Forum Discussion

Jetstreamer's avatar
Jetstreamer
Explorer
Feb 10, 2016

Considering an upgrade to a bigger rig

Our first fifth wheel is the one we still enjoy after 7 years. It's a 32 foot model and most of our outings are long weekend jaunts to state parks with a few weeklong trips every season... About 40 nights worth each year.

We look at longer units and start getting the itch to buy.

What I'm afraid of happening is realizing we have too big of a rig and remembering back how much fun we had with our inexpensive smaller unit.

Another factor in this decision is our driveway. It's steep and curvy around trees and my current rig barely makes it but with some grading and $$ it's probably doable to accommodate.

Also, the rig we've been looking at I can buy at a screaming last years model deal that's really gonna bug me to pass up.

Looking for opinions on whether the 40 foot rigs should be left to retirees ( not me ) who tow it to Florida and park it at a seasonal site for six months a year.
  • I went from a 31' to a 34' and I am wondering if I went too long. I would stay as close to 32' as you can. I have a rear Kitchen with opposing slides and it really opens up and gives us a lot of room. leave the 40fters to the fulltimers.
  • Take a cold shower. Do you really NEED a larger rig than the one that has been serving you well. Is the family larger? Are you taking neighbors camping with you? If you have some extra money consider the Salvation Army or another charity of your choice; and it's tax deductible.
  • Give it a try, the extra room is nice. Just make sure you have enough truck to handle it. We are in Florida, for a month, with our 41' toy hauler having towed it from AZ . One thing we have found in FL are some RV parks are pretty tight for such a big rig. A larger rig requires planning ahead. Last summer we had it up in WI, MI and the beautiful U.P. with no issues. One other thing I do is consult the trucker's road atlas to ensure my trailer will go where I want it to.