40ft vs anything larger

[bravesfan]

Wow! Thanks so much for all the input. I'm so excited.....I'm ready to go NOW! I wish I could twinkle my nose and have everything sold and the MH in the driveway!

To answer some questions:

- We are both retired Air Force, getting ready to full time in a year or so.

- I want to be able to visit "most" campgrounds, including state parks, etc.

- The plan right now is to go places and stay put for at least a month, usually longer and do day trips around the area.

- We are looking to buy used. Based on all the great stuff on this website, we are looking at Tiffin, Monaco and Newmar.

Thanks again for all your help and hope to meet you out there someday.

[jeeprubi]

We just attended the Newmar FullTimers rally in Hermosa, SD prior to the International rally that we are currently attending. There was 55+ Newmars there and I would say the majority was 40 ft Dutch Stars and Mountain Airs.

[John95683]

If you live in California, you will need a special drivers license to operate any MH over 40 ft. I was at a Newmar dealer last week, and they had an '07 43' Dutch Star left over. He said that if it was a 40', it would have been long gone. He told me the the special drivers license requirement really limits the sale of anything over 40" (CA)

[joppa]

I read a lot of posts about size over the past year before we eventually bought our first ever Motorhome. We never had never owned an RV of any kind in the past. After one month I think the following statements hold true.

1) Once parked you can't have a coach large enough.
2) When driving smaller is better.

I think it is also true that... A tag axle makes driving smoother, but takes basement space. As a newbie driving is a bit intense the first few days but for me not so much because of length but the width.

good luck

[Richard 34A]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by jOHN95683:
If you live in California, you will need a special drivers license to operate any MH over 40 ft. I was at a Newmar dealer last week, and they had an '07 43' Dutch Star left over. He said that if it was a 40', it would have been long gone. He told me the the special drivers license requirement really limits the sale of anything over 40" (CA) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm not sure that's correct, at least if I'm looking at the right code. The California DMV website lists 45' as needing a special endorsement. I would think a 40' or 42' would be no problem as far a licensing goes.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648.pdf

[Richard 34A]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bravesfan:
We are in the deciding stage of buying a MH. I've occasionally seen discussions on sticking with a 40ft versus anything larger due to campground issues, not being able to fit, etc. Could I get some feedback on that? Is it something we really should consider? Thank You. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Private campgrounds are usually no problem, but some state and county rv parks can be another story. They often suggest maximum lengths of 28'-30', but this suggestion is usually based on the MH sitting on paved area. Longer MH's frequently can still fit due to the long rear overhang and the front and rear tires are on pavement.

I have a 34 and a half foot long MH but can easily park in a lot of 30' spots. I had a 31' MH before this one and due to the shorter overall length and shorter wheelbase, never had a problem. With this one, I've had to give up a few favorite spots and even one favorite campground.

Keep in mind that those same parks may not have nearly as many spots that can take a longer length and on weekends the 'really big boys' have already gotten those spots.

Another issue to watch for is older rv parks weren't designed for a MH with all of today's slide-outs, especially when you have slides on both sides, and the rv space is narrow!