Size matters...right?

tomthyme wrote:
My sweetie and I are about to take the plunge for a full time (for a year or so - we'll see) life.

That^^^^ plus this from a previous post "We like the 5th wheel configuration, but it seems to take a little more work than we may want to handle in our 60's or later (that's 7 years from now). We aren't ready to trade into a big DP today, but that is definitely in our future - we just aren't sure where"........ leads me to say "Keep the 5er" and see how FT goes before spending the $300K budget you've set.

Back to your question: Many 40' DPs do not have a tag axle that increases the CCC needed for FT use BUT in the newer years you are looking at that may not be a problem as it's now legal to have a 24K rear axle making for more CCC without adding a tag axle. Not any difference in where you can get a 40' or a 43' as the 43' will have a slightly better turning radius...drive axle is closer to the front axle.

Parking will be the issue. We fulltimed in a 33' for three years and parking was seldom a problem, but it all depends on the style of full timing you plan. Do you plan to stay in a full service cg every night or boondock often, or stay in out of the way places? I assume you will pull a toad which will affect your decision and certainly restrict your parking options if too long as well.

Make the driving, and parking too cumbersome and the fulltime experience may lose it's appeal after a while.

tomthyme wrote:
My sweetie and I are about to take the plunge for a full time (for a year or so - we'll see) life.

We have narrowed down our search to the product and model. We haven't settled on length however. 40' is likely our minimum, but what about 43 or 45? We will likely stay most nights in a Thousand Trails or Coast to Coast, KOA, or other resort Park. We won't spend too much time in national parks.

Will the size truly matter?

Thanks

I personally would not want a big rig because of the limits it causes, however, the exception would be if I were full timing. Then yes, I want as big as I can get and I'd deal with the restrictions.

Good luck on the Thousand Trails gigs. You will be severely limited. The roads will determine the availability to get into the parks safely. We sold our TT membership because of availability. KOA's are easy in and out as are most State and Federal Campgrounds, but you should call ahead to confirm. COE parks are another alternative. BOL...Dennis

Not so much in commercial parks. Our 5th wheel and tow are 53 and seldom unhook in pull throughs for overnites in commercial parks.

Yes. The tag axle adds a lot to the ride. I can tell a difference between a 40' and 45'. Bigger is better.