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Old 03-03-2012, 11:47 AM   #1
rvgwen
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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.
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Old 03-03-2012, 11:58 AM   #2
mhs4771
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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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Old 03-03-2012, 12:29 PM   #3
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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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Old 03-03-2012, 12:44 PM   #4
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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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Old 03-03-2012, 02:16 PM   #5
steelpony5555
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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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Old 03-03-2012, 02:32 PM   #6
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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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Old 03-03-2012, 03:28 PM   #7
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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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Old 03-03-2012, 03:49 PM   #8
akf15e
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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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Old 03-03-2012, 10:28 PM   #9
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Old 03-04-2012, 12:53 AM   #10
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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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Old 03-04-2012, 01:02 AM   #11
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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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Old 03-04-2012, 02:17 AM   #12
richfaa
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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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Old 03-04-2012, 02:54 AM   #13
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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
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Old 03-04-2012, 10:38 AM   #14
rvgwen
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Thank you for all your responses they have been very helpful.
Mike and Gwen
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Old 03-04-2012, 11:03 AM   #15
Montana Sky
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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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Old 03-04-2012, 12:00 PM   #16
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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.

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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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