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Kodiak vs. International

Yahoo Message Number: 694
I'm still in the early research phase of buying an RV. IF I get a
motorhome, it would have to be able to tow my 69 Road Runner.

I'm trying to look at the pros and cons of the Kodiak and
International chassis for the Gulfstream Super C bunkbead models.

Kodiak Pros
*cheaper
*better turning radius
*lighter, so I assume better mileage
*shorter

International Pros
*more towing capacity
*more CCC

Would the longer wheelbase for the International give a better ride
and handling?

How about the driver area for both (seats, controls, etc.)?

Which is the more reliable platform?

Is it easier to find service for the Kodiak platform?

Thanks!

Brad

Re: Kodiak vs. International

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 695

I am not familiar with International, but only Chevrolet Medium Truck Centers will service the Kodiak C5500. and just not any Chevrolet dealership. There are truck centers in all major cities, however.

Denny

Re: Kodiak vs. International

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 696

One advantage of the longer wheelbase is a better ride... that's why we have limos... also, the longer wheelbase allows you to balance your cargo better, because the weight can be distributed better on both axles. Of course, you have to have the storage compartments in the right places in order to do that. The longer wheelbase also creates less "swing" on turns if you have a toad behind... in other words, the toad tracks behind the coach, and stays on course better. If you have tongue weight (ie, a trailer), you will have better capacity on the tongue weight which is a part of your CCC, and NOT towing capacity.

The reason RV manufacturers build coaches with short wheelbases is because they are cheaper to build, and first time buyers test drive them better because they handle more like a car, putting safety aside to make the sale. Obviously, short wheelbases give you less control on a spinout, the overhang can unload the front axle, and on turns, the overhang can overreach the roadway and it is easier to hit curbside objects. It also takes your toad over the curbside objects as well.

Denny

Re: Kodiak vs. International

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 698

That is a good article...interestingly, the article mentions that "We need to keep in mind that a wheelbase-to-length ratio at or close to 50% will mean disaster if there are any design or mechanical deficiencies in the chassis or if road conditions turn bad."

Four Winds make 10 different models of their Class A Hurricane motorhome. Five of them have a wheelbase ratio of 50% or less! The other five are 52-53%.

Denny

Re: Kodiak vs. International

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 699

On other comment for Brad... does the Internationasl have IFS or an I-beam front axle... the IFS will give the better handling... the Kodiak has I-beam.

Denny

Re: Kodiak vs. International

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 700
There used to be a Medium Duty GMC dealership a long walk from my
house. I assume they can service Kodiaks, too. I need to see if
they are still in the area. They moved because a road is going
through their property.

Brad

Re: Kodiak vs. International

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 701
I'm not sure. This doesn't answer that question, but it's in the
Endura brochure in the International portion.

"A set-back axle provides outstanding maneuverability and a tight
turning radius, making it easier to negotiate through cramped
spaces, which increases driver efficiency and productivity."

Brad

Re: Kodiak vs. International

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 702
The Gulfstream Supernova/Endura bunkhouse models I like are 57% for
the Kodiak and 63% for the International.

The Gulfstream Conquest (etc.) 6341 bunkhouse is 62% on the
International and 57% on the Kodiak.

The Jayco Seneca FS bunkhouse is 58% on the Kodiak.

Both manufacturers stretch the wheelbase quite a bit when you buy
the bunkhouse models.

Brad

 

Re: Kodiak vs. International

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 703

I also found this on a goodyear tire site...

Setback steer axles were engineered to improve vehicle comfort, load distribution and vehicle maneuverability. I think it is a single I-beam axle. IFS does not have an "axle."

I think it is a good thing. It also said that you can get better tire wear on a setback axle because with more weight on the front axle, the tire wear is more even, with a "square" pattern in contact with the roadway.

Denny