I picked up wooden-wheeled farm/covered wagon a while back and, having never owned a wagon like that, found the turning radius incredibly short. The previous owner did change the wheels to taller ones but it seems to me that the height of the box off the running gear is what would need to change to get a better turn. So my question: Is this just how it is/was on that type of wagon or should it be better? If so, what can I do to improve the turning? BTW - there are angle iron "rub plates" on the box where the wheel will hit up against it.

That's the original turning radius. Gee back,Haw, come up. Woa. Gee back,Haw over, haw over,Come up now! And your turned around. Nothing to it.

Reach wagon gear are like that, were never meant to turn short. Raising box raises center of gravity. The old timers had it figured out.

Mooney Ranch, I like your description, you made me laugh!
As old-fashioned as I am, but I like the rubber-tired wagons with what I think is called auto-steering better for farming purposes. In Bavaria I had one of those high-wheeled wagons and it looked cute but I replaced it later.

Thanks for the responses. I figured it was just "how it is" but have to admit my surprise at how wide the turns need to be since my previous experiences have been with either a 5th-wheel or auto-steering.

Mooney - that's exactly how we had to get it done. No wonder the pioneers didn't turn back once they started heading west! :)

Seems like depending how much greater circumference the front wheels added when replaced might make quite a bit of difference though. Any I've had get a nice little Notch worn into the box soon enough, if they didn't already come with one. :-)