Hello, everyone!! My husband and I are 67 and 66 respectively. We have dreamed all our 28 years together that full timing may be a good way to spend our retirement. Well, we're here and we have tons of questions. First one is we found a 45' motorhome, Country Coach, that is an incredible price, used, 25,000 miles. It is gorgeous! When we had a motorhome before, a 38' a 30' and a 32' fifth wheel. This wouldn't be our first rodeo! Before, we heard that finding a place that can accommodate a 45' rig is hard to find. We also heard that some states won't allow them! Really? Are we too old to be doing this? We're in excellent health and young at heart. Any advice for some newbies? We'd appreciate any help you all can give. God bless you all and safe travels!:)

First of all, welcome! Secondly, you are certainly not too old to do this!! Happy RVing!

Lucy, congratulations on retirement! I've never heard of anyone having a problem driving a 45 ft. coach through any state. We are 42 ft. and have been all over. We are moving up to a 45 ft. and I don't expect any problems.There are plenty of parks that can accommodate a 45 ft. coach. There might be state parks that might have limited space for large RV's. We generally stay at regular RV parks so we haven't really ever had an issue.Good luck, have fun!Mark

Jagtech wrote:First of all, welcome! Secondly, you are certainly not too old to do this!! Happy RVing!What he said.Secondly, a 45 footer will limit the places you can go. That will take up a lot of room that many camping sites do not have. There are also roads you won't be able to traverse, Pacific Coast Highway has a section like that, as does one of the passes around Glacier NP. The eastern entrance to Zion NP has a height restriction that will keep that rig out, too, although the western entrance should be ok.I don't know of states that don't allow rigs that size, but I'm sure others who do know will be along shortly.In any case, welcome to this here forum here, pull up a rock and set yerself down fer a spell.

Lucy, You're only as old as you feel. If your husband thinks he's fit enough, mentally capable enough, and either possesses the skills or, is willing to be taught the skills of handling a large coach like that, then, you can go for it. Now, I'm certainly no authority just what states have, or do not have any restrictions on that length of a coach so, I really can't help you there. I can tell you that even here, in some areas of So CAL, there are restrictions on where you can actually drive vehicles over 40'. As I understand it, there's more of those spread out, around the state. So, if there's the same type of restrictions in other states, well, you'd behoove yourself to maybe find some sort of printed or, on line guide that shows or labels those restrictions. As for campgrounds, yes, you will find some that will not be able to accommodate that length. Again, do not let this be a deterrent to your travels. If you plan on any given route, through any particular state, or, in any particular area of a state, you can most likely find any info you desire on line or, get a hold of that states road maps or, set of restrictions etc. Information is everywhere these days. All you have to do is, dig a little. Handling such a large rig might be intimidating so, I'd definitely do some long test drives, in all kinds of conditions, if the seller will allow it. Big is good when full timing. You get on each others nerves less. But, BIG costs you in all kinds of ways. Everything is bigger, tires, engine which, will cost you more in maintenance--more oil etc. It all depends on your outlook. If you pay to have all the maintenance done already, it might not be any sort of shock to you. Before I'd jump into that monster, I'd maybe cruise on over to an RV show of some sort near you and, take a good look at the smaller units, say a 36'-40' unit and see if any of them draw your fancy. They'll handle a tad better and, will be a tad easier to find camp spaces in both camp grounds and RV parks. All I'm saying is, keep an open eye and be well educated prior to making a decision. Once you're informed of all the options, both good and bad, then you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision. Good luck.Scott

There are NO States the disallow a 45' coach but there may be some minor roads where a 45' coach is not allowed. However, that's OK as you should not be there anyway!There will be some parks that don't have room but there will be one in the same general area that does. You can take a look at the places you like to travel on www.rvparky.com and look for big rig sites. Even some of the sites without that rating can still accommodate your coach, you just have to give a call first to find out.CA is the only State with a known length restriction enforcement and that is that you RV and your toad cannot exceed 65'. Sounds like a good reason to avoid CA but it's something that can be worked around unless you plan to spend many months in CA.

45' Motor Home? | Good Sam Community

CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Apr 10, 2014
koda55 wrote:
When people refer to California and the 40 foot rule it is the bridge law that tractor trailers have to obey. If I remember correctly, it is 40 feet from middle of front axle to middle of most rear axle.
I was referring to prohibited roads for motorhomes and motor coaches over 40'. I'm sure there other restrictions as you suggest.
koda55
Explorer
Apr 10, 2014
When people refer to California and the 40 foot rule it is the bridge law that tractor trailers have to obey. If I remember correctly, it is 40 feet from middle of front axle to middle of most rear axle.
AllegroD
Nomad
Apr 09, 2014
Congrats for the retirement. If the rig scratches your itch the go for it.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Apr 09, 2014
Congrats and go for it. It took me three tries to get it right. I now say "Buy more MH than you think you need... ONE TIME" although it's hard to go bigger than 45'. We usually do three month out West without reservations staying in public CG 5-6 days/week without problems. Yes I have some scratches on the sides as a bigger rig is harder to find sites, but not impossible except on Friday afternoon. We show up Sunday afternoon or Monday and never have a problem but I do some preplanning using Allstays or Uscampgrounds.info.
Lucy642
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
Hi, everybody! What a great bunch of folks you are! The advice you all gave has really helped. Thank you all so very much! Sure do wish I could thank you all in person with a cocktail party at our rig! Hopefully, one day we will! God bless you all and safe travels!
1rooster
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
I've had a 40' pusher since 2006. We recently purchased a 45' Tiffin. It's on a Spartan K2 chassis with a 500HP Cummins. I can definitely tell you there is a learning curve(at least for me). Turning in campgrounds with a tag axle and the weight alone. I would recommend a test drive. Just my experience. Good luck and happy travels.
doubleG
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
Great on rtirment! Go with what you want and the CC sounds like you like it! As far as the states, don't know of any that you can't have that length. We are 75 feet with yukon on trailer. Some states say this is too long, but never been stopped for this. Only once was stopped and it seemed trooper just wanted to see inside, ha!
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Apr 08, 2014
There are many ways to find adequate parks for larger rigs. But one that I like is the Allstays Camp & RV app. It has a on line data base with frequent updates. If the site looks promising just tap the phone number and ask any questions or check the map for nearby CGs.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Apr 08, 2014
We like our 42' MH and I agree with Dennis that more states should post roads that are not considered safe.

In addition longer rigs require more consideration in turns that are restricted. I have no hesitation about using 1.5+ lanes for a turn if that is what is required. There are turns that I can make with the front end (before wheels) going over a curb and there are turns where that is not possible.

40+ feet does restrict available parks/sites. Especially older parks including state and federal parks.

Another restriction is that 50A is required for ACs when it's hot at least for us.

But the good news is that in the last 10 years many more parks have longer sites and 50A.
ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Apr 08, 2014
I just recently spent some time in Cal with a 45ft pulling a 28ft trailer and never had a problem. I usually don't stay in campgrounds but did on this trip and never unhooked the trailer in any of them. Stayed in Ariz, 2 in Texas, LA, AL, and FL...I have towed a 32ft trailer behind my 38ft DP all over the East for years without any problems. I am 73 years old and my suggestion is do it.....and find ways to do it not look for reasons not to. Many on here spend far to much time looking for reasons not to do things. Just do it!

Forum Discussion

45' Motor Home?

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Motor home Lengths

Switching motor homes.

Motor homes and earth quakes.

Motor home tire pressure

Motor Home Wrap