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Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Hello LD Folks,

I'm currently a Wannabe owner, in the research phase. I have two sets of questions I can't find answers to, and left a phone message with the LD Factory office but didn't get a call back on this one. I'm hoping you can assist.

Do you know the ground clearance, as a measurement, and is it the same for all models?  I'm assuming it's all the same, but just in case it's not, do you know the clearance for the 24TK and the 27 MB?

Thank you for your help and guidance.

Kat
LD WannaBe - on waitlist
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #1 –
Quote from: kat  - 

Do you know the ground clearance, as a measurement, and is it the same for all models?  I'm assuming it's all the same, but just in case it's not, do you know the clearance for the 24TK and the 27 MB?

You will not find published answers.
Guess it depends on what part of the undercarriage you are referring too. The front I-beam axle, the rear axle, center cross member or? 
How the rig is loaded and its total weight also determine how low it sits.
The lowest parts of most LDs are the dump valve and associated plumbing, each floorplan is different.

We have taken our 24' LD down some terrible roads....with care. LDs are built on a tough truck chassis, they can take and do a lot with an experienced hand driving,  just don't knock off the dump valves or get high centered!

Why are you concerned about ground clearance? These are not 4X4s and are limited to how deep into the boonies you can go.
Be careful, getting one of these heavy rigs stuck means an expensive tow.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #2 –
"We have taken our 24' LD down some terrible roads....with care. LDs are built on a tough truck chassis, they can take and do a lot with an experienced hand driving,  just don't knock off the dump valves or get high centered!"
---
I have taken my 2003 TK over quite a few goat tracks without damage; as far as I'm aware, the undercarriage is intact! My LD is under 12,000 pounds, and the short rigs have a proportionally shorter rear overhang than larger models. 

The (older) TK's dump valves are also in an "amidship" position (the FL and FD models have rear corner dump valve placements), separated, and and tucked up close to the chassis; if I had a newer TK with the combined black and grey dump valves that stick out, hang down, and has much less road clearance than the old design, I would probably not have taken some of the "roads" that I have done. (Owners of newer TKs may disagree, of course!)

Larry's point about not getting the rig high-centered is a major consideration; the potential for undercarriage damage is scary, not only from the initial "whack", but from the tow truck guy hauling the rig off the obstacle. Dumping the rig into a ditch, wedging a big rock between your duals, burying one or both ends of the rig in the sand or the creek bottom, mashing a rim, and/or destroying the front end are not real good outcomes, either. "Draggin' brush and flingin' rocks" is for Jeeps and OHVs.

I also suggest checking out a questionable "road" before taking it; another good application of GOAL! Surface conditions may be doable, but turn around options may not be if the road dead ends or becomes impassable, particularly if you have a larger LD. Smaller rigs are easier to turn around between a steep bank and the edge of a drop-off!  ;)

YMMV, as always.  
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #3 –
"I also suggest checking out a questionable "road" before taking it;..."

I know of a 'perfect' campsite, located at the top of a ridge with a magnificent 180° + view of the valley and it's approach road. I have been there many times in an International Scout and even in my Honda CRV. But due to one rough spot just short of that campsite the LD will never be able to spend a night there... unless I find a way to approach from the opposite direction.   ::)   :(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #4 –
The ground clearance in these rigs will handle almost all road conditions - I can fit to slide under almost any access point I need. However, due to overhang, expect to occasionally bottom out on the smoothest surfaces when accessing a sloped driveway into parking lots, etc. So also translate that to the contours of rough terrain too.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #5 –
True; there's enough clearance to wiggle under the LD. Now, if I could just get what I'm looking at in the right "focal"....  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #6 –
"However, due to overhang, expect to occasionally bottom out..."

And that goes with spades when it comes to the 30-31' models with their 11' overhang!   :o
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #7 –
What’s the overhang on the 27’ models?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #8 –
Gregg,

From the center of the rear axel hub to the end of the rear bumper, it is 112”.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #9 –
Thank you all for your guidance!  I'm perceiving these comments as coming from a motivation to help me, and I appreciate that. 

