could not resist the automatic leveling system and the washer/dryer so traded in our 2009 34ft cougar 5th wheel for a 2015 39ft heartland big country - would be interested in your experiences going from a smaller rig to a longer rig - DW and I have rving almost fulltme for 9 years and when we want info we go to rv.net - hearing your experience in a difference of trailer length in road handling, parking,and anything else you happen to think of - our TV is a ford f350 diesel with a brand new automatic superglide hitch - pick up new rig next week - thank you for any insight you may have - Bob and VickiNew TV 2015 35000 RAM cc drw 4x4 diesel

We went from nothing to a 40' fiver for our first camper and now at 41'6" with our new one. Talk about a big learning curve. Had pulled a 20' trailer with my Kubota for years. We took the fiver to the bigger parking lot we could find and spent hours learning how to handle it then took it home. Three years later I can back it in almost anywhere and love to pull it. I don't think you'll see much of a difference between your old and new except a little wider in the turns. Have fun and congrats in the new fiver.

Congrats on your BC. We went from a 34 to 40 DH had no issues. We bought a Big Country, I hope you'll be as happy as we are with ours.regards, judy

I went from a 29 ft FW to a 34 Ft FW. I've driven semis before and I actually prefer the longer trailer for towing and backing unless there is limited space. The extra room is nice once I get setup, but there's a lot more things to go wrong with the bigger, more expensive rig.

Congratulations on your new rig. Enjoy.After a couple of trips with the new 5th wheel it will feel like the 34ft for the most part. You will get comfortable with it.We usually stay in private RV Parks/Resorts so have never run into a site problem although we did have to drive the wrong way on a loop to be able to get into the site they assigned us at one RV Campground.

I went from a 29 ft FW to a 34 Ft FW. I've driven semis before and I actually prefer the longer trailer for towing and backing unless there is limited space. The extra room is nice once I get setup, but there's a lot more things to go wrong with the bigger, more expensive rig.

Going from 34ft to 39ft - Questions | Good Sam Community

N8GS
Explorer
Mar 21, 2015
Going from 34 to 39 feet should not be an issue except for backing into some of those marginal camp sites. By way of an example it is much easier to backup a 53' semi trailer than it is to backup a 28' semi trailer.

Gspot
How do you like the Solitude? I Have a Reflection 337RLS on order. I really enjoyed the factory tour. There is a lot of info to be had when you can climb in, around and under units in their various stages of construction.

C-Bears
Do you have a Pilot rewards card? I'm not into having the water on in the trailer when traveling in Jan and Feb. so I go for the free shower that comes with a 50 gal fuel purchase when using the professional drivers card. I use the points to keep me in coffee when on the road.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Mar 21, 2015
RVNevada wrote:
BobandVicki:

I went from a 32ft 5th wheel Montana with a Chev 2500HD Short Bed to a 43ft Voltage Toy Hauler, now with a Chev 3500HD DRW Long Bed....

The couple things that changed for me was the weight 12,000 to 20,000lbs...going down big grades....As to the length No Trouble, but some places the gas stations are hard to get in with a lot of people in small towns, No Truck Stop near by....Some Campgrounds can't handle that large, but very few...As to backing up, after a couple times, No trouble...You will love the extra space, Auto/Jacks and my wife loves the washer/Dryer....Happy Camping

Rich and Angela

Good call on the Dually. I suggest the op do the same!
C-Bears
Explorer
Mar 21, 2015
Nothing like moving into a new unit! Congrats! We never did the part time RVing, we went right into full timing with a 38' FW and then traded for a new 39'. Sounds like we have about the same truck.

You will really like the level-up system, that alone is almost worth trading up for IMHO.

I don't know where you generally fuel up at, for us we always use truck stops. A 39' FW is a lot of trailer to be trying to pull into a gas station with. In addition, when we pull into Pilot, Flying J, or Loves we always use the commercial truck lanes and never use the RV lanes.

About the only other thing you will probably notice is there are CG's that will be tight for you to get in, and they all won't be State CG's or National Parks either. We have found some older converted KOA private CG's that have been a real challenge to back into.
Gsport
Explorer
Mar 21, 2015
I went from a 32' to a 36' and now my 39' Grand Design Solitude. You just need to take turns a little wider and just keep aware of your surroundings. My biggest difference was going to a widebody 5th wheel. Is your new one a widebody (101") or standard 96"?
Veebyes
Explorer II
Mar 19, 2015
No real differences except decreased site availability in SPs & NPs.
Duck
Explorer
Mar 19, 2015
Double post
Duck
Explorer
Mar 19, 2015
I think that the only thing you need to watch out for is when you are pulling out of a tight area. Will need to come out a little farther to make the tight turn.
Don
RVNevada
Explorer
Mar 18, 2015
BobandVicki:

I went from a 32ft 5th wheel Montana with a Chev 2500HD Short Bed to a 43ft Voltage Toy Hauler, now with a Chev 3500HD DRW Long Bed....

The couple things that changed for me was the weight 12,000 to 20,000lbs...going down big grades....As to the length No Trouble, but some places the gas stations are hard to get in with a lot of people in small towns, No Truck Stop near by....Some Campgrounds can't handle that large, but very few...As to backing up, after a couple times, No trouble...You will love the extra space, Auto/Jacks and my wife loves the washer/Dryer....Happy Camping

Rich and Angela
phillyg
Explorer II
Mar 18, 2015
Went from a 30' to 38' FW recently. Had to buy a bigger TV but no real difference in towing. I plan ahead a bit more for sharp turns or refueling stops. I have not been able to get a couple of state park reservations because their sites were too short.
lynndiwagon
Explorer
Mar 18, 2015
Didn't notice much change going down the road from my 32' Hitchhiker to the almost 40' Big Country. As mentioned, turns are a little wider but backing was just as simple. You'll really enjoy the leveling system, washer/dryer, and all of the other cool features. Very luxurious....