Community Forums

FTRV4aYr · 03-25-2011, 12:32 PM

We are looking to purchase our first RV to possibly spend a year in it crossing the country and need to know how much does size really matter?

We have been warned against buying a 42ft. model (which really measures 43') because it will limit our camping options. However, we do need space and can't squeeze into a 35ft rig just to visit state parks.

Is there really a big difference in available camping options if we buy a 40ft. rig vs. a 42-43ft. rig? Is there any differnce between 38ft. and 40ft. in access to potential campsites?

Chuck 1935 · 03-25-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTRV4aYr

We are looking to purchase our first RV to possibly spend a year in it crossing the country and need to know how much does size really matter?

We have been warned against buying a 42ft. model (which really measures 43') because it will limit our camping options. However, we do need space and can't squeeze into a 35ft rig just to visit state parks.

Is there really a big difference in available camping options if we buy a 40ft. rig vs. a 42-43ft. rig? Is there any differnce between 38ft. and 40ft. in access to potential campsites?

We have a 34ft Diesel Pusher and find it very comfortable for two people and because of the size we are able to get into state parks and places they don't allow longer coaches. I would suggest a diesel just because of the way they handle in high wind, mountain roads etc. As you read through the post you will see they sell all kinds of add on stuff for gas coaches just to get down the road comfortably. It is really a matter of what you can afford and what you are planning on doing. Whatever you decide on you are in for a wonderful adventure.

Big Bear Local · 03-25-2011, 01:29 PM

Our 30' rig is great for week long trips. I wouldn't want to full time in it. I probaly could live in it but my wife sure as hell couldn't. It is great for getting into tight camping spots and some of the strange places I take it. I'm a sucker for a dirt road and out of the way campsite.

**NLOVNIT** · 03-25-2011, 02:24 PM

It depends on what campgrounds you want to stay in. If you're going to be in private, RV resort places you can go as big as you want. If you're wanting to stay in our National Parks/State Parks, you'll want a smaller coach.

Either way, since you'll be doing cross-country (lots of driving), go with a diesel for the ride comfort. Have fun shopping (there are some GREAT coaches for sale in our Classifieds section, BTW).

Lori-

Brigadoon · 03-25-2011, 02:56 PM

In my experience it will not make much of a difference in campground access between 38 ft to 43 feet. If you can't get in with a 40 footer you most likely will not get in with a 38 footer and probably will not get in many more places with a 35 footer (we've had a 35 ft, a 37.5 ft, and now a 40 ft). If you want to get into National Park campgrounds consistantly you will have to go much shorter. We have found that state campgrounds generally have a selection of larger campsites so we have been able to get into many of them. Private campgrounds are not a problem. Bottom line, go for the space (in my opinion).

1ciderdog · 03-25-2011, 02:57 PM

I don't know if this will interest you but this site shows RV length restrictions & other information by state & province: Rules of the Road

I chose my last RV mostly for basement storage space - the living area is much larger than we need. With the larger RV you give up the ability to stay at some state & federal parks but you have more living & storage space. That is just one of another one of lifes trade offs. My suggestion is get what you think best meets you needs and enjoy it.

Tha_Rooster · 03-25-2011, 08:11 PM

Size only matters if it's not big enough to me 40ft is big enough but if I had an extra 300 to 400k more, 45ft would be better (foretravel phenix) in the new highways magazine.

AFChap · 03-25-2011, 08:27 PM

Ours is 40'. We have stayed in several state and COE parks and have never had a problem with length. In one or two commercial RV parks we have had to do some jockeying to get around some of their corners but that has more to do with turning radius and idiots who design RV parks than anything else. In any event, we have never be "trapped" or prevented from getting where we needed to be.

Shadowcatche · 03-25-2011, 08:46 PM

What you think you "need" and what you need may well be two different things. We spent all of our camping life with in tents experiences, and have graduated to a 6X10' teardrop trailer that we can pull behind our Subaru. It has a shower (tent) portapotty satellite TV, AC, Eberspacher diesel heater hot water heater... all accessible from a wheel chair (don't need one yet) can follow abandoned RR right of ways camp on Crown land... do not limit where you can go by the size you think you need, and what ever you get have fun!

Chuck 1935 · 03-25-2011, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

Size only matters if it's not big enough to me 40ft is big enough but if I had an extra 300 to 400k more, 45ft would be better (foretravel phenix) in the new highways magazine.

Is it me or is Highways getting alot thinner ? That was alot of Motorhome.