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03-03-2012, 11:47 AM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Aransas Pass
Posts: 56
M.O.C. #12147
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how long to go
We are looking to buy our first fifth wheel and have noticed that most of the higher price rigs are 38 to 40 feet long. Is it any harder to tow and park a fifth wheel this long than a 30 to 35 foot one. Coming from a class A motorhome that was 42 feet plus a toad.
Mike and Gwen
future Montana owners
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03-03-2012, 11:58 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sebring
Posts: 3,665
M.O.C. #9969
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Once you get over a certain length it doesn't make much difference. Any place you were able to park your 42 foot beast, the 5th wheel should be a piece of cake regardless of the length.
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Michelle & Ann
2018 Chevy 3500HD High Country DRW 4X4 Crew Cab w/Duramax/Allison, Formally 2010 Montana 2955RL, Now Loaded 2016 SOB, Mor/ryde IS, Disc Brakes & Pin Box, Comfort Ride Hitch, Sailun 17.5 Tires.
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03-03-2012, 12:29 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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Our 38' Montana isn't any harder to park than our 18' TT was, but we could never have been able to go full time in an 18'TT. Find a floor plan you like. Folks on this forum will help you thru any problems you encounter. Great folks on this forum.
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Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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03-03-2012, 12:44 PM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Park Hill
Posts: 167
M.O.C. #10841
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One thing that I have discovered when backing into a spot that is tight or has trees, get yourself a pair of walkie talkie type radios for you and whoever is trying to help give directions backing into spots. It will save you lots of greef
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03-03-2012, 02:16 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Copperas Cove
Posts: 1,426
M.O.C. #12096
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Over the past several weeks there have been places I barely got my old 30 ft 5er into. I would have never gotten a 40+ footer into. Kinda why I am glad we found the 3000rk since its only 35 ft, I may have had a fighting chance at getting it into the same spots lol lol.
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03-03-2012, 02:32 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Galena
Posts: 990
M.O.C. #7380
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We went from a 35 ft to 39 ft. The only issue we find from time to time is old type campgrounds only can take up to a 35 ft so at times you may want to stay at campground that can not handle your rig. So you just go to another campground that can. Most are really big rig friendly. Definitely worth it to us. We love the extra room.
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03-03-2012, 03:28 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,217
M.O.C. #6433
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Ours is just under 35'. Actual parking in a site has not been a particular problem. But I have been in a few RV parks where much longer and it would not have fit lengthwise in the sites we were in. Just barely had room left for the truck sideways without it sticking out in the drive.
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Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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03-03-2012, 03:49 PM
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#8
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Goldsboro
Posts: 288
M.O.C. #9143
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I went from a 32' to a 38' fiver 2 years ago. No harder to tow, though I did notice slightly increased stopping distances due to the extra 2000 lbs. Really no harder to back in, I just pull a bit farther forward than I used to before I begin backing in. But you need to remember there is a lot more fiver behind the axles, so the rear end will kick out a bit more in turns when pulling out. I also found we are limited a little bit more in site selection at some CGs. But the extra inside space is well worth it.
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03-03-2012, 10:28 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Winthrop Harbor
Posts: 1,835
M.O.C. #8160
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Ditto Butch & Sharon
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03-04-2012, 12:53 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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There are length restrictions in some of the state and county parks. Some internal campground roads can be tricky, particularly in older campgrounds. You just have to take into account the length of both the trailer and the tow vehicle. Our fifth wheels have always been in the 37 foot range, pulling with CC longbeds, and we have never had any serious issues, just a few tricky parkings, now and then. Obviously, the longer the rig, the more careful you have to be, in parking, in tight traffic, stopping distances,etc.
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Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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03-04-2012, 01:02 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ore City Texas
Posts: 1,648
M.O.C. #2224
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The "long and the short" of it: it does make a difference. Whether that matters is a matter of choice.
We are among those who set the limit at 35 feet. We are not full-timers and never will be. We like state and national parks. We move fairly often as our trips are spaced out over the year and we like to include several places on each trip. We do not want a tow vehicle over a 2500 and we do not want dual wheels. Not to mention that our storage space here at home 'just fits' 35 feet and under.
But all these things are 'just us,' and our self-imposed limit should not apply to anyone else. Still, size does matter, depending . . .
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03-04-2012, 02:17 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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Our 3400 and Dually long bed is @ 55 feet long. You need that much turning room to park the rig. We have not had a problem in 6 years.
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03-04-2012, 02:54 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,587
M.O.C. #2283
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Keystone, Montana if you are listening there are still people who need, wont a very nice 32 foot 5er. I would love to have a new 32 foot 3 slide camper, you don't make it. HINT HINT
Lynwood
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03-04-2012, 10:38 AM
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#14
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Aransas Pass
Posts: 56
M.O.C. #12147
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Thank you for all your responses they have been very helpful.
Mike and Gwen
future Montana owners
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03-04-2012, 11:03 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Down the Road
Posts: 5,627
M.O.C. #889
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I can only agree with the other, my 3400RL is over 39' and I have not had any issues with the length. I do make sure to tell the parks at time of reservations that my coach is 40 feet long and has 4 slides. Usually the parks will tell you right up front that they can or cannot accommodate a rig of that size. Not all are truthful, but most are.
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03-04-2012, 12:00 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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x2. Good advice. That's what we do and it works great. I bought a pair of walkie-talkies that allow me to use one hands free so I can concentrate on the maneuvering.
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by scuba dude
One thing that I have discovered when backing into a spot that is tight or has trees, get yourself a pair of walkie talkie type radios for you and whoever is trying to help give directions backing into spots. It will save you lots of greef
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__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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