Over the years, I’ve seen a number of references to 40’ motorhomes being a problem in certain campgrounds, and that shorter is better in regard to fitting better in more CG camp sites.In buying our first motorhome, one of our decisions is, “what length?” We feel like we need at least 35 or 36 feet, but the floorplans and features we would like seem easier to find in 40-foot.The CG’s we frequent most often are populated by a number of large fifth-wheels on the order of 37 or 39 feet in length. I don’t think a 40’ motorhome would be a problem there, but I don’t know about other places we may want to go in our future travels.What kind of CGs have been a problem for your 40’ motorome, but would have been okay for a 35- or 36-footer?As far as driving, I assume that there would be little difference in difficulty in driving based on a 4-foot difference in length from 36’ to 40’. Am I wrong?Thanks!Wayne

the main thing I would be concerned with would be special restrictions/licensing/etc. required in some areas for over 40 ft. don't know how strict they are since I assume most 40 footers exceed 40 ft. most every DP will exceed the limit in many states of 26,001 lbs. so a few feet won't affect that situation.bumpy

Bumpyroad wrote:the main thing I would be concerned with would be special restrictions/licensing/etc. required in some areas for over 40 ft. don't know how strict they are since I assume most 40 footers exceed 40 ft. most every DP will exceed the limit in many states of 26,001 lbs. so a few feet won't affect that situation.bumpyI've heard comments along these lines a number of times. Has anyone actually got a real, verifiable example of someone being stopped anywhere in the US and ticketed for driving a mainstream manufactured motorhome that's 40 feet or longer without a special license or certification?

The only campgrounds they may be an issue with a 40ft motorhome are the more primitive type such as County, State, or Federal Forest. Most all private campgrounds can accommodate a verity of lengths up to 45ft motorhomes. At least this has been my experience here in Oregon.It's just a matter of what type of campground you enjoy going to. You may what to check the websites of those campgrounds to find out what size of motorhome they can accommodate in their sites.Paul

I seriously doubt if anyone has ever been pulled over for that specific reason. However, if stopped by a LEO for any reason, they will most definitely ask you for license, registration and proof of insurance. Now, I don't know if they carry a 50' measuring tape along with them (they might), but if he/she thinks you are in violation and they pull out that tape and do indeed find you are longer than 40', they might just give you a ticket. In addition, if you are involved in some sort of accident, your (or the other guy's) insurance may find that you are not legally licensed to drive your 40'+ motor home, you may find yourself responsible for the entire bill!!It is my understanding that the laws in different states that have this 40'+ law requiring a special license, is based upon "actual" length of the motorhome...not its model designation. Here in California, a Class B non-commercial license is required....I just got mine a couple of months ago.Ron

We started with a 33 footer, then a 36 footer and now a 40 foot. We've never had trouble at any of the CGs we wanted to stay at in the last 7 years with the 40 footer, but really like the extra space.

36-foot vs. 40-foot? | Good Sam Community

Bruce_Brown
Moderator
May 14, 2014
OhhWell wrote:
Unfortunately we are not supposed to personally attack others. It sure is tough sometimes though isn't it? Like really tough...

The good thing is, often people's own words stand as the best testament to their character.

I am just REALLY glad I don't live in Bumpys World.

And keeping this on topic, there probably wouldn't be room for a 40'er. :B

I also agree with Elias. One local park we go to is a great example of the "who measures this stuff". One site that is listed at 40' is tough for my S-i-L to get her 20' TT in. Our favorite site is listed at a 28' max, and we park in that one with room to spare.
B_s_Bunch
Explorer
May 14, 2014
Ivylog wrote:
Ten years ago I made the mistake of listening to those on here that insisted 36' was the max for SP, NP, Blm. Bought a used 36 DP and it did not take long to realize this was not true, so bought a 40' single slide. Once we became half timers bought the rig below. Buy a 40' BUT check the CCC if it's less than 10 years old as many do not have much CCC hence the reason for a tag axle even on 40' MH. We boondock most days but do not show up Friday as the locals will be out so we show up Sunday afternoon or Monday.
x 2 I totally agree, Larry
Elias
Explorer
May 13, 2014
dahkota wrote:
list of rv length limits - state parks, California

length limits for various national parks

I did a search of reserveamerica looking for RV sites for a 40' rv - there were 48 parks to chose from near DC. I did the same search for RV sites for a 30' rv - there were 65 to chose from.

Patapsco Valley has 1 40' site and 13 30' sites available (it was closest with 40' sites)

I did a search on reserveamerica for campgrounds in Utah for a 40' rv - 114 parks; 30' rv - 154 parks.

