What affects off-tracking of the rear wheels when turning?

Off-tracking refers to the phenomenon where the rear wheels of a vehicle do not follow the same path as the front wheels when making a turn. This effect can be influenced significantly by the distance between the front and rear axles of the vehicle, commonly known as the wheelbase.

A greater distance between the front and rear wheels means the vehicle has a longer wheelbase. This longer configuration affects how sharply the vehicle can turn; the rear wheels will take a slightly different path than the front wheels, causing more pronounced off-tracking. When a vehicle turns, it essentially pivots around its front wheels, and the longer the distance to the rear wheels, the greater the divergence from that turning path.

This is particularly relevant for larger vehicles like buses and trucks, where the design and dimensions can greatly impact maneuverability. A vehicle with a short wheelbase will experience less off-tracking because the rear wheels are closer to the front wheels, allowing a tighter turning radius.

The other factors listed, such as tire pressure, wind speed, and the overall length of the vehicle, do not directly affect the turning dynamics in the same way that the distance between the front and rear wheels does. While they may have some influence on vehicle handling or stability, they are not