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Old 02-10-2018, 03:28 PM   #1
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How big is too big

We are ready to make our first RV purchase as newly retired travelers and are in need of some some feedback. We are stuck between 36’ or 38’ Class A. We have our hearts set on a 36’ so we would have access to most state and national parks. We feel 36’ will give us the most flexibility. Problem is we don’t seem to be able to find many of them for sale. We are pretty particular on what we are looking for(99-02 Monaco, Country Coach, HR or Newmar). How much of an issue is it if we move up to a 38 footer. They seem to be much more available and as such would have a better chance finding what we are looking for. Thanks for any feedback you can give me.
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Old 02-10-2018, 03:39 PM   #2
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A 38' will go anywhere a 36' will. It's only 2 foot.
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Old 02-10-2018, 04:12 PM   #3
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If your 36 fits into parks you want to go to the 38 will as well. We will be in a 39+ and will not have any problems in the state parks, NPs and such that we would have gone to in our 25ft Class C
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Old 02-10-2018, 04:21 PM   #4
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Either length is ideal. Look for floor plan and features
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Old 02-10-2018, 05:21 PM   #5
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Either or length won't be an issue. But it's all about finding a floor plan you like.
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Old 02-10-2018, 07:36 PM   #6
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I’ve had 31, 35, and 37. For getting around I liked the 35 the best. For smoother ride the 37 is better. All got about the same fuel mileage.
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Old 02-10-2018, 07:43 PM   #7
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In that stated years,, add Foretravel to your list.. several available here and on the RV sales sites.
NOTE!
As with ANY used coach get a full inspection prior to purchase! (Keith @ MOT is a straight up guy that will point out all the known "warts")
and no... I have no financial interests in this dealer of quality motorcoaches.
ALL Pre Owned motorhomes Inventory

This one is a bit newer but thought I'd add it to my post. (A 270 mdl is the Foretravel entry level coach... ie: smaller engine (400 hp, 3000 Allison 6 speed transmission with retarder) with propane heat and hot water) , 10 kw diesel generator.
http://motorhomesoftexas.com/coachrv...270--36--C2082
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Old 02-10-2018, 08:35 PM   #8
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Length very rarely becomes an issue. I am 43' long and only once in 8 years have I had an issue. Buy the MH that fits your needs. Don't just settle on something because it will fit in a state park

Good luck with your search.
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Old 02-11-2018, 12:32 AM   #9
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How big is too big

Four..... I'm at 40 ft and have not been turned away yet in almost 6 years. An extra 2 ft or 4 ft or even 6 ft will make precious little difference in either campground access or ease of driving and handling, but could make a big difference in livability and storage space.

If you plan on living in this coach for more than a week or two continuously, my advice is to buy more coach than you think you'll need. If you have no experience living in 350-450 sq ft you are trying to make decisions based on estimated requirements (read: guesswork). Perceptions are funny things, and often differ from the reality they anticipate. After you move in, "Too big" will last for a month or so; "too small" will last forever.

Good Luck!
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Old 02-11-2018, 05:04 AM   #10
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We've have a 36' CC and have been glad it's not been any longer. If you're traveling without a toad I agree that up to 40' doesn't make that big a difference. However if you have one you'll find that you may have to have your toad stick out in the road or park it some other place besides you coach. We also tend not to make reservations so we find we have to take what we can get. No matter how big a coach you get you will find you will fill all the storage space with stuff. It's on of those immutable laws of the Universe. Happy Hunting and good luck.
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Old 02-11-2018, 08:11 AM   #11
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Thanks for the feedback. We live in St Petrrsburg Fl. and having the coach professionally inspected is a great suggestion. Can someone recommend a good inspector in the area.
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Old 02-11-2018, 08:23 AM   #12
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You will not fit in many older State parks. But there are always other parks near by. If your touring this does not matter, but if your intent is to stay in those parks smaller is better. We were in a 40' DP and although there were spaces that could have fit the larger coach we could never get one. Maybe you luck will be better. We moved to a 31" so we have many more options.

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Old 02-11-2018, 08:42 AM   #13
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Depending on where you spend most of your time, the two ft difference may have minimal impact, but on rare occasions, it could make a difference. As mentioned by OLYLEN, options start closing down at about the 30 ft length.

We specifically limited our length to 35 ft, Not for traveling, but for storing at home. 35ft is the absolute maximum we can get in our driveway / storage area..

Example: We just shoehorned our 35ft into the last spot available at Lee Oliver state park in New Mexico. If we were 2 ft longer, I don't think we could have done it.

We traveled up to Valley of Fires park in New Mexico. same deal, sites get a little more challenging as the length goes up.
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Old 02-11-2018, 02:18 PM   #14
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40 ft is right in the middle - big enough for full timing and small enough to fit in regulations and parking. over 5 years i have not run into a single issue because of its size.

in a summer i was in pismo beach ca. on their website, the county park says limited to 36 ft, first come first serve. well i drove there directly. they even didn't ask about my rig size, gave me the site number. right on, no problem for the size at all.
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