Forum Discussion

Baja_Man's avatar
Baja_Man
Explorer
Aug 12, 2017

30-32' TT - Are they too long, difficult to park, etc?

Have decided on a USED TT. Looking for a model with the bunks that are double/full size. Would like a U shaped dinette and hide a bed couch, and a slide. Large shower also a plus.

Me, wife, 13yo, 18yo, small mini schnauzer.

Most of these features are found in a 28'-32' range. Overall lengths are 32'-36'

Looking at Jayco 2014-2016 28BHBE and 32BHS. I've read there are no AC vents in bunk area on 28 but there rear AC vents in the 32BHS. There are a couple in my area for $20K the 2014 has fiberglass slides and the 2016 has alum sides. There's also a 2016 with Elite and Thermal packages for $24K.

Some have Elite and Thermal packages and these models are $4-5K more.

The 32' BHS is around 36' overall length. The 28 around 32'

Are these considered too long for most areas (RV parks, NP, State Parks, etc)?

Most of the time we will look for locations with full hook ups. Maye be time when we would like to to try dry areas with no hookups but not often.

Most of these larger TT have around 50 gallons of fresh water and 35 of gray and black.

What are your thoughts on these longer TTs?

Thanks
  • corvettekent's avatar
    corvettekent
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2017
    We have a 32' 5th wheel and have no problem parking it but the NP's may be a problem.
  • Baja_Man's avatar
    Baja_Man
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2017
    The 32' 5er is shorter overall seeing as 4'-5' are over truck bed. Your overall length would be similar to towing a 26'-27' TT.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Aug 13, 2017
    Longer trailers are easier to maneuver. You just have to make sure that with a TT you have the tongue weight around 12%.
  • kknowlton's avatar
    kknowlton
    Explorer II
    Aug 13, 2017
    Depends what specific CGs you want to stay in, but longer trailers are problematic in many national forest, national park and state park campgrounds. This was one reason we downsized from a 34' TT to a 27' one. We still are too long for some places we would like to camp.
  • camp-n-family's avatar
    camp-n-family
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2017
    We tow a 34'tt. I don't notice much difference between it and our old 28'er while on the road. Gas stations, parking and city driving take a little more thought and planning sometimes but it hasn't been a problem.

    Our biggest issue is the limited number of sites we can fit into at campgrounds. We only fit on approx 15 percent of sites at campgrounds around here, which are usually away from the water and beaches etc. We have to book 5 months in advance to get any site, so when we can only choose from 15 percent of those, it is difficult to get anything. My next trailer will be smaller because of this.
  • rbpru's avatar
    rbpru
    Explorer II
    Aug 13, 2017
    I have 25 footer because it is easier to maneuver through city streets when finding stores and shops of interest.

    We have never had any issues at private CGs with 25 feet, however, we have been in a few where accommodations for larger units were limited. There were a few NP where even out 25 footer could not fit.

    Everybody's requirements are different, some folks just want or need the extra room.

    Bigger has many pit falls, more tongue weight eats up cargo capacity; that means a bigger truck, higher cost and less maneuverability. But, if it is what you need and can afford there is little choice in the matter.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 13, 2017
    "Are these considered too long for most areas (RV parks, NP, State Parks, etc)" For our state parks...some yes...some no. See https://www.parks.ca.gov/RVlength

    "Maye be time when we would like to to try dry areas with no hookups but not often." Wouldn't want you to be camping in really pretty places since few have hookups...such as where I am now.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2017
    Our previous KZ Spree 240BH-LX triple bunk bed trailer measured 26' 9" coupler to bumper and in all the traveling we did here in Ontario and over many parts of the US we never once had any issue locating it on any campsite we had selected or were assigned. That said, it was obvious that in many situations that was about the limit and had it been any longer we would have had difficulty. We later downsized to a 19' couple's model that measures a mere 22' 6" coupler to bumper and can fit on virtually anything but a terraced tent site, ergo our options for reserving / not reserving are MUCH better. Getting safely in and out of gas stations is also a non-issue. This will most likely be our last trailer but based on our previous experience should we ever upgrade to a bit longer rig I'd want to keep it's overall coupler to bumper length to no greater than 25'. For us, less has proven to be more as it means we can go anywhere, at any time, without any restrictions. :B
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Aug 13, 2017
    For CA CGs and in the East size matters but the rest of the country not so much. If you are weekend campers then yes but not so much if you go out mid week. I have no plans to downsize but last summer is the last time I'll camp in CA.
  • drsteve's avatar
    drsteve
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2017
    Depends where you want to camp. State parks and forest service campgrounds sometimes have smaller sites, because many of them were laid out years ago, when tents and popups were more common than large TTs.

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