Doe Size Matter in an RV?

Veebyes wrote:
"The more trailer......... the less travel."

There is some truth to that one. It can go the other way too. Not enough trailer.......the less travel.

It is no fun when it is no fun in a doghouse with wheels for weeks at a time. The longer you are on the road the more they tend to shrink. At the other end of the scale, by going too big severely limits CG sites in SPs & NPs.

That is exactly what I was eluding to when I stated:

3Oaks wrote:
......................Some couples would find that small of a TT intolerable for that length of time, still others make do with less.

It was in reference to how well our 24' TT serves us on our 6-8 week excursions.
We are all not the same and everyone has their own ideas of what size RV trailer would be suitable for them.

"The more trailer......... the less travel."

There is some truth to that one. It can go the other way too. Not enough trailer.......the less travel.

It is no fun when it is no fun in a doghouse with wheels for weeks at a time. The longer you are on the road the more they tend to shrink. At the other end of the scale, by going too big severely limits CG sites in SPs & NPs.

ependydad wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
The more trailer......... the less travel.

That's an over generalization.

I have a 42' fifth wheel. In my first 3 years of ownership, I used it 50 nights, 50 nights, and 100 nights. I'm not seasonal and mix it up locations-wise.

My 4th year, we went fulltime and put 180 nights into the camper where we moved weekly for the most part (sometimes quicker than that).

This year, I have exactly 27 nights so far and have stayed at 15 different places.

I agree wit ependydad.

I have a 35 and 1/2 foot, total length with truck and cargo carrier on the back is 60 feet. I have no problem going anywhere. It does take a little more planning and forethought, but no problems if well thought out and planned.

But ... bigger is not always better either. I think for long term travel, storage is more important. Not so much the amount of storage, the EASE of storage.

There are 2 basic rules we have in our camper. The first is...when done using "it", put "it" up immediately. It takes about 10 seconds to make a small space incredibly uncomfortable when stuff begins to pile up. Rule #2? You use the toilet... you brush it out ... immediately. Follow these 2 rules, and everyone in the camper will be happy. So, actually, ease of storage is more important than the amount of storage and the amount of space. And a clean toilet keeps peace with everyone!

wildtoad wrote:
You will want to match the size of the trailer to the capabilities of the mid-size SUV. Once you know what you can tow then focus on the floor plan you like. To me, size is less of an issue if you are only talking a few weeks at a time.

This is the way to look at it.


However keep in mind most RV'ers go through 3-4 RV's before they find one that is the best size for what they need. Which may require larger tow vehicles.

Most start off small like a camper or popup then move up to a larger TT or MH and then end up with an even larger TT, 5th wheel or MH...

The most important thing before you even purchase anything to tow, you need to see if you actually can tow with the SUV, they may look rugged and very macho and in reality they are more show than real muscle, is the radiator capable of towing up a long gradient with out boiling over, is the transmission rugged enough to actually last or just burn up a few miles down the road, if this SUV can tow then as stated before you need to mach the trailer weight, the total carrying capacity this means the pots and pans, folding chairs, cloths, bicycles, all the junk that you are eventually going to need on the trip and all the trinkets that you purchase plus the weight of the trailer matched to the towing capacity of the SUV.

Once you have this information look for the rig that suits your family, do not let the salesmen steer you into a heavier unit, he does not care what happens after the sale, all they are interested in is the commission.

We spent a couple of years until we found the correct unit, that was 15 years ago and still enjoy the RV.

navegator

I'd give Jayco a try in that they have many models and have been around for many hears. They may not be the best but must be doing something right!

Lynnmor wrote:
The more trailer......... the less travel.

That's an over generalization.

I have a 42' fifth wheel. In my first 3 years of ownership, I used it 50 nights, 50 nights, and 100 nights. I'm not seasonal and mix it up locations-wise.

My 4th year, we went fulltime and put 180 nights into the camper where we moved weekly for the most part (sometimes quicker than that).

This year, I have exactly 27 nights so far and have stayed at 15 different places.

The more trailer......... the less travel.

Keep this in mind because a huge trailer will limit you in so many ways. Campsites, scenic overlooks, fuel stations, shopping, and all that extra load to manage. I know folks that have large RV's but keep them at a seasonal site, and then use a small one for travel.

Of course the size and weight of an RV trailer is limited to the capacity of your tow vehicle.

As far as the size of a RV trailer you would be comfortable in while on the road is a matter of personal needs and comfort. For ten years now, we have been traveling for 6 to 8 weeks at a time with a 24' TT and found it enjoyable (my wife and I and our Golden). Before retiring we tented for years, so for us, our TT became a luxury cabin.

Some couples would find that small of a TT intolerable for that length of time, still others make do with less.

Very good info above. Unless you plan to buy a bigger tow vehicle, find out the towing limits of your current SUV. Then you can start looking at what is available in weight numbers BELOW those towing limits.