Is a 40' class A too big?

[sub]

we're going to full time beginning this summer with two girls 8 and 10 and we're shopping for a diesel pusher but were trying to stay under 36' to give us more flexibility at campsites and to be easier to drive. I sure do like the additional space and better floorplans in the 40' models and there seem to be more deals in that size...I though that's because people find them too big. Any thoughts?

[Dr4Film]

I have been full-timing for over 6 years now. Originally I bought a 36 ft. Airstream Class A no slides and within a year decided that it wasn't going to be big enough or have the storage that you need full-timing. Did my research and homework, finally ended up buying a 2002 Monaco Windsor 40ft. PBT triple slide and frankly would not change or upgrade for a different one. Had an opportunity to buy a 42 ft. 2003 Signature for way under value, husband died and wife just wanted to unload it. I walked through it, looked at the inside and outside storage areas, and said I'd rather keep what I got. The only time I would have been interested in changing was this past fall when I attended the October Pomona RV Show, I went through a 2010 Dynasty and said this would work, however $500,000 , I don't think so!

Floor plan, storage, what you need versus what you would like are all important considerations.

Good luck and do your Home Work first before you charge out and buy something that doesn't end up fitting your needs.

Dr4Film ----- Richard.

[powerboatr]

40 feet works for us
our previous rigging was 39 foot fiver plus truck and that put us at over 65 feet going down the road
our rig turns very sharp and so far has gotten us into some tight spots A OK

[bldrbob]

It's like a boat. When you are washing and waxing it is too big. When you get caught in bad weather it is too small.
BOB

[ChiefJohn]

IMO, you will not see a noticeable difference between a 36' and 40'. We started our RV adventures with a 36' Discovery in 1999, went to a 5th wheel at 65' overall, and now to a 40' DP. Difference as night and day in the handling of the 36' Discovery and our 40' Vectra. Suspension and chassis improvements make for a very pleasurable ride -- not tiring from continuously fighting the steering/tracking. As for as campgrounds, a 40' will not be a problem anywhere a 36' would park. The extra 4' will make a big difference with everyone having more elbow room.