Thinking of a 53' semi-Fifth wheel by Spacecraft

^^^^There's no telling if the photo posted is similar to the rig the OP is looking at. I believe it was posted just as an example of what a loooong trailer looks like.

Personally I believe a 53' 5th wheel and the truck to pull it with would curtail stopping at quite a few older, or state, county, and/or city campgrounds, even some private campgrounds may have trouble with that length. I guess it just depends on what your personal plans are.

This day and age I wouldn't think a high dollar rig would have $50 stabilizing jacks. Makes one wonder what else they went cheap on you can't see. In the lower 48 some states may require a permit to be on the highways, oversize load isn't always width.

Fifty-three feet for the 5th wheel? With the TV 70 or so? Tip to tail (TV front bumper to TT rear bumper) is 43 for me. Such a length would limit where I could go, stop, refuel so much I wouldn't consider it. I don't think any California State Park would accept you and most federal campgrounds too...but to each his/her own.

Just my take here. Seems what you need is less stuff. I look at this rig and cannot imagine getting it into many of the places I camp. Just too big. Not to poop on your parade. Just my thoughts regarding the size limiting your choice of camping locations. Happy Trails

With a trailer that long, your selection of campsites will be restricted. The best you can do right now, is begin searching State Park web sites, National Park web sites, and go through the steps to reserve a site. Most sites will want you to put in your length and then only available sites within that length or longer will return as available. You don't have to continue with the reservation, just cancel it then and try another park.

Yes, it's a little time consuming, but you will readily see what's available for your length. You can begin to build a list of parks that will accommodate your length. You may want to boom-dock. There again, do some research right now on those spots and places you are considering. Look at Google Map Sat elite views too and compare all this information together.

Considering you are on your 3rd camper, you are not a "greenie" to this life style. You know how to look these things up, research camp sites, and then you can evaluate your own opinion if you REALLY want to go with a camper this long. Only you can decide that.

That's my suggestion, do the research now, before you purchase.

The biggest draw-back I see with a trailer of that length will be your tow vehicle. Yes, you'll need to step up to a semi-truck style tow vehicle. You may also need to get a CDL endorsement on your drivers license as this size of truck is usually used for commercial purposes. This will depend upon your State of residence.

Another thing you need to consider IS the total length. You need to check with the laws in your state how long you can go with a combined vehicle length. Every state has a different limit requirement, but the only one that matters is your own. Other states will not question your length if you are longer than their state requirements. It only matters in the state you license your vehicles and your drivers license. Follow the rules of your state and stay legal.

One more thing you should consider? These longer trailers are designed more for commercial purposes. What kind of electric supply is required? Are they 50 amp, or do they require something even more? I don't know. But something you need to consider.

If you are in a "normal" State Park, lets say, you may only be able to plug into a 30 amp power source. If the entire rig requires 100 amp, well... you'll have to figure that out. So, double check the power requirements for this trailer. I'm just suggesting something you need to consider. It might all be OK with 50 amp, but I don't know. You do need to know before you buy.

And .... where do you store the camper of that length when you are NOT camping? If you have your own property that allows RV parking and you have the space, no problem. But if you don't have the space for something of this length, or you live in town with zoning restrictions, you'll need to consider the cost. You currently have a 5er, so you probably have this already figured out, but still.... the extra length gives you something to think about.

Edit: I see you are from Canada.... still the same... check the driving / license / legal length limit / etc. with your local jurisdiction.

Those $5 chairs are no $20+

bucky wrote:
That's funny, a $250K camper with $5 chairs to stage the pic.

X2...yes they are VERY expensive, the camper that is!!

That's funny, a $250K camper with $5 chairs to stage the pic.

You will probably only be living at a truck stop and smell of diesel fuel haha... Your only roads will be the Interstates...


Your tow vehicle will be one of these...


The 24/7 Truck driving world is a very rough and demanding experience. Alot to be concerned with to be safe... would not be my idea of CAMPING...

You may have more money than good sense but what the heck - go for it...

I think I am going to stick with what I have... I love waking up in the mornings to a nice bon-fire on a creekside spot somewhere and watching the fish jump in the water... My OFF-ROAD trailer is basically only for sleeping in... Uhhh I can still make it through a McDonalds drive-thru...


Roy Ken

I would ask this question over on the Escapees forum in either the 5th wheel thread or the HDT section, you will probably get more replies there as I know some have looked or own a Spacecraft.