Community Forums

Kathryn · 06-04-2012, 04:14 PM

In my search for the perfect RV, I knew that if you had a MH over 40' in length that you could not stay in many of the campgrounds and resorts, or at most of the State and Federal park and wilderness areas. I figured that was okay, I could just drive thru and stay somewhere close. Then I found out you can't even drive the larger MHs on many state roads INTO the park areas, and many scenic routes like 101 on the California coast are restricted against any vehicle over 40'.

But there are a couple of 42' plans I really like!!! And since I will be living in it full-time, I would think the bigger the better.

How about it? Do you folks with the bigger units find those restrictions ... well ... restricting? Or do they not affect your travels that much?

Ed S · 06-04-2012, 04:23 PM

I am way over 40 ft and I know there are some older state parks I wouldnt want to try to get into some spots. Over all I have not had any problems, but do not use campgrounds very often.

I think you would want the tag axle since you would be full timing and not sure they make any 40 ft with one.

RickO · 06-04-2012, 04:44 PM

We full timed in a 40DP and didn't feel restricted at all. Then again, we're not boondockers and accepted from the start that we wouldn't be able to get in to many state and national parks.

I know of no area of US 101 that is restricted to <40 feet and I've been on most the length of it several times.

In another thread recently, someone posted that MANY mountain passes also restrict the length... which has not been our experience on major roads.

Best of luck.

Rick

smiller · 06-04-2012, 05:05 PM

I think you must mean Hwy. 1 as there are certainly no such restrictions on Hwy. 101. And I'm not even sure if there are any legal restrictions on Hwy 1, although driving a very large motorhome there may not be much fun nor earn you many friends.

Mr_D · 06-04-2012, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiller

I think you must mean Hwy. 1 as there are certainly no such restrictions on Hwy. 101. And I'm not even sure if there are any legal restrictions on Hwy 1, although driving a very large motorhome there may not be much fun nor earn you many friends.

There are, in fact, restrictions on 101, here's the link to the CalTrans site

smiller · 06-04-2012, 05:12 PM

Ah, yes, I don't think we were referring to the section in downtown San Francisco as I don't know who in their right mind would take a large vehicle through there

, but I stand corrected.

Kathryn · 06-04-2012, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiller

I think you must mean Hwy. 1 as there are certainly no such restrictions on Hwy. 101. And I'm not even sure if there are any legal restrictions on Hwy 1, although driving a very large motorhome there may not be much fun nor earn you many friends.

Actually, here is the link to the map, which I found easier to use than the list. I'm sorry, it is Hwy 1, the scenic route along the coast which is restricted.
45' Bus & Motorhome Map

Kathryn · 06-04-2012, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed S

I am way over 40 ft and I know there are some older state parks I wouldnt want to try to get into some spots. Over all I have not had any problems, but do not use campgrounds very often.

I think you would want the tag axle since you would be full timing and not sure they make any 40 ft with one.

What are the differences with the tag axle?

RickO · 06-04-2012, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiller

Ah, yes, I don't think we were referring to the section in downtown San Francisco as I don't know who in their right mind would take a large vehicle through there

, but I stand corrected.

Ditto.

Downtown SF is the only restriction I saw over the entire length of 101 and I don't like to drive that section in my toad... much less the entire rig.

Rick

Ed S · 06-04-2012, 06:31 PM

Kathryn,
Drive a rig down the interstate or in the wind with a single axle motorhome then dive one in the same conditionions with a tag....much more stable. My own thoughts since I have had both.

Just For Fun · 06-04-2012, 10:22 PM

We're also looking at 40's and 42's. My personal feeling is that for what you get in the larger rigs, it's worth any minor inconvenience having to park in a larger RV site a bit further from a national park and using the toad to get you around.

My vote is buy the coach you want and enjoy it!!!!

Route 66 · 06-05-2012, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just For Fun

My vote is buy the coach you want and enjoy it!!!!

RSchleder · 06-05-2012, 06:04 AM

We had 40' MH's for 14 years, NEVER had a single issue with traveling or parking anywhere due to that length. Plenty of private campgrounds near National parks so that is a minor issue. We also have a 13' Scamp for National and National forest camping so that minor issue is neutralized

Melmoses · 06-05-2012, 07:00 AM

We have had no problems with our 40' coach. We had a 32' before and the extra room I have is worth any possible restrictions to me although I haven't encountered any problem finding campgrounds along our travels. These days the campgrounds and many state parks have realized that coaches are longer and are remodeling to handle that. Even Corps of Engineer campgrounds have nice long spaces these days. Yes, there are some roads with restrictions but we have always been able to get where we are going without problems. We use our toad to get to sights on Hwy 1 and similar roads. Not an issue for us.