Going From 36ft to 42ft...Is it really that different?

[The4Bowdens]

Im considering buying a 42ft tag axle 2004 monaco dynasty. We sold out POS gas class a that I didnt have any issues driving size wise. The owner is selling the DP because its too big for him. Now hes in his 60's and I LOVE driving the 36fter....but its making me wonder if 42 ft would be too much. Its 11 hours away and I have never driven one before so I cant just go drive it. Just wondering you guys' experiences. Thanks!

[d23haynes57]

My wife drove the 39 foot Tropi-Cal even pulling a van. She won't even try the 42" foot tag axle Nimbus. In addition to the length, the longer wheelbase makes close turns harder, staying clear of curbs and poles on the corner especially right side turns. to me it is actually easier to drive on the highway.

[jacwjames]

I went from a 31' Class C to a ~40' Class A. Did not have any trouble, I actually think it was easier then Class C because of the height and steer tires are behind the drivers seat. Just have to get use to that aspect and start turning appropriately



When I was working full time, most of it out of country, my wife spent a summer going to dog shows by herself, she even had the Jeep in tow. In the fall when I did the oil change she had put +12K miles on the rig.

[PushedAround]

I went from a 39' to a 45' in December. Besides the better handling and power, it goes straighter down the road. It also doesn't feel any larger. I can back it into my driveway fairly easily, which is pretty tricky. The big negative that I am seeing is that the older parks have a lot less sites for rigs over 40'. There's always a cost.

[NXR]

I theorize that one big difference between a gasser and a DP is the actual inside length. Our 38' gasser outside measures 32' from the rear inside wall to the back of the doghouse.

But I've never remembered to measure a DP to see how much inside length is gained back by the engine being below the floor.

If I'm correct then going from a 36' gasser to a 36' DP should result in an appreciable increase inside.

Ray

[justcheckn]

Went from a 36 to a 43 DP tag last summer
It is a bit different but you will learn as you go, wider turns and you must prepare for right turns and plan ahead.
Lane control is KEY! Ride IS MUCH better with LESS to no sway in wind or on the highway.
Bobby in Colorado

[dbircky]

My tag pivots on the drive axle, can't imagine the spread between steer and drive on a 42 is greater than on a 39 w/o a tag.

OP, the added axle greatly reduces the push felt (i don't have any) if you're passed by a semi. Turning tight is a factor of where your pivot point and degree of cut the steer tires have. I can put my 42 tag anyplace a 39 foot would fit. I just have less rear overhang.

[blueridge-fl]

I went from a 33' to a 40' foot. No tag. Its more difficult to back into sites that are along a narrow road. Its better to drive on the highway.

[wff255]

The biggest difference between those two coaches will be the brakes. The brakes in the smaller motorhome with hydraulic brakes will feel more like a pickup truck. The air brakes in the 42 footer will have just a little different feel that might take a little getting used to. It's hard to describe, but it's definitely worth reading up on air brakes before you get behind the wheel.

[BEACH]

We’ve had a 36’dp, a 37’dp, and now a 34’dp….
Handling similar, although the 34’ is our favorite
With 2 huge front slides and 2 rear bedroom slides it has the most interior room of all three…
And being shorter fits most anywhere
I guess the question is why go longer? What is the “gain” being sought?

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by dbircky

My tag pivots on the drive axle, can't imagine the spread between steer and drive on a 42 is greater than on a 39 w/o a tag.

OP, the added axle greatly reduces the push felt (i don't have any) if you're passed by a semi. Turning tight is a factor of where your pivot point and degree of cut the steer tires have. I can put my 42 tag anyplace a 39 foot would fit. I just have less rear overhang.

Just measured, Nimbus 342, 282 inches from front to drive axle. Tropi-Cal t396 was 252 inches.

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by wff255

The biggest difference between those two coaches will be the brakes. The brakes in the smaller motorhome with hydraulic brakes will feel more like a pickup truck. The air brakes in the 42 footer will have just a little different feel that might take a little getting used to. It's hard to describe, but it's definitely worth reading up on air brakes before you get behind the wheel.

When I went for my road test for the license upgrade, testing and operating the air brakes was part of the test. Surprisingly there are a lot of larger coaches now that are using hydraulic brakes.

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by NXR

I theorize that one big difference between a gasser and a DP is the actual inside length. Our 38' gasser outside measures 32' from the rear inside wall to the back of the doghouse.

But I've never remembered to measure a DP to see how much inside length is gained back by the engine being below the floor.

If I'm correct then going from a 36' gasser to a 36' DP should result in an appreciable increase inside.

Ray

In front the difference is really just the dog house on the floor. The other major difference is that the gassers will be mid entry and most Diesels will be front entry. This gives more wall space or room for slide on the curb side. Most Diesels will also have a step in the rear and some side radiators will take up space on a wall.

[MRJEB]

Bowden - I would recommend finding the chassis technical specifications for both the 36 and the 42 then compare turning radius. If the 42 has a steerable tag - you might be surprised.