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McIntraveler's avatar
McIntraveler
Explorer
May 17, 2015

At What Point Does Size Matter?

We used to have a 24' FW and Ford extended cab SB and never had problems putting it in any campsite we came across. We're planning to get back into camping in retirement and travel the great US of A, However, spending that much time in a 24' doesn't seem like the way to go but we did enjoy the smaller county parks we previously stayed and would like to have that option available. Keeping in mind we also plan to spend a lot of time in large parks as well, we think 30'-34' class trailers are a good fit for us. Specifically, we like the Grand Design 303 which is about 32'. (At least, that is the one we like this week.)

I'd like to tap into the collective knowledge base here and ask at what point does a FW become too large to access smaller CGs? It seems most of the 26' - 30' class trailers are 30' plus. At that point, does it even matter between 30' and 34'?

How much difference does the truck length make? I'm thinking extended cab, long bed at this point.

Thanks for your input.

28 Replies

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  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    May 17, 2015
    "We're planning to get back into camping in retirement and travel the great US of A" 12 years ago I made the mistake of listening to comments like those above so started with a 36' DP. Did not take long to learn if a 36' will fit, a 40' will too and then a 42'. Sure it's harder to find a site, but in retirement you do not have to show up Friday looking for a site. Just because a CG say 34' max, there are usually a few that will handle much larger so arrive Monday.
    Buy the floor plan and size that is livable and not too big for your truck. The above post has some good advice.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    32' is my cutoff for all purpose camping. If full timing I'd go 36'+. Can't see toting around a 36+' 5er for just 2 nights on a weekend. Sure the towing parts no different but really don't need all that space and storage for short trips. We currently have a 28' with one slide. Perfect size for 2 night or even a month. But to get out for a 3-4 month stay I'd want more room. We hardly spend time in the 5er when camping in the summer, but when the weather turns nasty for a few days it would be nice to have a larger 5er to relax in.
    The GD Reflection 303RLS has been and still is on our short list when the wife retires. Great tank capacity, good weights for my 2500 CTD, and a nice layout.

    If I was to be full timing or at least doing several 3-4 month trips I'd seriously look at the GD Reflection 337RLS. Larger bedroom and more closet space.
  • mayo30's avatar
    mayo30
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    We found over the years and after too many types of rv's that 26 to 28 feet worked the best.A bumper pull TT was by far the easiest to get in and out of the tight older parks,especially the ones with low branches and narrow roads.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 17, 2015
    Did your older 24' have a slide out? Makes a big difference.
    At 26' we are still squeezing in at times. 34' would take some additional planning.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer III
    May 17, 2015
    We vote for the smaller size trailers. Our over all OFF-ROAD POPUP Trailer length is around 20-feet. A 24-footer would be the max to suit us for our style of RV CAMPING.

    Now if I was a RV TRAVELER then the bigger the better most likely...

    I can't even imagine the costs and fees involved running one of those 40-foot plus things...
  • SanMarMor's avatar
    SanMarMor
    Explorer
    May 17, 2015
    It depends on where you like to go. We go to state parks in Ohio a lot. They are great campgrounds, but they are old and not layer out for today's larger RVs. I also run into height issues more than length, but most of the time it's slide and awning clearance that causes me to pass on a site. Ours is 35'7, and unless I was going to spend months in it, I wouldn't want any bigger. As it is now, I am very cautious making reservations or going to a campground I haven't been to, because I don't want to end up with a site I can't use. I find Google map satellite images very helpful when looking at a campground. That, and calling and talking to someone, and have them assure me I will fit, and slides will clear.

    Mark
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    May 17, 2015
    When it comes to SP camping, I have found height, to be a bigger problem than length. They don't like to do much trimming, and at only 12' 4"s, I often have to pass on the better sites, due to road or site clearance.

    As far as the truck length, a shorter wheel base is easier to maneuver, a longer WB may tow a little better. I have an extended cab, standard bed, that works great for me.

    Jerry
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    May 17, 2015
    Everybody is going to tell you something different due to their level of comfort. Going to full service private parks and length is fine. Going to NF or older state parks, smaller is better. We have a 35 foot fiver and after tearing the roof off our fiver several years ago we decided we can no longer fit into our favorite camp grounds. Would I buy this size again? I really dont know. Living full time in it last year while looking for a house I would say ues. Missing out on our, or at least my favorite camp grounds I would say no, never again. You have to make up your minds about where you want to park, and how much comfort you want. And make your decision based on the best comprimise your happy with.

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