I've had a 4x4 SUV that I've taken in places where looking back, I wouldn't go again.  (Same with an old, compact sedan.)  

I am happy to get out and look, and wander the track for a while to see if I can go down it in my vehicle. That said, I really don't know how to judge that when walking ahead of a LD vehicle since I can find no measurements, not even a range of clearance across models, or anything anywhere on line.  I'm just looking for what to expect from these.  Are they closer to a prius? (4 inches) or an SUV (8-10 inches)? 

Perhaps I should ask something really specific, like, what is the clearance in inches of the lowest point on a 24 TK or 27 MB, and what is that point?  As mentioned, maybe in some models it's the drain, and in others it's an axle?

I'm grateful for your help!

Kat
LD WannaBe - on waitlist
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #10 –
In My TK in the back, the Kwikee jacks have dragged a few times. They've survived so far, but the receiver has some metal missing at the back end. Now I have welded a roller to the receiver. I hit more often now since I reduced my clearance, but at least it (noisily) rolls now.  I'd say not 4" Prius, but maybe 6-7". My TK dump valves are separate, and have never hit ground, but my step did suffer a bit of a hit. Off road, barely high centered. Another 2" left I would'nt have hit.  A small 5# sledge hammer and some black paint covered that up.   A lot of clearance problems are caused by rolling side to side.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #11 –
The original owner of my LD lived in Topanga, CA.  I have all of his receipts because I contacted him and, hard to believe, but he still had them from years ago.  In any case, one of the first things he did was to have the springs in the front replaced with a heavier duty units and added leafs to the rear.  He also had steel rollers added to the back because he was dragging going into his driveway.  All of this left the RV with a slight "racing" rake.
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #12 –
Thanks Parussky;  That picture has the same Kwikee jack droop that I have. On mine that jack left a little rust on a gas station driveway in Williams Az.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
 
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #13 –
Quote from: kat  - 
Perhaps I should ask something really specific, like, what is the clearance in inches of the lowest point on a 24 TK or 27 MB, and what is that point?  As mentioned, maybe in some models it's the drain, and in others it's an axle?

The lowest, most vulnerable parts are the dump valves, they are fragile if hit. They are located in idfference places, depending on the floorplan
The rear bumper and hitch can hit, leaving steep driveways.
Giving you a number is pointless, every LD is different and the clearances change throughout the vehicle and the wheelbase is as important a number, the longer the WB, the greater the chances of striking the undercarriage when going through deep dip or holes.

With your asking, I wonder what you plan on doing, these are not off-road vehicles and will not willingly go where smaller vehicles will. The width, length and weight are all limiting factors.
With experience and care,  you will get to know what it is capable and will be able to get into many places that look difficult.
If deep backcountry camping is on your to-do list, the shorter 24' models will do much better than the longer models, also consider the 4X4 pickup and camper combination, a Class C will frustrate you in its limited abilities.
Unfortunately, there are no good ways to upgrade the E450's off-road capacity, the tire size cannot be increased and lifting will raise the COG to unacceptable levels for stability.

You could also buy a 4X4 Sprinter van, expensive but smaller.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #14 –
Quote from: parussky  - 
The original owner of my LD lived in Topanga, CA.  I have all of his receipts because I contacted him and, hard to believe, but he still had them from years ago.  In any case, one of the first things he did was to have the springs in the front replaced with a heavier duty units and added leafs to the rear.  He also had steel rollers added to the back because he was dragging going into his driveway.  All of this left the RV with a slight "racing" rake.
Spasibo bolshoe!!  ;)  Rollers!  New to me, what a great idea.  Yes, and lifting it higher.  Have you had any issues with higher center of gravity -- more moving around/rocking? 
LD WannaBe - on waitlist
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 

the shorter 24' models will do much better than the longer models, also consider the 4X4 pickup and camper combination, a Class C will frustrate you in its limited abilities.
Unfortunately, there are no good ways to upgrade the E450's off-road capacity, the tire size cannot be increased and lifting will raise the COG to unacceptable levels for stability

Larry


Thank you Larry. I agree a 24' model would be better for curvy/difficult roads. (also from the other thread, I think from the responses on showers appears to be able to hold what I need.) One question done!  I appreciate the tradeoff with a 4X4 pickup/camper.  I was originally considering a small trailer, with a more sturdy tow vehicle that I could take to trail heads, but I'm hearing from people that the ability to "drive away without going outside" if uncomfortable in a location is a benefit.  I see you tow a car.  I was considering that, too.  Good thing this isn't an urgency and I can take my time and figure it all out before I purchase!   It's all a lot to process. 

