Is 27' too long?

We downsized from a 32' 5'er to a 24' TT for the same reason. We do a lot of camping at Yosemite and Forest Service areas. Note; When you make reservations, especially through the gov't site, the listed max length is different for 5'ers and TT's. Much shorter for the TT. Reason given is easier maneuverability of a 5'th wheel. We can most always get a reservation for a 24' TT, but if I list a 27' TT it comes up "no availability". Yes, the smaller unit takes some getting used to, but we much prefer being able to go whee we want. Max time we've spent in the TT is a little over 4 weeks before returning to home base.

We started with a 22'3", tongue to bumper, TT with spring under and 205/75R14 tires. It had more ground clearance than any of our friends similar sized trailers, and we put it into some small places.

After a few seasons we upgraded to our current TT, which is 29'3" tongue to bumper. It came from the factory with a spring over suspension, and 225/75R15 tires. I had to raise the ball 4.5" over my last camper, so it sits quite a but higher.

So far I cannot think of any places the bigger TT has limited us in campsites, and nearly all of our camping is boondocking. It's rare for us to stay in a campground, and each trip usually involves 5-50 miles of dirt, one way. The added ground clearance of our current TT is what has made it able to fit in many places a standard height TT wouldn't fit. Our total length is 51'7".

We owned a 21.5 Bigfoot that we used on several cross country trips. It was to hook, un-hook, and to tow, only needed a single anti sway bar, and we never found a camp site that was too small. For us it was the perfect length.

18 yrs with a 31' bumper pull and never had a problem. The only difference I see with my 5er is the increased height.

I have a 34' Avion that I rarely use anymore. It is an excellent trailer and it pulls like a dream. However, it is low enough, and long enough that it is hard to get off road very far. I like the shorter trailers.

DP

We are going the opposite direction of the OP. Just sold the HTT (22.5'). Ordered an Outback Terrain 250TRS (27.5' before extending rear bed slide which adds another 5') on March 27th. Should be getting it next week. We did not really want to go that big but after exhaustive TT shopping, this unit was the best fit.

Concerns are storing/parking 5' extra in the driveway and getting into our favorite spots. Overall I think we will not regret the decision but time will tell.

We have not had any trouble with our 26 foot trailer getting places we can get into. We have camped in state, national and Provincal parks.

I love my 27' TT! We have two kids and a slide and feel it is spacious. In fact, I wouldn't want anything much bigger. Its fairly maneuverable and I have no problems getting in some fairly tight spaces that larger trailers would.

Just my opinion:)

Matt

After 10 years fulltiming we traded our 36' fifth wheel in onto a 31' fifth wheel. That lasted for a year and we realized it along with the dually pickup was too big to get into US Forest Service CGs in our area. So we downsized to a 28' class A motorhome. On long weekends or trips we tow a 2012 Jeep Liberty. But now we can get into almost any campground plus have the 4,000 watt generator when needed to run the air conditioner. And at our age it is a lot more comfortable for us and everything is on one floor when we get into the unit. Yeah, my knees have begun to talk to me when I negotiate stairs.