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Wheelbase and the angles that make all the difference

What is wheelbase, and how does it affect your rig off-road? We take a look at the pros and cons of different vehicle lengths, and how to alter your driving approach to match.

People with shorties are always adamant that their vehicles are the best off-road. Lighter, nimbler in tight situations and in general more fun. Long wheelbase pundits claim extra packing space and more stability under certain conditions. So, what exactly are the strengths and drawbacks of a short or long wheelbase vehicle and what would best suit your needs?

First things first: wheelbase simply refers to the distance between the centres of the wheels of your vehicle. A short wheelbase (SWB) version of the same vehicle will handle and react to inputs completely differently to a long wheelbase (LWB) of the same design.

SWB pros and cons

Generally speaking (and it may change depending on opinion) a short wheelbase 4x4 is anything less than 100 inches (254cm) or the length of a Land Rover Discovery 1/2. Anything shorter than this takes you into the realm of the Defender 90, Pajero SWB (also around 250cm), Suzuki Jimny or two-door Wrangler.

The clear bene t of a short wheelbase vehicle, given the same ground clearance, is an improved break over angle – which means you’re less likely to get hung up on rocks or over humps on the centre of your vehicle. A smaller turning radius also makes a shorty a joy to handle in tight, technical sections (and even the local parking lot).