How big is 40' really...

2gypsies wrote:
DESERT CAPTAIN: When an ad for a campground states: 35' or whatever, that is a 'suggested' length and in the case of national parks, it's an 'average' length of all the campsites in the whole campground. Some sites will be smaller than 35' and some will be longer than 35'. It is definitely not a 'rule'. Having volunteered for national and state parks, we have first-hand knowledge that this is not a rule. Having used public parks as our first choice, we have never found this to be a 'rule'. We got directives from the national/state park supervisors that if someone fits in the site that's fine. Again, we have never seen anyone hanging out into the street. It just wouldn't be allowed and who would want to risk getting plowed into? If you ever see this, then report them.

"Denial", not just a river in Egypt. I guess the many times I "Thought" I witnessed this nonsense I was hallucinating. I guess all of the folks here on the Forum that brag about doing it are hallucinating too.

Try the following website: www.camparizona.com/campsites/whitemtnscampsites/Rolfe%20Hoyer.htm

It gives you detailed information on most of the public campgrounds throughout the state of Arizona, we use it often and find it to be and excellent resource because it is so detailed and accurate. If a campground has a trailer/RV length "LIMIT" and most do, it is posted.

A few examples:

Hoyer 32', Riggs Flat 22', Cochise Stronghold 22', Lakeview 32', Aspen 45', Sinkhole 32' etc., etc..

If you attempt to check in to one of these CG's and appear to be any where near the limit the hosts politely ask your actual length. If you are over they will direct you elsewhere and will not send you into the CG to see if you can fit. This happened to us while in my buddies 40" Class A at the Hoyer CG in Greer. It was no problem as we just drove on down to Big Lake where the sites easily accommodated us.

Those limits are not a suggestion anymore than the camp speed limit or picking up after your pooch. These are the limits established by the size of the sites, access roads, density of the foliage etc.., in other words they are the "Rules". Try driving up to Bogg Springs with anything over 30' (the limit), and you will probably have one hell of a time just negotiating the loop.

Yes, if I see a rig encroaching onto a narrow access road I will speak up (and have), as it can become a safety issue. I watched a guy at Patagonia Lake SP take a saw to the trees in a site because his 40' Class A would not fit under the branches (of the 35' site). I hope the tree survived.

It all just comes down to common sense and as many here have wisely suggested, when in doubt simply ask. Most CG's hand out a sheet with a map of the CG on one side and rules on the other, it could not be simpler and yes boys and girls they do apply to everyone. :C

We have a 34 ft rig and have found issues at some forest service and state campgrounds without any length restrictions. Mostly because the roads are narrow for today's wider rigs and the trees are encroaching the roads and sites.

At some sites the trees are only cut up to about 8 ft, which means our 13 ft tall gasser gets scratched or we park on the far side to try to avoid it. And it is very site specific; there is no way to know in advance if the site you reserved is going to have a problem or not.

The other thing I've seen a lot of in Alaska is that the park may say they have sites that are over 40' or unlimited length, but unless you can reserve one, which often you can't reserve, you may find that the truck campers and small trailers have gotten them first, and none left are big enough for the 40 footer.

If you stay at private parks, you won't have this problem, they will reserve one for you that fits. But still may find tight manovering. Some people are amazing good at getting in these tight sites.

The smaller you are, the more flexibility you have. But still for full timing, it seems the space needs would likely override that.

DESERT CAPTAIN: When an ad for a campground states: 35' or whatever, that is a 'suggested' length and in the case of national parks, it's an 'average' length of all the campsites in the whole campground. Some sites will be smaller than 35' and some will be longer than 35'. It is definitely not a 'rule'. Having volunteered for national and state parks, we have first-hand knowledge that this is not a rule. Having used public parks as our first choice, we have never found this to be a 'rule'. We got directives from the national/state park supervisors that if someone fits in the site that's fine. Again, we have never seen anyone hanging out into the street. It just wouldn't be allowed and who would want to risk getting plowed into? If you ever see this, then report them.

Desert Captain wrote:
I am always puzzled by the "Rules apply to everyone else but me" crowd. If you have a 40' rig you get to enjoy lots of amenities that the smaller rigs do not. That is your choice but with that choice come a few restrictions such as where you can park it. Some here seem to think it is cute or funny to flaunt the rule. Got news for you folks, it is neither.

