months after seeing and driving our BF.