I'll keep everyone posted as I get closer to deciding. :)

Kat
LD WannaBe - on waitlist
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #16 –
Quote from: kat  - 
I was originally considering a small trailer, with a more sturdy tow vehicle that I could take to trail heads, but I'm hearing from people that the ability to "drive away without going outside" if uncomfortable in a location is a benefit.  I see you tow a car.  I was considering that, too. 

If towing a car or trailer,  you can leave them hooked up if you feel you are camped in a spot where you might need a quick getaway. 
When camping way off the paved road, a toad would give you the ability to explore a trail before taking the LD down it, it's also useful for day exploration and for going into town for supplies without having to pack up and move the rig.
A toad is your escape pod if the LD is disabled for any reason. Something to think about when you are thirty miles from the nearest anything and out of cell range.
Most full-timers eventually get a toad for the reasons above.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #17 –
Kat,
Aha, You have deciphered my nom de plume.  па русский, or what is that in russian?   I used to host russian businessmen when I lived in the SF bay area.  That was my favorite phrase and I learned many russian words.  At one time I could carry on a very simple conversation.   My actual name is Ричард Бейли,  or Richard Bailey. 
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: kat  - 
I'll keep everyone posted as I get closer to deciding. :)

Please do, my plan is to order a 24TK this November, and looks like what we want out of an RV are similar.

At this point, I accept the clearance limitations, because everything else about a LD fits what I want in an RV.

Dave
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #19 –
Quote from: parussky  - 
Kat,
Aha, You have deciphered my nom de plume.  па русский, or what is that in russian?  I used to host russian businessmen when I lived in the SF bay area.  That was my favorite phrase and I learned many russian words.  At one time I could carry on a very simple conversation.  My actual name is Ричард Бейли,  or Richard Bailey. 
Thanks for sharing that, Richard. I wondered what "parussky" stood for.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #20 –
Ground Clearance.
Not enough to go off roading  at Woodruff Narrows Reservoir Wyoming, north of Evanston Wyoming.
ground off the gray water tank cap on a 1988 MB.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #21 –
Quote from: rodneyhelfrich  - 
Ground Clearance.
Not enough to go off roading  at Woodruff Narrows Reservoir Wyoming, north of Evanston Wyoming.
ground off the gray water tank cap on a 1988 MB.

The dump valves, rear bumper, side skirts and entry steps are the four things most likely to hit.
Each floorplan is unique in what often hits.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Ground clearance posted anywhere?
Reply #22 –
"I'm hearing from people that the ability to "drive away without going outside" if uncomfortable in a location is a benefit."
---
Opinions vary on this point, certainly, but there have been a few situations over the years when I was very appreciative of the ability to just scoot into the driver's seat and go.

I travel solo without a toad; I maintain awareness of my surroundings,  trust my instincts about where to overnight and/or camp or boondock, and try to make sure to keep the rig nose pointed toward a clear exit. It's not good to have to maneuver and back up if one needs to boogie out in a hurry and if one has a toad attached, a straight shot out is definitely the goal. I don't leave anything out or deployed, e.g., an awning or the step, when overnighting. (Or, when boondocking or in a campground, anything that might be subject to "liberation".)  Also, I don't overnight in rest areas; some do, and have no issues.

The numbers of times that I have felt "unsafe" to the point of leaving a place have been few, but if the situation is uncomfortable to the point of feeling that it's prudent to leave, a it's a good deal easier to do if one can stay in the same vehicle to drive off.

YMMV, as ever.

2003 TK has a new home