When is a Class A too big? Mountain driving.

[CountryB]

I'm looking to buy my first Class A diesel pusher. I'm a little concerned about getting a rig that is too big to drive in the mountains (with respect to road width and curves).

I started looking at (used) 33 - 36 ft models, but now DW has me up to 40ft. I want to be able to drive routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway (TN, GA, NC,) Blue Ridge Parkway - Home and whatever similar routes there are in the west.

Whatever coach I get will have an exhaust or trans brake, so I'm not concerned about braking, or power going up hills. I'm worried that a 38 or 40 foot MH may be too long for the narrow winding mountain roads.

Does anyone have any advice on this? Is there a significant difference in driving (handling of) a 33 footer compared to a 40 footer in the mountains?

[Cousin Ed]

Generally when the pavement stops you are getting too big!

[Rooster54]

.I have a 40 foot DP and have not had any problems on the road. Some state campgrounds get a little tight and you need a spotter. With a little drive time you will become comfortable.

[Old Scout]

Officially, it seems roads, if limited, are often limited to 25 or 30ft, or by some weight limit. Not sure there is much issue between 30 and 40--45 maybe. Some older coaches have less wheel cut--new ones can turn on a dime--almost. Tend to agree--Class A travel ends when the black top turns to gravel but have seen some Class A is some very unusual places--ever been to Quartzsite....?

[doc]

We went from 32 to 36 to 40 ft. Our easiest and best ride was the 36 ft DP. It worked on the Blue Ridge Parkway but it the time, I did not consider others behind us. For all those folks I apologize.
Whatever you get think of the others behind you and the others you are meeting. Hairpin turns like one finds in many western mountain states will cause you to cross the centerline whether you intend to or not. The Beartooth can be done in a big coach but it is miserable following such an endeavor. 14A in Wyoming is another that just should not be done in a larger coach. Independence Pass in Colorado ( I did it and am ashamed that I did it against posted rules) - road was too narrow and winding at the time.
With the present 40 ft coach I try to avoid secondary roads in the mountains. IMO you can have just as much fun and enjoyment in a 36 coach as a 40 and get around in much tighter places i.e. most state parks.

[Mr_D]

My present 45' rig with liftable tag turns just as sharply as my previous 40' non tag. Tail swing can be a problem in tight areas.

[JohnBoyToo]

Get a good Garmin GPS, set the height, width, and length parameters and it will route you around the too tight places...
and when you WANT to go to those tight places, park the rv and take the toad, those tight places are much more fun in the Jeep anyway

[vanion2]

Monarch Pass, CO
Million Dollar Highway (550), CO
Crescent Road, Sandia Mountains, NM.
Heuy P Long Bridge, Metarie, LA. But then anything over a small car is too big for that bridge.

There's a few I can think of right off the top of my head. Legally you are permitted to try but you are going to be very unpopular and your brakes/engine better be in top shape or you will be very unhappy. I won't even try if I am towing much less over 30' of solid chassis.

[THenman]

Some states also limit over 40ft. to just a mile from main highways. CA is an example.

Also do not forget about height and weight limits.

I tend to stay on/near main roads in the coach and use the toad for the rest. It's much more fun and less stressful to drive on tight winding roads.

Tom

[CountryB]

Thanks for all the helpful advice and comments.

The problem is that I don't want to avoid those mountain roads - that is the part of the trip I like (at least when I'm driving my SUV).

If it was agreed that a 36 footer can go everywhere, but a 40 footer is too big - then I would limit my purchase to 36ft. But it sounds like it is as much pain (or danger) to drive a 36 footer in some of these places as it is to drive a 40 footer.

So I might as well get the 40 footer and avoid those routes. Then DW will be happy on the interstate part of the trip and when setup, and I'll have to take/get a Toad to explore the mountain roads.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by CountryB

Thanks for all the helpful advice and comments.

The problem is that I don't want to avoid those mountain roads - that is the part of the trip I like (at least when I'm driving my SUV).

If it was agreed that a 36 footer can go everywhere, but a 40 footer is too big - then I would limit my purchase to 36ft. But it sounds like it is as much pain (or danger) to drive a 36 footer in some of these places as it is to drive a 40 footer.

So I might as well get the 40 footer and avoid those routes. Then DW will be happy on the interstate part of the trip and when setup, and I'll have to take/get a Toad to explore the mountain roads.

Mike,

IMHO you should not have an issue all the way up to 45 - Look at all of them and decide what WORKS for YOU.

If you've driven Dumps or Tractors then a Coach will be like a Sports Car.

If you can drive in the Mountains (Hills) of the East the West, for the most part is a breeze.

Best of Luck,

[Old Scout]

Actually--if you are maneuvering your rig up a winding mountain road, you really don't get much of a chance to enjoy the view--the DW wont let you--trust me on this one. Keep the rig at the bottom of hill--go explore in the toad--makes everybody happy!!!!!

[CountryB]

Originally Posted by Old Scout

Actually--if you are maneuvering your rig up a winding mountain road, you really don't get much of a chance to enjoy the view--the DW wont let you--trust me on this one. Keep the rig at the bottom of hill--go explore in the toad--makes everybody happy!!!!!

When I did the Skyline Drive to Blueridge Parkway (VA to TN) it was a three day drive in SUV staying at hotels (heading south). I loved the route and there was pleanty to do and see along the way. I really don't want to park MH in one place and drive Toad for several hours then turn around have to drive back to MH.
But I appreciate your comment.

Originally Posted by doc

We went from 32 to 36 to 40 ft. Our easiest and best ride was the 36 ft DP. It worked on the Blue Ridge Parkway but it the time, I did not consider others behind us. For all those folks I apologize.
Whatever you get think of the others behind you and the others you are meeting. ...

With the present 40 ft coach I try to avoid secondary roads in the mountains. IMO you can have just as much fun and enjoyment in a 36 coach as a 40 and get around in much tighter places i.e. most state parks.

Doc,
What did you mean about "apologizing to the other drivers behind you"? Was this because you blocked their view - or had to drive more slowly than the other traffic behind you would have preferred?

[CampDaven]

We drove some of the BRP. In our Wrangler!
The BRP is mostly 35mph and some of the overlooks will test your MH driving skills.