A vehicle with a variable-length wheelbase is disclosed. The vehicle of
one embodiment has a first body portion coupled to a first set of wheels
and a second body portion coupled to a second set of wheels to define a
vehicle wheelbase. The first and second body portions are moveable
relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the vehicle, so as to move the base between extended
and retracted positions. When the base is in the retracted position the
vehicle's wheelbase has a first length, and when the base is in the
extended position the wheelbase has a second length greater than the
first length. A boom is pivotally coupled to the base. The boom moves
toward a lowered position when the base is moved toward the extended
position, and the boom moves toward a raised position when the base is
moved toward the retracted position.