Anyway, the point is, there will be some parks one cannot get into when one goes larger. Whether or not that has an effect on you greatly depends on the type of camping you do. If it is mostly private parks, you like many others here, will have no problems. If you like forest service type camping, your possibilities narrow, especially in some areas.

Best of luck in choosing the right rv for you.

This is great info. but the thing that I always wonder about is who sets these length limits. I've been to many of these California State Parks listed as 30 or 31 ft. max in my 35 foot motorhome and easily fit with my 17 ft. pickup truck in front of the motorhome. The roads in were easy to navigate and backing in my spot was easy.
One park we go to had my site as 27 ft. max. Again I easily backed the RV in and the truck in front with room to spare.
I wonder do these parks not want large RV's there so they downplay the size?
I wish I could figure out the logic.:h
dahkota
Explorer
May 13, 2014
list of rv length limits - state parks, California

length limits for various national parks

I did a search of reserveamerica looking for RV sites for a 40' rv - there were 48 parks to chose from near DC. I did the same search for RV sites for a 30' rv - there were 65 to chose from.

Patapsco Valley has 1 40' site and 13 30' sites available (it was closest with 40' sites)

I did a search on reserveamerica for campgrounds in Utah for a 40' rv - 114 parks; 30' rv - 154 parks.

Anyway, the point is, there will be some parks one cannot get into when one goes larger. Whether or not that has an effect on you greatly depends on the type of camping you do. If it is mostly private parks, you like many others here, will have no problems. If you like forest service type camping, your possibilities narrow, especially in some areas.

Best of luck in choosing the right rv for you.
JetAonly
Explorer
May 13, 2014
Empty Nest, Soon wrote:
Over the years, I’ve seen a number of references to 40’ motorhomes being a problem in certain campgrounds, and that shorter is better in regard to fitting better in more CG camp sites.

In buying our first motorhome, one of our decisions is, “what length?” We feel like we need at least 35 or 36 feet, but the floorplans and features we would like seem easier to find in 40-foot.

The CG’s we frequent most often are populated by a number of large fifth-wheels on the order of 37 or 39 feet in length. I don’t think a 40’ motorhome would be a problem there, but I don’t know about other places we may want to go in our future travels.

What kind of CGs have been a problem for your 40’ motorome, but would have been okay for a 35- or 36-footer?

As far as driving, I assume that there would be little difference in difficulty in driving based on a 4-foot difference in length from 36’ to 40’. Am I wrong?

Thanks!

Wayne

Unless you have a specific CG in mind I would not worry. The larger problem is how to accommodate changes in how you use it. For example, in our case the single slide was great for vacations and trips of less than a month. This year we will be out ~9 months. Now we feel cramped. No such thing as too much HP or too much room. The longer MH will be more stabile. The tag axel help considerably in stability and in CCC.

IMHO
Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 13, 2014
OhhWell wrote:
JimM68 wrote:
JetAonly wrote:
Wow! It is a two edged sword. Be careful what you sow.

Ah yea, indeed...

Probably run the risk of really pissing off the investigating officer. I know most law enforcement personal just love being told how to do their jobs and all....

oh my, I'm really scared. :s not telling how to do their job. just putting ideas into their mind.
bumpy
mtrumpet
Explorer
May 13, 2014
OhhWell wrote:
JimM68 wrote:
JetAonly wrote:
Wow! It is a two edged sword. Be careful what you sow.

Ah yea, indeed...

Probably run the risk of really pissing off the investigating officer. I know most law enforcement personal just love being told how to do their jobs and all....

...Yea, and they REALLY like it when you start quoting the law to them. Not a good idea...

Anyway, in response to the OP...We went from a 32' gasser to a 40' DP. No problems at any of the places that we've stayed. Now, having said that, every once in a great while when researching a new campground to visit, we have come across a mention of a max. length in the listing or on the website, but not often enough to say that it's really a problem. Generally, we usually look for "big rig friendly" places.
OhhWell
Explorer
May 13, 2014
JimM68 wrote:
JetAonly wrote:
Wow! It is a two edged sword. Be careful what you sow.

Ah yea, indeed...

Probably run the risk of really pissing off the investigating officer. I know most law enforcement personal just love being told how to do their jobs and all....
JimM68
Explorer
May 13, 2014
JetAonly wrote:
Wow! It is a two edged sword. Be careful what you sow.

Ah yea, indeed...
JetAonly
Explorer
May 13, 2014
Wow! It is a two edged sword. Be careful what you sow.