Many times I have seen oversize rigs - motorhomes, TT's, fivers and/or their TV's encroaching out into the access roads because they chose to ignore the CG's posted restrictions. This is all smirks and grins until one of your neighbors strokes out at O'dark thirty and the emergency vehicles can't get through. Take a look at just how large paramedic or fire rigs are these days. Congratulations on having a nice big rig, I am sure you enjoy it but please don't be jerk at the possible expense of others. :S

I suggest the next time you see a Big 45' Motorhome blocking access creating a dangerous situation report them immediately to the office I have never seen that in 30 of Rving.. , take a photo next time also and post it up so we can see the offender.

Stupid is stupid and you can't fix that. The office person is not always knowledgeable about site possibilities. For example overhang on the grass is OK but wheels on the grass is not and sure you can park the toad over there.

In my last 2 sites I overhung the curb. Not because the site wasn't adequate but rather to give everyone else additional room. Other longer rigs haven't done this. These are the typical Alaskan gravel areas with inadequate markings.

I'm OK with all of the prohibited roads in CA with my rig for example. However, I'd like to go to Ft Bragg and I've asked the CHP to reconsider US 20. But not to hopeful that it will change.

Executive: Think there is a snow ball's chance in hel* for US 20?

I agree with the point about mountain roads. I have been on roads that were not restricted but nevertheless very hard to maneuver with a big rig. As for the campgrounds, if it fits, it fits, If not, you need to move on. I would certainly call in advance and arrive early at any questionable park with a backup plan to go somewhere else.

dubdub07 wrote:

Desert Captain wrote:
I am always puzzled by the "Rules apply to everyone else but me" crowd. If you have a 40' rig you get to enjoy lots of amenities that the smaller rigs do not. That is your choice but with that choice come a few restrictions such as where you can park it. Some here seem to think it is cute or funny to flaunt the rule. Got news for you folks, it is neither.

Many times I have seen oversize rigs - motorhomes, TT's, fivers and/or their TV's encroaching out into the access roads because they chose to ignore the CG's posted restrictions. This is all smirks and grins until one of your neighbors strokes out at O'dark thirty and the emergency vehicles can't get through. Take a look at just how large paramedic or fire rigs are these days. Congratulations on having a nice big rig, I am sure you enjoy it but please don't be jerk at the possible expense of others. :S

Am I the only one that frowned at this response? Lighten up, Francis. I don't think there is the malice you describe in the OP's question. Certainly we aren't backing in to our site with the thought of blocking an emergency vehicle.

I will say this.......I look online first becuase it is so convenient. If I see a restriction that is close to my length, I call and ask. If they can't accomodate, they can't. I had a 36' FW that was 54' with the truck, yet most CGs will more than accomodate that over a 40' MH. A 40' motorhome is, 40'! I can back my 40' motorhome in pretty much any site that is 40' or bigger. It is a lot easier than backing the FW in, IMO.

WW

Glad you think life and death situations call for me to "Lighten up". I was not talking about your ability to back your 40' MH into a site that is "40' or bigger". My post was not aimed at the OP but the folks who seem to take pleasure in flaunting the rules. Sorry to be the one to enlighten them but the rules apply to everybody. A few days ago a poster on a another thread was whining because a neighbor complained about his trailer tongue being "a couple of feet into the access road". This sort of nonsense happens all the time. :S

My point was and is if you are 40' and the CG says 30' or 35' max site size go elsewhere. The same goes for many beautiful mountain roads which are restricted to vehicles of "X" length. I guess you have never come around a curve and found an oversized Class A smack in the middle of your lane. It is quite a cheap thrill I can assure you. :E

In 44 years of RVing we have never been turned away for size. I can only recall one CG that had a 35' restriction and we had a 35'at that time. We were in Gardiner, MT. at the entrance to Yellowstone for that one.

I started with a 40' and moved up to another 40' coach, then upgraded to the current one that's a hair under 43'. None have been too big to fit into the places we've stayed at. I like the bigger MH for the added space and handling, especially in crosswinds.

Desert Captain wrote:
Many times I have seen oversize rigs - motorhomes, TT's, fivers and/or their TV's encroaching out into the access roads because they chose to ignore the CG's posted restrictions. Take a look at just how large paramedic or fire rigs are these days. :S

Sorry - totally disagree on this statement. We have never seen this happen and quite honestly, a campground manager/ranger/host would not allow for it to happen.