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thesmiths88's avatar
thesmiths88
Explorer
Dec 29, 2013

A 29/30' RV as our only vehicle - mistake?

Hello there! A bit of background, we will be coming over from the UK and doing a 10 month tour of the Western States, and buying an RV/trailer etc. My heart is set on a Class B/C RV, and the ones I like are around 29/30 foot long. Now I know I am going to have some problems with this as our only vehicle as we won't have a toad, but is it really going to be that bad? I know that we will have to put stuff away before we go out every day and that we won't be able to get into every campground due to length etc, but can anyone reassure me that it isn't madness?

Obviously the other option is a 5er/TT with a vehicle to tow it, and in my heart I know this is probably a better option (even with the extra amount of tyres to replace and possibly more expensive insurance) but I really want an RV!

Thanks for listening :-)
  • thesmiths88's avatar
    thesmiths88
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    Thanks everyone. It would be us two plus our 6-ish year old daughter. I guess we wouldn't be staying in any one place for more than a few nights.
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    Dec 29, 2013
    Other than you will need to do a little extra planning it shouldn't be a problem at all IMHO.

    My father has wintered in Florida every year for the 20'ish years with nothing but a 36' class A and a golf cart.

    It's no different than living in the country, you don't run to the corner shop for one item, mostly because there is NO corner shops!

    Buy a weeks groceries at a time, do all your other stuff in the same trip, or on the way back to the park from a side trip, etc., etc.
  • PawPaw_n_Gram's avatar
    PawPaw_n_Gram
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    I'm seeing more and more older couples getting rid of the bigger MH and toad and going to a smaller C or B+ vehicle only.

    They don't spend a lot of time in the campground. Come in 3 to 5 pm, setup. Have dinner - and on the road by 9-10 the next morning.

    I've talked to several - and after many years and tens of thousands of miles of MH travel - they still have a lot of places on the bucket list they want to see.

    Down sizing and getting rid of the toad makes it simpler and cheaper to travel extensively. They stay at COE and other government parks almost exclusively.

    The 24-25 foot Sprinter chassis is the most popular - but Class C in the 28-30 foot range are also used.

    It's a different style of 'camping' than we do - but they seem very happy with the concept/ practice.
  • atreis's avatar
    atreis
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    The size of the RV will work for most campgrounds (except for a few of the more remote ones - we've encountered some that we barely fit in, but they're rare). However, site seeing, parking at sites you want to see, mundane trips to get groceries and the like, would really be a pain if all you have is a 30' RV. x3 on renting another vehicle for these things.
  • HappyKayakers's avatar
    HappyKayakers
    Explorer III
    Dec 29, 2013
    That size RV should not have problems in any campground. Another option for day trips could be a moped or small motorcycle carried on a bumper platform.
  • accsys's avatar
    accsys
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    Every year we see hundreds of rental RVers doing exactly what you propose and they don't seem to have a problem with it. They usually sight see all day and pull into a campground at night, then repeat the next day at a different place. I guess if you were going to stay at one place for several days it could be a hassle but they seem to do OK.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    No problem in almost every campground except possibly in some remote ones more suited for truck and camper rougher road style.

    One possibility is bicycles. You are at the length where you would likely find a unit with a couch if it is just for two of you. A nice option for a longer trip.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    richardwise wrote:
    I don't think 30' length will limit your choice of camp grounds, but not having another vehicle will limit your ability to sight see, visit attractions, etc. I think it would really keep you from having an enjoyable tour. If you don't want a toad, consider a rental car at your destinations. I have a 32' class c with a toad, really love traveling with it. What ever you decide on, welcome to this country and I hope you have a wonderful time.


    x2
    bumpy
  • richardwise's avatar
    richardwise
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2013
    I don't think 30' length will limit your choice of camp grounds, but not having another vehicle will limit your ability to sight see, visit attractions, etc. I think it would really keep you from having an enjoyable tour. If you don't want a toad, consider a rental car at your destinations. I have a 32' class c with a toad, really love traveling with it. What ever you decide on, welcome to this country and I hope you have a wonderful time.

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