Best (Easiest) road to Watchman

We prefer the tunnel due to the shorter drive to/from the East and we've taken that route several times in our 38' with the toad disconnected. Restricted RVs are single vehicles over 40 feet long, combined vehicles over 50 feet long.

We're really small, so can't compare to you. But the east was not stressful at all. And driving it down in first gear does not feel slow, because the scenery will have your breath the whole way! If you do chose to come through hurricane, you HAVE to drive the east entrance for the scenery alone. It is the best in the park IMO.

When we went to Utah in the fall of 2013 and we had done a lot of research on which way to go to Zion. We considered coming from the west and south but in the end came through the tunnel and did the switchbacks. While our fiver is only 26 ft long by the time you count the tow vehicle and trailer we are a fairly long length also. The switchbacks were fairly insignificant in my opinion, if you went slowly and carefully there were no problems, perhaps a larger motor home with a toad would be different. The roads are in very good condition, unlike a lot of our switchback roads in British Columbia. The tunnel if you fit was not much concern except for the fact that you always wanted to look out of the side openings as you went through at the beautiful scenery.
As daunting as the road may seem on its reviews it is well worth traversing it for the scenery alone.
We came into and left Zion the same route and never felt uncomfortable at any time.
Maybe just good luck or whatever.

There are a few ways to get to Zion. Hwy 9 is very doable if your RV is within the maximum size and yours is. Many RVers do the drive and yes, beyond the tunnels is a curvy road for a short time. It depends on your comfort level.

I don't know what direction you're coming from but it appears you're from Virginia. If you're coming from I-40 to Flagstaff you can take AZ89 north to Page and west to Kanab and head south a few miles to Fredonia. You can also take 89A to Jacob Lake, AZ to Fredonia but you'll have another curvy hill to maneuver.

So from Fredonia you can take AZ389 which becomes UT59 taking you into Hurricane. It's an easy drive.

If coming from the north on UT89 (from Bryce Nat'l Park direction), take Hwy 20 a little north of Panguitch, UT over to I-15 and then I-15 south to Hwy 9 and Hurricane. Don't take Hwy 14 between UT89 and I-15. You won't like that one either. :)

It's nice to stay in Watchman campground in Zion or in Springdale, just outside the gate. Have a good trip!

Here is information direct from NPS website for Zion tunnel
Zion Tunnel NPS info

We like going in through Hurricane. It's a pretty drive. I believe it is too late in the season to hit the Orchards/ Market outside of Zion. Think they close in October.
Isn't Watchman at the West end anyway? Could be incorrect about that though.
Like PawPaw said, there might be a little wait to get the tunnel, but it is very doable in your 30'.
Have a great trip!

I've been through a number of tunnels, and that's the only tunnel that made me feel uncomfortable. Low and rough-surfaced inside, with no lights. Not a good place if you happen to lean toward claustrophobia, I'd imagine (not that I am usually claustrophobic).

Restrictions on coming through the tunnel if arriving from the east

Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

You rig specs say it is 2 inches too tall and 7 inches too wide to pass through the tunnel without paying the $15 tunnel permit, which means the rangers have to set the tunnel for one way traffic for when you pass thru. (Width is measured to the outside of your mirrors, or the body including awning, which ever is wider.

From Nov 1 to March 9, you have to make advance arrangements. Hours allowed to pass through are limited.

You might be stuck waiting for a while before they decide to send you, and others, thru.

See the thread in Roads and Routes about the big truck driver who recently tried to go through the tunnel and got stuck.

I would recommend you drive around, rather than deal with the hassles.

East entrance has a length limit as well as a height. Believe it is 50 foot maximum length. The switch backs can be nasty if you are not aware of them.
Your length should not be a problem. One thing I recommend for people with toads is to put a light duty hitch on it so you can pull the dolly if necessary. We planned on dropping the toad if the ranger say we are too long. We are just under 50 by a few inches.
Depending on where you are coming from, it may not be worth the long drive around.