Forum Discussion

Mondooker's avatar
Mondooker
Explorer
Aug 07, 2021

Towing a 42 footer… What do you think?

Hi folks, Found the perfect 5th wheel and it’s 42 feet. Started out looking for a 38 but it’s the 42 footer that best handles our needs. Not concerned about state parks etc. We will use an occasional parking lot on travel days but mostly RV park pull thru. When all is said and done does the extra 4 feet make that big of difference towing and in general?

We go between Georgia and Montana most summers but pretty much stay in one place. So not a lot of traveling around with the Coach once we arrive at our destination.

Thanks guys

28 Replies

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  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Aug 08, 2021
    No matter what anyone says physics rules. Size matters.

    Private CGs will find a way to cram you in somewhere. SPs, CPs, COEs etc, not so much.

    Accept that you will have to do more planning ahead. Rolling into a CG without reservations & getting a site decrease as size increases.
  • Mondooker's avatar
    Mondooker
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2021
    Thanks Michelle, that’s great information and just what I was looking for. I have a 40’ motorhome and have driven many 45 footers. There is very little difference between the two. And what you’re telling me is that’s true of the 5th wheel as well? Great information, thanks.
  • Michelle_S's avatar
    Michelle_S
    Explorer III
    Aug 08, 2021
    We have been traveling for the past 6 years with a 43 foot unit with a Long Bed Crew Cab Dually and have always found a spot to park it. Some State Parks that we frequent we have to fib a little and say we're only 40', but know for a fact that the site we picked would fit a 100 footer.
    We went from a 24' TT, to a 35' 5er, then a 40' 5er, and current 43' fiver. Just have to swing a little farther on corners each time length increased.
  • Mondooker's avatar
    Mondooker
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2021
    Hi samsontdog, I hear what you’re saying but for us 34’ does not give us the space we need. I can get our 40’ motorhome most anyplace I want to go and the same should be true for a 42’ fifth wheel. My consern is more about Drive ability?
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2021
    Had an 40ft 5er for 5 years and never had a problem finding sites in private or Provincial Parks.
  • samsontdog's avatar
    samsontdog
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2021
    I had a 40 ft 5th w and got tired of being told NO SITE FOR A 40 ft. Sold it and bought a 34 ft
  • Mondooker's avatar
    Mondooker
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2021
    Hi MarkTwain, We currently have a 40’ motorhome and know that drill very well.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2021
    Mondooker wrote:
    Hi folks, Found the perfect 5th wheel and it’s 42 feet. Started out looking for a 38 but it’s the 42 footer that best handles our needs. Not concerned about state parks etc. We will use an occasional parking lot on travel days but mostly RV park pull thru. When all is said and done does the extra 4 feet make that big of difference towing and in general?

    We go between Georgia and Montana most summers but pretty much stay in one place. So not a lot of traveling around with the Coach once we arrive at our destination.

    Thanks guys


    Too avoid surprises in your RV trip reservations, I would call ahead and ask how many 42'sites they have available .

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