Forum Discussion

jhamlin's avatar
jhamlin
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013

How big is TOO big??

The wife & I are agonizing over what size 5er to purchase. We plan to equip it with a decent solar array, and want to do some boondocking and camping in BLM/Federal lands. Question: is a 36-37 ft. unit really too big for this, and just how restrictive would this size of a unit be? Are all the sites I see mentioned around the North Rim, for example, too small for this, or access too restrictive? We plan to full-time it, so there's definitely a compromise between something that feels like "home" and our ability to camp "outback" for a week or so with it. Any & all comments more than welcome!
Boondocking
Dry Camping
Public Lands
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2013
    I've boondocked in the forest by the North Rim, and the biggest RV manufactured could have fit there three times over. Just need to be a little picky where you set up.
  • markie_mark's avatar
    markie_mark
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2013
    Boondock in our 37' all the time in Western Desert BLM land
    all the time

    As long as you have a good road in and can turn around no problem
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2013
    I have a 34' and don't feel restricted until I try to camp at places like Joshua Tree, where the CGs spaces are small.

    As for boondocking, with a bigger rig you will certainly not be able to traverse 10 miles of bad road. I dry camped off a forest road just south of Tusayan with no problem. Just be cautious before you get in somewhere you can't get out. It can take a lot of back and forth if you do!

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