go big or not

[hitdrd]

We are looking at our retirement RV either 2 bathrooms or 2 couches. One sleeps more ( kids and grands), the other more convenient for us. Either 3761 or 3931.
Wondering if anyone regretted buying a 40 footer?
Our old one is a 2955, 30 feet long.
Does the big size prohib you from lots of places?
Ideas please.
Also one dealer told us Avalanche is a Keystone and the same as a Montana. Anyone know?

[jimcol]

I got hung up on length when we bought our 34' 3000rk in 2006. Really liked the 3400 floor plan better but didn't want the additional 5 feet of length. Have regretted that decision ever since. We really love our 3000rk and it has served our purpose well for over 70k miles but still wish we had opted for the 3400. Just provides so much more interior room.

[K0LCB]

I had a 42.6 fiver for a few years. I always found a campsite. 40’ seems to be a good size now, many old campgrounds were built for 25’.

[Russ&Reen]

I would say buy the one that suits your needs best. Our last RV we made sure to have enough sleeping room for kids and grands, giving up a full size sofa for two of the loveseat size ones and having a smaller bathroom than I wanted. This time, we have a full sofa and a lovely bathroom. We're in it a heck of a lot more than the kids, so our comfort comes first this time.



We're over 40', and have had to pass on a few small sites. We just make sure to check ahead of time to be sure the park can accommodate us, and have never had a problem.


I don't think Avalanche is on par with Montana, but I'm sure a more knowledgeable person will come along.

[richfaa]

06 3400 and now a 13 3402 both around 40 feet and never a problem finding a Campground. We live in these things long time and the bigger the better.

[AZ Traveler]

Unless you intend to focus on smaller parks you will not have a big issue with a 40 ft trailer. Have not looked at Avalanche in a while but I believe they are very similar to Montana and in the same family.

[mlh]

It’s your choice. What do you need, wont, feel like pulling around feel comfortable with. I had a 2955 it was 32 feet long. My present 5er is 36 feet long and noticed no difference in pulling them. Long timing, full timing is a lot different than going on a few weeks vacation. Figure out what you need take your time and get whatever you need. Then get it.
Lynwood

[mhs4771]

We've been from Florida to Alaska, all the other states, Thompson, Manitoba, and Canadian Maritime with a Dually and 40' plus 5th Wheel and have always been able to find a camp ground where we could fit.

[DQDick]

After 8 years of full timing and over 70,000 miles including stints volunteering at back woods wildlife refuges we traded our 39 footer for a slightly longer one. Always did our homework and always had a spot. Someone on the sales thread has just bought a Montana and is selling their Avalanche. They might be a good scource of info.

[TBW Ventures]

We upsized last year from a 33 ft travel trailer to the 40 ft (3720RL)5th wheel Monty last year. No regrets on size, every trailer and truck takes some practise but almost all parks are made for the size. We have really enjoyed the extra size.

[1retired06]

Check our signature block. Never a problem in all those years finding a site. Buy what you are comfortable with.

[TennTom]

Go big.

[Texan]

I have the 40 footer and have no problem pulling or parking it. You won't notice the length pulling it down the road. The Avalanche is a Keystone rv but it doesn't have the toots and whistles of the Montana. Don't let length intimidate you.

[Montana Man]

We had a 2955 and now this one is 36'. We have noticed a lessening of availability of sites to some small degree. It actually knocked us out of my favorite place. We have seen that the grandkid thing doesn't always work out as planned and causes people to buy something they end up not needing. Besides, kids love staying outside in the tent anyway. Wire in a video game and they won't even know where they are.

Our friends bought an Avalanche the same day we got ours. The Montana is a notch up in quality. A lot of it are things not obvious to the naked eye. Theirs had lesser quality tires, two piece holding tanks, lesser quality woodwork, lower quality gelcoat, and then some. It is Keystone so it has the usual lack of quality control at assembly as the Montana.

[Mikendebbie]

I don’t have grandkids but when I was a kid I never minded sleeping on couches or the floor when we visited cousins or grand parents. I suspect the kids won’t mind the floor or even think it’s cool.

We have 3921Fb and DW loves the full tub. You will spend many more days with her than with grandkids. The 2 bathrooms makes things even better! Go big! You will love the space!

[mazboy]

Avalanche is a keystone product.


As for us, after years of the 40 foot we're going to go back to something around 34-35 feet. Each to there own.

[jeffba]

We went from a 34' TT to a 41' Monty. For both we do find it a bit harder to get into state parks to camp. That said DW would not go smaller.

[mtlakejim]

You will very rarely hear of someone who downsized and liked it. On the other hand, nearly everyone I know has upgraded to larger. There is a good reason for that!






If your going full time, buy for yourself and let the grandkids adapt! After all, how often will they actually visit and when they do would it be for more than a couple days?

[Jeff Csillag]

We purchased a 2016 Montana High Country 370 BR which has two bedrooms. We have a adult disabled daughter that lives with us full time. The fifth wheel is 41' and very easy to tow and back in to the sites IMHO. If it wasn't for our daughter I would have bought something around 35'. It's harder to find state parks and national parks to fit our 41' rig compared to a 33'-35' rig. Then you camp outside of the parks and drive in. It makes for a longer day is all. Also to consider is some states limit the over length of your trailer as well as the combined length. AAA has a chart for every state and lists some good info that is helpful.



Best of luck to you.

[twindman]

I think the 'comparable' fiver by Keystone is the Alpine.. I am pretty sure it wasn't the Avalanche