40' site problems?

[kiltedpig]

My wife keeps saying that if we are going to go full-time we need 40' and I am worried that at 40' we will have limited sites available compared to 36' 5er. What is your experience other than do what your wife says?

[Captain Joe]

We have owned 36s and 40s and to us there was no difference. Were always able to find a spot. Now with the big truck, I need to be more careful in my selection, but no problems so far. So much more room and floor plan choice with a 40 and many more amendities.

[johncamtravel]

We also had a 35Ft and now have a 40Ft 5er and see no difference.
But we do not really use State Parks. We only use regular campgrounds.
We have had the 40Ft 5er for over a year now. Very happy with the
extra room and extra 1/2 bath. I think a lot commercial campgrounds
are big rig friendly now.

[Bigboomer]

We are combined at 65' and have had no issues. You just need to research and make sure you tell the campground your length. The biggest thing is taking your time when pulling in, backing up, setting up. The extra few minutes makes a difference.

We try and use Google Earth to get a true view of the campgrounds (unless they are totally tree covered) as campground maps do not show the real picture.

At 38' our rig is plenty comfortable.

[napria]

I asked this on a couple of different RV boards when we were considering our present rig. The overwhelming response I got was, "other than State Parks and height considerations, no difference." The height is DEFINITELY a consideration! Our first trip out we took back roads through a small town in North Carolina and nearly took our AC off the roof while attempting to drive under a train trestle!

We *did* have difficulties backing into our first site after getting the 40 footer. It shook my husband's confidence, and he'd been backing our 33' fifthwheel for nearly ten years with no problems whatsoever, even in the tightest spots. The same trip we continued on to South Carolina and my husband did better, despite a "friendly neighbor" who ignored me and tried to take over directing my husband into our site.

[bethandkevin]

I can only speak for Michigan State Parks(95% or so), it is harder when reserving a spot. However, MSP's keep a few spots for "local" campers or some call them transient sites. They are for travelers coming in without reservations and generally are larger 50 amp sites when available. We've found only a couple of older parks that cannot accommodate our length on a lot we would like(generally waterfront). Overall though, we've not had much trouble finding lots to our liking.

[richfaa]

there may be some State parks you will not get into but we have had no problems in 7 years on the road. we are 40 feet 5th wheel and 56 feet overall. call ahead and there will be no problems The more time you spend in these things the more you will appreciate the extra space.

[BB_TX]

We are still at just under 35', but considering moving up. Have been to some local state parks and COE parks where there were some sites fine for a 40' but also many that would just fit our 35'. Could be a problem if park was near full.
As far as private RV parks have never been in one that would be a problem for 40'.

[snfexpress]

Kanawah State Park outside Charlotte, West Virginia, is a tight campground, but closest to the Capitol. We didn't have reservations and were thinking there would be someone at the "front gate".

No one at the front, and later found out that they don't recommend any rigs over 26'. We turned our 42 footer around and got set up, even though the front was so low to the ground we barely had adjustment, due to the slope.

Late that evening the camp host, coming around for the $8 fee, exclaimed "How the heck did you get in here without getting stuck?" My response was that we take things slow and if we get into a tight spot, we can always back up.

If you look close, you'll see a picnic table near the superimposed words 2012 Google. Also, the parking spaces in front of the bath house are for cars.

So, restore that confidence, while still being cautious.
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/...psf2f0cf89.jpg

Image changed to a link as the size exceeds the MOC guidelines of 600 X 800 pixels. http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=40141
CRAFT_Guy

[WaltBennett]

We've had no problem with length @ almost 38' and a full sized bed w/full crew cab. Had issues with width though. Two places last year were difficult to get where we could open the slides and still get everything hooked up.

[DQDick]

Have done state parks, city parks and some old federal campgrounds like Wichita Mountain. We're 57' and just take it slow and easy. Since we full time we would'nt consider a smaller rig.

[Artemus Gordon]

I am sitting in a 36 ft site. Never been turned away. Like today the facility said, you get her in there, you can stay! My belief is 36 ft is no different that 42, if you have the right truck and confidence !

[bncinwv]

quote:Originally posted by snfexpress

Kanawah State Park outside Charlotte, West Virginia, is a tight campground, but closest to the Capitol. We didn't have reservations and were thinking there would be someone at the "front gate".

No one at the front, and later found out that they don't recommend any rigs over 26'. We turned our 42 footer around and got set up, even though the front was so low to the ground we barely had adjustment, due to the slope.

Late that evening the camp host, coming around for the $8 fee, exclaimed "How the heck did you get in here without getting stuck?" My response was that we take things slow and if we get into a tight spot, we can always back up.

If you look close, you'll see a picnic table near the superimposed words 2012 Google. Also, the parking spaces in front of the bath house are for cars.

So, restore that confidence, while still being cautious.
http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/...psf2f0cf89.jpg

Image changed to a link as the size exceeds the MOC guidelines of 600 X 800 pixels. http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=40141
CRAFT_Guy

Dang Michael,
You left out the part about just getting to Kanawha State Forest (Hopefully via Davis Creek Road and not through South Hills). I cannot imagine even attempting to get to the park, much less trying to find a site in the park. Unbelievable!!
Bingo

[1retired06]

As stated, except for some state parks, no problem. Many state and even county parks have big rig sites.

[jcurtis934]

When you are looking at all those 5ers, make sure that you pay attention to the layout, its storage for what you plan on carrying in the kitchen, space for linens, space for your clothes, storage for music cd's and movies...as well as anything else you think you "have to have" when you go full-time. Then rethink what you really need to have with you. When we went full-time, we gave away a lot of stuff and then put the remainder into a POD that went to conditioned storage at a pod warehouse in albuquerque where we are planning on living in the future...however long that may be. And as folks have already said...once you get used to it, it won't be a lot different to deal with...but a lot easier to live in. And if you sit out the winter in florida or somewhere else that is fairly mild...you won't be towing for several months. John