How much will a big fifth wheel limit us?

billy79 wrote:
As long as I have an internet connection we can work and no kids (other then the 4 legged kind).

We've always said that when we retire we would like to get an RV and do some extensive traveling.

We want to spend our fair share of time in state and federal campgrounds, including national parks and national forests.

Internet is going to be the big limiting factor, not rig size. And Most National Parks are not good places for pets, especially the outdoor kind.

billy79 wrote:
Now we drive around a lot of campgrounds in our area and even though many have 30 and 35 ft limits I see lots of big 40ft fifth wheels and rv's jammed in them. But not sure if we are just lucky to have stretchable campgrounds or if they tend to underestimate their size requirements.

Experience is a big factor. I've seen folks put a 42' fifth wheel into spots other folks could not put a 30' TT. You have to work at learning how to park, backup, turn any size rig - especially one that long.

A 5er parks completely different than a Class A.

billy79 wrote:
Any feedback on how much this will limit us is appreciated. If it only cuts out some campgrounds (10 - 25%) I figure may as well just get what she wants. But if it cuts out a lot (50% or more and most boondocking opportunities) I think that I need to give her a nudge towards looking at other units.

For public campgrounds such as NP, NF, SP - size will be an issue. If you are looking at a great western parks swing - you are going to find a lot of place you simply cannot get to because the roads to the best campgrounds are too tight for a long rig.

Even at 35 ft, our TT is too large for many National Parks and National Forest campgrounds.

In the central part of the US, we tend to stay more at Corps of Engineers campgrounds. They are more likely to be big rig friendly.

That said - keeping the DW happy with a floor plan she likes and find livable is a critical factor. If momma ain't happy, nobody's happy.

Boondocking in that type rig is going to be difficult for more than a couple days.

RV-Dreams this couple has done pretty much want you are talking about - and made enough modifications to be able to boondock, use public campgrounds, etc.