Community Forums

wmiii · 05-13-2018, 05:39 AM

We've been looking for 38-40 DP motorhomes and have recently found a 43.
How much difference will it make between a 40 and 43?
Thanks

Wm Mayberry
Getting closer
Palmetto, FL

Hit_the_Rhod · 05-13-2018, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmiii

We've been looking for 38-40 DP motorhomes and have recently found a 43.
How much difference will it make between a 40 and 43?
Thanks

Wm Mayberry
Getting closer
Palmetto, FL

Could make a LOT of difference depending on the options. Number of slides is probably the largest possible difference. Depending on the capacity of the chassis, and if the smaller chassis was close to max on weight, the extra 3 feet and possibly different chassis may make a significant difference in CCC (cargo carrying capacity), also possible change of fuel tank size from maybe 100 gallons to 150 gallons. You can't get too wrapped up on thinking of it as just an additional 3 feet longer, but need to look at the other items as well. Also, you may go from 6 wheels in the 40 footer to 8 with tag axle in the 43 footer, providing more CCC and perhaps a more comfortable ride in high wind conditions. Lots of variables here . . . .

jacwjames · 05-13-2018, 05:54 AM

When we first started looking for a motorhome back in the mid 90's my wife wanted the smallest Class C available thinking it would be easier to drive. By chance, when she was out of town I went to an auction and bought a new 31' Class C. It took a short time for her to become comfortable driving the motorhome an going solo on trips.

We then migrated to a 38PKD Monaco with 2 slides (measures closer to 40'). I found that it was actually easier to drive then the Class C. You sit higher, better visibility with mirrors and rear view camera. We are also able to pull a toad. My wife has taken the coach solo on many trips.

So in my case the ~8' in length wasn't a big deal. My guess that 40 to 43' would be about the same.

Ivylog · 05-13-2018, 06:38 AM

Unless the 40’ is early 2000 (before they bulked up and had decent CCC) go with the 43 tag.... 9000 CCC and much better handling. Do not worry about the extra length and boondocking because after 14 years with a 42’ we just went to 45’ and during the summer we usually boondock 5 days/week in USFS CGs.

Other then 2 more tires I feel the tag is all +++.

Quincy · 05-13-2018, 07:35 AM

3 feet. Your welcome

Cousin Ed · 05-13-2018, 08:01 AM

Our 43' has IFS so; it turns tighter than our 40' did. Also the ride and stability you get from the tag is fantastic!

Gordon Dewald · 05-13-2018, 08:24 AM

How does the difference in floor plan work for you? Which do you prefer?

MSHappyCampers · 05-13-2018, 09:14 AM

The additional length could make the difference in whether you can get into many RV parks!

I wanted the 40' because I did not want a tag axle.

Excesses · 05-13-2018, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

How does the difference in floor plan work for you? Which do you prefer?

Great comment Gordon! You beat me to it.. Floor plan is everything. You will have to live with the floor plan choice until the next one, and you just have to be happy.
The 3 extra feet may be a big bonus in CCC and comfort, but for us, the floor plan was the seller.

Cheers and good luck.

Mr_D · 05-13-2018, 10:16 AM

Went from a 40' no tag to a 45' with tag. Made no real difference in what spaces I can fit into.

wmiii · 05-13-2018, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

Our 43' has IFS so; it turns tighter than our 40' did. Also the ride and stability you get from the tag is fantastic!

I'm not sure what IFS is, so don't know

Wm

wmiii · 05-13-2018, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

The additional length could make the difference in whether you can get into many RV parks!

I wanted the 40' because I did not want a tag axle.

That is what I'm interested in and somewhat concerned about. Are there that many places that a 40' could fit that a 43' couldn't?

Wm

wmiii · 05-13-2018, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excesses

Great comment Gordon! You beat me to it.. Floor plan is everything. You will have to live with the floor plan choice until the next one, and you just have to be happy.
The 3 extra feet may be a big bonus in CCC and comfort, but for us, the floor plan was the seller.

Cheers and good luck.

The floor plan is bigger and nicer on the 43, But we can probably be happy with either. Of course, it does cost more.....

Wm

wmiii · 05-13-2018, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Went from a 40' no tag to a 45' with tag. Made no real difference in what spaces I can fit into.

At this point, This is what I'm asking about. The coach fitting...

I think we would enjoy the bigger space, layout, ride, comfort, nicer interior, and more/better features.

Thanks to all for your thoughts.

Wm Mayberry
Getting closer all the time