Best size TT for exploring the National Parks?

We bought a 2014 Jayco 197. We pretty much only camp in SP's,NP's, and COE's. We have plenty of room inside as the big slide makes all the difference. So far we have easily fit into everyplace we have been. The tightest places we have seen were Ft Hamby on Kerr Scott in NC.

the simple and quick answer is the 25 foot range. It will fit into more National park sites and as a bonus is a better match for your truck.

We bought a 2014 Jayco 197. We pretty much only camp in SP's,NP's, and COE's. We have plenty of room inside as the big slide makes all the difference. So far we have easily fit into everyplace we have been. The tightest places we have seen were Ft Hamby on Kerr Scott in NC.

The Lance 2185 is an idea length to fit into most sites, as it's only 25'8" in length and can sleep 7 easily. You're also right about the sofa being part of it (it's an option) in the 2185.

WoodGlue

My Jayco 26BH, overall length of 29', is very difficult to get in most NP and FS sites. We have lots more luck in California SP CG. Yosemite specifically, <24' is really were you need to be to have a decent selection of sites. These places were laid out and built for tents.

I have an Avenger 28BHS...which is 31.5' tip to tail and we often have limitations due to length. It's not cumbersome to tow, but it simply too big for parks designed 30-60 years ago.

If you're adventurous, good at backing, and willing to leave if things don't work out, you can reserve small sights and see if you can squeeze in. We've done that and never had to leave, but I've been lucky....there have often been nearby sites listed as the same (short) length as the one we've reserved that there's no way we'd get into them.

I'd suggest 24' box / 26-27' tip to tail as the maximum size for flexibility.

likesadvice wrote:
Our family of four is searching for our first travel trailer, but having difficulty because of the endless models to choose from. We are looking for a bunkhouse style trailer that can be easily towed by our Toyota Tundra 5.7. Our plan for this trailer will be to take 2 weeks each summer and tow it across country as we explore the national parks. We also intend to use it for long weekend campouts within a few hours of our home. My question is - Knowing our expected use should I be searching for a model in the 30' range like a Passport Elite 28bh that has a separate bedroom for the adults, or a mid 20' like the Jayco 23m or Lance 2185 that have murphy style beds that can also be used as couches? Will an additional 5' of TT be cumbersome to tow?
Any opinions and advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Jay

The extra 5' won't be harder to tow. But will make it harder to find a campsite in a NP. You may find one, but it really cuts down on the sites you can use. Ours is 31', and it is way too long for most sites in Julian Price Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway. And it's the largest CG on the Parkway.

Rather than length look for weights. I would think 25 ft or less with your truck. Pay close attention to truck limits. It is a 1/2 ton and that includes tongue weight and all the kids. Stay well within the limits and you will be much happier and safer.