How long is too long?

[bluepill]

My 37' has some wasted space in the floor plan, and is still more than enough for months at a time on the road. Next time I will look for a 35' with better space usage, as there have been times when 35' was the maximum for sites that I desired. Just as with boating, smart use of available space is the key. Space Bags are a great space saver for off season storage.

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by AloraDanin

Hi,

Still trying to decide what to buy for our first full-time RV. Have decided we want a winter package, workhorse chassis, low kms, king bed if we can get it, 22.5" wheels, and a floorplan that suits our needs (although we're still not sure what that is :-)) Anyway...another question we have is...length.
We have been looking at 35 - 37 footers. Under that seem to be too crowded for full-time living and we're worried that too long will mean difficulty finding parks that have spots for longer vehicles.
At what length does it become more difficult to find spots in a park to stay?

Only two months until retirement...gotta make a decision soon.

Thanks
Barbara and Jim

Couple of comments:
- Most of the better made coaches will be well insulated, although not necessarily called a "winter package."
- Why limit yourself to a workhorse chassis?
- Low miles is always good, but not critical in a diesel.
- Most can get a king bed, if not already there.
- All big MHs will have 22.5 wheels.
- Floor plan is the key...get the one you both can live with and the D/W likes.
- We have a 41' model and have not had trouble getting into CGs.
- Don't rush the decision, you'll be sorry if you do.

[bucks2]

We do 7 months a year in 43', DP of course and tag axle. California is the state that seems to have the most restrictions on length, particularly the state parks. From what I read in the papers, they're busy closing all the parks. The roads are in horrible shape, and the fuel taxes and prices are outrageous. So, with appologies to those who like CA, I just don't go there and never have any problems with being too long.

Especially nice is that with a tag axle that lifts off the ground our effective wheelbase with our 43' is shorter than a 40' by the same chassis Mfr.

Could we make do with a shorter rig? Sure. but why do it if you don't have to?

[edgray]

Originally Posted by AloraDanin

Hi,

Still trying to decide what to buy for our first full-time RV. Have decided we want a winter package, workhorse chassis, low kms, king bed if we can get it, 22.5" wheels, and a floorplan that suits our needs (although we're still not sure what that is :-)) Anyway...another question we have is...length.
We have been looking at 35 - 37 footers. Under that seem to be too crowded for full-time living and we're worried that too long will mean difficulty finding parks that have spots for longer vehicles.
At what length does it become more difficult to find spots in a park to stay?

Only two months until retirement...gotta make a decision soon.

Thanks
Barbara and Jim

Barbara and Jim: I can appreciate and agree with your decision regarding finding a suitable coach built on a Workhorse chassis. That said, I think you should make sure that any coach floorplan you find acceptable is built on either the Workhorse W-24 or their "UFO" chassis, which is properly known as the R-26 chassis. These are 24,000 and 26,000 pounds GVWR respectively, and both provide a 30,000 GCVWR. While their W-22 chassis was a reliable product, IMO it does not provide high enough weight ratings for full timer use, especially if under a 36' or larger coach where multiple slide-outs are involved.

If you need help determing which chassis a coach is built upon, send me a PM. Happy shopping, and congrats on your pending retirement.
Ed

[pumper9x9]

Check out RV.org. I joined before I got my Class A and it was the best $150 I've spent. His book has a lot of great information that helps you decided what type, size, what to look for and how to buy. There's also an outstanding rating system for all the rigs that helps you figure out what your want to look at.

[GOLDWINGER2]

Originally Posted by bucks2

We do 7 months a year in 43', DP of course and tag axle. California is the state that seems to have the most restrictions on length, particularly the state parks. From what I read in the papers, they're busy closing all the parks. The roads are in horrible shape, and the fuel taxes and prices are outrageous. So, with appologies to those who like CA, I just don't go there and never have any problems with being too long.

Especially nice is that with a tag axle that lifts off the ground our effective wheelbase with our 43' is shorter than a 40' by the same chassis Mfr.

Could we make do with a shorter rig? Sure. but why do it if you don't have to?

No need to appologize, it's sunny and 70 degrees here in Altadena, Ca, just three miles north of Pasadena.
J

[herbertgk]

Barbara and Jim
We have a 38T Winne and love the extra room. Not a problem with finding spots to park.The sleep number bed and washer/dryer are great add on's for long stays.
Good Luck
Herb

[mikron]

IMO with a 35' coach (not full timing) I would be more concerned with size for living full time then a few places you might not get in with a bigger coach. I would difinitely check diesel, from reading all the gas/diesel threads on this site diesel would be a better choice for full timing.

[vito.a]

The more motor homes you look, at the more you will learn your likes and dislikes. Unfortunately, you will learn the most by owning and living in one daily. You can get by on almost any size, it's just a matter of how comfortable you want to be.
In my opinion there is no such thing as too large.

[173dave]

Originally Posted by herbertgk

Barbara and Jim
We have a 38T Winne and love the extra room. Not a problem with finding spots to park.The sleep number bed and washer/dryer are great add on's for long stays.
Good Luck
Herb

How does the Washer/dryer work? I have been told it takes 3 hours to dry cloths.

[Dr4Film]

The single combination units where the washer & dryer are all in one, in my opinion, are a waste of space, money and time. My wife uses ours for drying some of her hand washables occasionally. I have used it once in 8 years only for a few items that I needed because we couldn't get to a laundromat in time.

We normally use a local laundromat and get 2 weeks worth of wash done in 1.5 hours. If we had to use the Combo unit, we would have to do 2-3 loads everyday.

If your coach has a full size stack-able washer and dryer, those are well worth the cost but then again you will sacrifice the extra storage space.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[TDiGuy]

Things I thought were needed for me were.. big water tank..100gal..big black and grey water tanks. solar panel.. (dry camping)...Cat diesel... L shaped kitchen(more counter space) and a free standing table and chairs. Slideout with rain gutter rather than awning... easier to clean... Floorplan that lets you have the slideout in and still feel comfortable. (less to heat) Thermal pane windows. Lots of space in the toilet room. All wood cabinets and lots of storeage.

[djpotts50]

I agree with a few of the other posters here that no such thing as too big. Even with a 40 to 45 ft rig, you will always find campgrounds and boondocking spots. I have a 45 ft rig and have not had any problems finding plenty of places to park; the only real issue is if your domicile state will require a special driver's license or not - TX does.

I agree with others that floor space and storage space are critical for full-timing. I too have a tag axle on my coach and it makes all the difference in the world for great handling, smooth ride, and lack of overweight issues.

We have a combo washer/dryer and love it; it does take longer to dry because of 110 electric, but love not having to go to laundromats or losing precious space with a stackable unit. Besides, how much laundry can two retired people accumulate each week.

Lots of great used RVs out there with 2, 3 and 4 slides. I highly recommend something with slides and plenty of basement storage.

I agree that you should keep looking until you find the right RV choice. Try to buy one that you will never have to trade away or upgrade; depreciation kills your RV value each time you need to sell and repurchase a different one.

Good luck in your search for the perfect RV for your needs!

[dcphil_98]

45', 4 slides. Travel 75-80% of the time. Like the aditional space. Had the washer/dryer removed and had shelves built in. Plenty of storage.

Do not have a bath in the back. The extra 4-5 feet is in the front for tailgating and entertaining at rallies. To each his own.