Forum Discussion

Lexx's avatar
Lexx
Explorer
Feb 08, 2018

Maneuverability of toy hauler vs class A DP

Still struggling with the choice. The smallest Class A we like would be either a 41 ft Fleetwood Discovery 40g or a 43 ft long tag axle Newmar.

The toy haulers we're considering are either a 36 ft Grand Design Momentum 328m or a 39 ft GD Momentum 351M, the main difference being an extra loft bedroom and half bath on the 351m.

We'd be pulling a Jeep Wrangler 4 door withe the clay A, and my F450 would pull the toy hauler.

Which is easier to maneuver into state and national park sites if we can get into any of those? What about backing up into a site?

Out travels would be mostly in the summer when the kids are off school. The only time we'd use it in the winter would be any other school holidays like possibly Thanksgiving, Xmas weeks, and spring break.
  • I've never driven an "A", but just watching folks pull in and pull out with different kinds of campers, I think the "A" folks have it! And I'm often impressed how quick they can disconnect their toads too (usually in the middle of the road).
  • The 40'Discovery will not have a tag like the 42' Newmar. If you get a tag axle coach make sure you can raise the tag from the cockpit. Much easier to turn and back up...Whether one is easier depends a lot on your ability and skills at backing up. Both or either can be challenging at times....
    .Dennis
  • One decision point is which vehicle do you want to drive once you are at your campsite, the Wrangler or the truck? If it is the Wrangler, then there is no other choice; get the class A.

    With the class A Wrangler combination, you would have to disconnect the Wrangler before backing into your campsite.
  • I have no experience with an A. But several years ago a long A pulled up and chose a site next to us. It had a tree on each side near the front of the site. And the access road was fairly narrow. I thought no way was he going to get that MH in that tight space. As noted above, the turning radius was so good, he backed it right in the first try. I was impressed. I am not sure I could have backed my 35' 5er in there, at least not that easily.
  • We just moved from a 37' 5th wheel to a 40' Class A DP. I find the DP just as easy to back up as the trailer was or maybe even a bit easier given the rear view camera. The trailer rig would "bend in the middle" but the DP has a 55-degree wheel cut which more than compensates. It is remarkable how tight the turning radius is on this coach!

    I don't yet have experience with parks but one campground I had to back and turn almost 120-degrees (they guided me in the wrong way to an angled site). It was no problem!