Community Forums

toneil7163 · 10-26-2015, 08:19 PM

I am torn between 2 sizes a 40-10" and a 43-10" , this will be my first Motorhome. Both are tags. 400 hp. Will the 40' be easier to drive and park? Will I be able to get into more campgrounds?

Mr_D · 10-26-2015, 08:27 PM

No real difference as far as ease of parking IMHO. Even if the 43' has a tag, but it would be helpful if it steered or lifted. Our 45' rig with liftable tag fits in the same storage spot as our previous 41' non tag and is just as easy to do too. In almost all cases if a 40' will fit so will a 45'.
Non issue as far as I'm concerned.

CJ7365 · 10-26-2015, 08:32 PM

A 40' RV and your worried about 3'

**pasdad1** · 10-26-2015, 08:34 PM

All things being equal, get the 43.....it gives more basement storage room.

Gordon Dewald · 10-26-2015, 08:40 PM

The 43 foot with the tag dumped will have a shorter or similar length wheelbase as the 40 footer. It then depends upon the cut of the steering axle. If they have similar cut they will steer very similar.

You will have a better ride and handling generally with a tag axle but will lose some compartment space to make room for the tag axle.

The tag will generally be rated for a higher tow capacity.

Larrikin · 10-27-2015, 08:17 AM

43 footer will be a tag, it will have likely 2000lb (+) more payload, and a much higher than that combined payload. Maneuvering ability depends on wheelbase, and more so on the "wheel cut" of the front suspension. It probably carries 50 gallons more fuel, which to me is impt, making fuel planning much easier and allowing me to easily pass by states with outrageous fuel prices, and/or virtually mandatory bio-fuel. Ride will naturally be better on a longer wheelbase and tag axle setup. Be careful in researching the CCC and axle/wheel loading on the 40 footer non-tag rigs. They are often very close or at max limits. (Meaning you can stuff more in the bus than the safe or legal limit).

jeryan59 · 10-27-2015, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toneil7163

I am torn between 2 sizes a 40-10" and a 43-10" , this will be my first Motorhome. Both are tags. 400 hp. Will the 40' be easier to drive and park? Will I be able to get into more campgrounds?

If both are tags as you state, I do not see a significant difference in ride, handling and driving characteristics down the road. More importantly, what is the chassis wheel cut between the two?

Other very important considerations are floor plan, age, condition, maintenance records (unless new), if different manufacturers the reputation of the two? Maybe if you provide a little more specific information you would get a more complete answer?

In my opinion only real difference is the room inside and possibly basement, but that can depend on the mfg. Good luck in your decision.

HicksRA · 10-27-2015, 01:33 PM

Some national parks have coach limits to 40' which will keep a 43 footer outside the park, but then, most national parks have nice RV parks very close. Other than that, not a whole lot of difference.

**pasdad1** · 10-27-2015, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HicksRA

Some national parks have coach limits to 40' which will keep a 43 footer outside the park, but then, most national parks have nice RV parks very close. Other than that, not a whole lot of difference.

Nobody is going to take a tape measure to your coach....and nobody can "eyeball" it and
say "....yep, that look to be 43 foot instead of 40..." 😜

Selah · 10-27-2015, 04:13 PM

Since both are tags handling will be about the same, park about the same, get about the same mileage, etc. don't worry about the size, floor plan and amenities are the most important.
I have a Phaeton 42LH (43+ feet) and have no problem finding parks. Many state parks advertise 40 foot max but we have never been turned down when we tell them were in a 42 footer. Nor have we not been able to get into an assigned spot.

JFXG · 10-27-2015, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasdad1

...nobody can "eyeball" it and say "....yep, that look to be 43 foot instead of 40..."

Well yeah, pasdad, some people can do that. :-)

John & Diane, fulltiming since '12
'02 DS, FL, 3126, '04 Element

Mr_D · 10-27-2015, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFXG

Well yeah, pasdad, some people can do that. :-)

John & Diane, fulltiming since '12
'02 DS, FL, 3126, '04 Element

True!

britcon · 10-28-2015, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larrikin

43 footer will be a tag, it will have likely 2000lb (+) more payload, and a much higher than that combined payload. Maneuvering ability depends on wheelbase, and more so on the "wheel cut" of the front suspension. It probably carries 50 gallons more fuel, which to me is impt, making fuel planning much easier and allowing me to easily pass by states with outrageous fuel prices, and/or virtually mandatory bio-fuel. Ride will naturally be better on a longer wheelbase and tag axle setup. Be careful in researching the CCC and axle/wheel loading on the 40 footer non-tag rigs. They are often very close or at max limits. (Meaning you can stuff more in the bus than the safe or legal limit).

Depends on the unit. New 40' Ventana with tag has a NCC of 9900 lbs, while 43' model is rated at 9000. More room - yes. More NCC - No
Fully loaded and fuelled up I have a hard time reaching 7000 lbs. in my 2014 Ventana 4037

Gordon Dewald · 10-28-2015, 08:57 AM

If both have tags the 40 will turn better than the 43 because of wheelbase - as long as both have the same front axle cut.

I am not a big fan of NCC or CCC as they seem to be estimated, sometimes very inaccurately. May be an indication of potential but only for estimation.

The final number or tale of the tape is what the coach actually weighs and the GVWR, GAWR (front, rear, tag) and the differences between the respective numbers.