Community Forums

daltontrio · 03-07-2021, 04:31 PM

We are beginning the process of moving from tent to 5th wheel. When we look at campgrounds that list their maximum length options, does that count 5th wheel plus tow vehicle or only the 5th wheel? Some of the sites we're interested in list their limits as 45 feet. However, the 5th wheel we're interested in is 40 feet. When you add the tow vehicle, we're over 50 feet. Are we too long?

schrod · 03-07-2021, 07:16 PM

No, the tow vehicle is not counted for the length of the trailer. Spots length are for the rv only.

heySkippy · 03-07-2021, 07:19 PM

Just the length of the camper when shopping for spots. The ability to park your truck in the site will vary widely as you travel. In my experience most of the time there is room to also park the truck. Sometimes you just need to adapt and park the truck were/how you can.

daltontrio · 03-08-2021, 05:09 AM

Thank you both! That’s good news.

**Spdracr39** · 03-08-2021, 06:07 AM

But that doesn't mean you will have plenty of room to park your truck. I always tried to look for total length first and work down from there till I can get a site i was sure I could setup and easily park the truck in.

Cumminsfan · 03-08-2021, 09:13 AM

When we had our 28' 5th wheel and 22' CC LB 2500 I always put the minimum on CG length at 40'.
My total length was around 46' because the 5er overhang was over the trucks bed. Then I could usually back in past the end of the spot and still have the 5er tires still on the gravel or blacktop.

kdauto · 03-08-2021, 09:44 AM

Normally they only want the length of your camping vehicle and not the combo. One exception can be pull-thru sites. Some of those ask for total length but they will usually specify that. Very rare we will use a pull-thru unless it's a quick overnight stop and we don't unhook or there's no other option. Little privacy on them most of the time.

RickLight · 03-08-2021, 01:36 PM

Well...

Every park makes their own rules! I've even seen an online system that adds 20 feet if you're a trailer. Lots will under size spots to prevent problems. Many have spots placesjust for TV and toweds.

National Parks mostly want bumper to bumper, and say so plainly. But even there it depends.

daltontrio · 03-08-2021, 02:52 PM

I ran across a few references today with some sites stating size requirements as "Combined". I guess it's a case by case basis.

Jack Klompus · 03-12-2021, 08:16 AM

Regardless of the way specific places measure it, I also want to point out the simple fact that 40 feet is “ pretty long”. That is quite a jump from tent camping, and it will restrict your choices on occasion.

Enjoy the spaciousness though!

PulNSerenity · 03-12-2021, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schrod

No, the tow vehicle is not counted for the length of the trailer. Spots length are for the rv only.

Where in the H is Bonaparte Iowa?

I was born & raised in the Donnellson area. Parents retired up in Houghton & sister lives in Washington. I miss it most days & would much rather live there again over Dayton Ohio!

CecilD · 03-12-2021, 01:51 PM

Wow, from tent to 40 ft. fifth wheel. No incrementalism for you!

Have fun picking out your rig.

daltontrio · 03-13-2021, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CecilD

Wow, from tent to 40 ft. fifth wheel. No incrementalism for you!

Have fun picking out your rig.

LOL! We did rent a ~30ft Airstream one summer and loved it. But, not getting any younger either, so let’s go!

TXiceman · 03-13-2021, 08:14 AM

Some locations give you total site length and some give the paved pad length. Some places do not allow you to over hang the paved pad. You will need to call a park and ask them about the lengths.

Ken