Need recommendations please

It really depends on the specifics of where you're going. There isn't one size that is a sudden cutoff for access to areas, since camp sites and roads aren't built out of lego blocks with space in fixed increments. Every inch you add eliminates some sites that you can no longer fit in, but it's a very small portion of the sites for any given inch change. The best suggestion I can make is to check as many of the areas and sorts of areas you want to access and try to determine what would not be too uncomfortable to get there.

Having said that, I suspect a 40' fifth wheel would be quite unwieldy and pretty hard to get into a lot of the areas you're talking about. I also suspect most fifth wheel trailers of that size would typically be set up to be best used in more developed campgrounds, and would not be particularly suited for longer term use without hookups, at least not without a good bit of modification and improvement. There may be (and probably are) exceptions.

Besides length, take a good look at ground clearance and height. More clearance underneath and less required above are quite helpful for getting to out-of-the-way places. Trees along back roads are not frequently trimmed, especially to accommodate tall vehicles.

DrewE - thank you for your reply. I will forward it on to hubby. Thank you!

Moved from ATC

I agree with above... Take the time now to think about 'where' you want to go over the next few years. Then start looking around for where you can stay in those areas.. Treat it as if you were going there THIS year, as in search, look for availability, look for pictures (google, tripadvisor, reviews, etc.). I typically consider the RV parks' website as an indication but use other sources to 'know' for sure..

This will not only help you down the road in having an idea of options available but will also give you some idea of availability of those larger spots.

We just returned from a fantastic private campground in Minnesota with all the amenities but the $$ was a little steep. We also spent one night at a small town city park with just electrical but we were all alone and the cost was $15.00/night. You can also dry camp in wide open places in a lot of states but that is typically at least an hour from the tourist attractions. You pick which one you would enjoy the most.

For what it's worth, we are at 37' and the only thing we have had to worry about is HEIGHT not length.

Happy Camping!

We have a 36 foot fiver, and after our(my) last mishap are now effectively shut out of my favorite place. You will find many of the NF camp grounds were built 30-40 years ago when RVs were much smaller and simply cannot accomodate large modern RVs. Heck, one loop of the state park were in now the large RVs have to be really careful to avoid trees.
comfort is really a matter of how well the living space is arranged, not how big it is. As a general rule I think you will find that for every foot over about 30' you will loose available camping sites. At 40' you pool of available sites will be drastically reduced to newer resort type parks.

I can only speak for myself but 40' 5th wheel would be too long. I have a 34' 5th wheel and it is large enough inside for us. There are some State parks that I can not get into but they are few and far between. I do have to be careful because of my length when looking for a campsite. Most campgrounds will tell you if you can fit in their sites. Most 5th wheels are tall and while traveling you have to watch out for low hanging objects.

Thank you both so much!! I will pass this info on to hubby.

I would suggest to make many trips to RV dealers and look at floor plans to see what works for both of you, then look at some campgrounds if some are near you. Height is the biggest issue IMO for many of today's 5ers. Our 5er is 30', had one 33' rig before and have been amazed at the additional number of site we we can use. Even though our rig is a little smaller, it feels bigger inside than the longer one.

Great tip on the height. Thanks!

P.S. we only have 3-4 RV dealers here. We are planning a weekend trip to the next closest town, which is 1.5 away, to look. Anything else is 4-7 hrs away. Even our camping is about an hour away. Until hubby retires, he works 6-7 days a week!!! So it's hard to get away. I will look online and checks out what I can from there for now.