Coach Length

viajante wrote:
The only thing I can think of is that many rigs over 40 have tag axles. That is not a problem with manuevering, but one of a special license requirement. I know that California requires a special license for any rig with a tag axle.

Not quite correct. Actually CA requires a special license (class B) for any mh OVER 40'. Granted probably all mh's over 40' have tag axles, but there are many 40' motor homes that also have a tag axle that the special license doesn't apply to.

JaBob wrote:
I own a 37ft gasser and have been hRVing 10 years. The concern about length probably comes from California. Length causing a problem, maybe 10%, nothing I would beo concerned about.

Bob

No other states have road restrictions on the 45' rigs?

Greg1 wrote:
I have been told to stay 40 ft or less is this a true statement or does it really matter

In California 40' is the limit before special drivers license requirements and road restrictions kick in. For example much of Highway 1 in California has a 40' length limit as do many of the mountain roads. I personally chose a 35' model because I didn't want to be limited as much on campground choices. Many State parks in California have a variety of length restrictions, from 22' all the way up. Also to note is even campgrounds that can handle the 45' rigs make only have a few spaces that they will fit in.

I guess it's a personal choice. The bigger you are the more restrictions you will have, so you have to decide if that extra room and comfort is worth it.

viajante wrote:
The only thing I can think of is that many rigs over 40 have tag axles. That is not a problem with manuevering, but one of a special license requirement. I know that California requires a special license for any rig with a tag axle.

Lets try to clarify the Calif requirement. Some roads do not allow over 40.

Over 40 ft and you need a non commercial B license. Tag axels by themselves do not require an upgrade unless I missed something on the B test.

Overall length in calif towing is 65 feet but it seems I have seen some out of state combinations quite a bit longer. May be an allowance if it is allowed in their home state.

Many State Parks cannot handle over 30 ft so 40 does reduce the sites you can use. We are a 40 footer towing in Calif. Fuel stations are a bit more difficult but with some planning and large tank it has not been a problem.

For me, it isn't about length, but rear overhang. Most intercity buses have the tag assembly very close to the back of the coach. This makes for very high road stability. You can actually feel it at speed.
The reason mfgrs move the axels forward is to take the weight off the front axle which is usually maxed out at 15-17klbs. This contributes to "tail wag" and swingout which is minimal in a long wheelbase coach.
I shopped an older 317" wheelbase monaco, which is probably the longest out there in a 45. Rides like on rails. The disadvantage is it doesn't bend in the middle.

I had to stay under 40 feet.
My storage shed is 40'5" inside.

I own a 37ft gasser and have been hRVing 10 years. The concern about length probably comes from California. Length causing a problem, maybe 10%, nothing I would beo concerned about.

Bob

The only thing I can think of is that many rigs over 40 have tag axles. That is not a problem with manuevering, but one of a special license requirement. I know that California requires a special license for any rig with a tag axle.

Greg1 wrote:
I have been told to stay 40 ft or less is this a true statement or does it really matter

I can't imagine who would tell you that unless you had been talking about some specific camping/driving requirements.

As a stand-alone statement it's not valid. In context with other comments it may be.

We have a 40' and have not been anywhere where a 45' wouldn't go quite nicely.

Get what you want and adapt accordingly.

Perhaps the reason you were told to stay under 40' is that some states limit the roads and highways a coach OVER 40' can travel on. It would be wise to research that before buying.