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

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

Hi MarkTwain, We currently have a 40’ motorhome and know that drill very well.

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

Had an 40ft 5er for 5 years and never had a problem finding sites in private or Provincial Parks.

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?

Towing a 42 footer… What do you think? | Good Sam Community

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 .
Mondooker
Explorer
Aug 07, 2021
Hi MarkTwain, We currently have a 40’ motorhome and know that drill very well.
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
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Aug 08, 2021
Never had a trouble with size getting a place to park. At one time I had a 45ft DP and a 32ft enclosed behind it, 77ft total, and I always parked in commercial campgrounds and don't ever remember being turned away. I have downsized now to a 36ft DP and a 20ft Featherlite. Still 56ft. It suits you go with it as you only go through life once, enjoy all of it you can.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Aug 08, 2021
GO FOR IT, especially with stayin in one spot for long times. Recently went from a 42’ DP to a 45’ and in the summer we stay mainly in Public CGs without reservations. Would say this summer was NOT as busy as last summer in CO, WY, UT.