I have a post about our 7000 mile/20 states in 58 days trip in the Class A section. This post "No reservations with a 42' motorhome for the whole trip, even in public campgrounds.... and folks say it can't be done." prompted me to start this one.
13 years ago I bought a used 36' DP because of people on here saying 36' was the max for public CGs... NP, SP, USFS, BLM, COE CGs. Did not take long to realize that is not true, especially out West. Traded for a 40' DP and then to our 42'. I now suggest you buy more RV than you think you need... ONE TIME as trading costs $$$$.
Back then and before smart phones and good cell coverage it was a lot harder finding information about sites for a big rig in advance.I have found, even when a USFS CG says 30' max, I always find a couple sites that are big enough for our 42', but DO NOT show up Friday hoping they will be empty. Show up late Sunday or Monday and there's a good chance they will be empty. I like US /7 CA CGs for public CGs and Allstays for Public and Private CGs. The last one has an APP for your phone.
In 58 days the only time I was not able to get into my first choice Public CG without reservations was at the S Rim mainly because I showed up Friday. I spent an extra day at the N Rim waiting for it to clear to get better pictures. Had to go a few miles south or the rim to get into a USFS CG. Most days when traveling long distance, I do not know where I'll be stopping, but when you are fully self contained it's not a problem.
Not sure why I'm often the only big MH in a USFS CG and based on some of the stares, most people rarely see a big MH invading their sanctuaries. My favorite ones are those that do not take reservations making for a greater choice of sites. I usually go in on Monday and leave Friday so the locals can have it on the weekends. Even though I can go 7 days without cutting back on my water consumption and needing to dump, I usually travel and resupply on the weekend unless it's a holiday weekend.
I'm still surprised how many post there are on here about XX feet being too big although often it's from someone in a Class C or even a small TT. Not sure how they know where I can put my 42' and yes I have a few scratches from trees proving I'll go where some smarter than me will not.
13 years ago I bought a used 36' DP because of people on here saying 36' was the max for public CGs... NP, SP, USFS, BLM, COE CGs. Did not take long to realize that is not true, especially out West. Traded for a 40' DP and then to our 42'. I now suggest you buy more RV than you think you need... ONE TIME as trading costs $$$$.
Back then and before smart phones and good cell coverage it was a lot harder finding information about sites for a big rig in advance.I have found, even when a USFS CG says 30' max, I always find a couple sites that are big enough for our 42', but DO NOT show up Friday hoping they will be empty. Show up late Sunday or Monday and there's a good chance they will be empty. I like US /7 CA CGs for public CGs and Allstays for Public and Private CGs. The last one has an APP for your phone.
In 58 days the only time I was not able to get into my first choice Public CG without reservations was at the S Rim mainly because I showed up Friday. I spent an extra day at the N Rim waiting for it to clear to get better pictures. Had to go a few miles south or the rim to get into a USFS CG. Most days when traveling long distance, I do not know where I'll be stopping, but when you are fully self contained it's not a problem.
Not sure why I'm often the only big MH in a USFS CG and based on some of the stares, most people rarely see a big MH invading their sanctuaries. My favorite ones are those that do not take reservations making for a greater choice of sites. I usually go in on Monday and leave Friday so the locals can have it on the weekends. Even though I can go 7 days without cutting back on my water consumption and needing to dump, I usually travel and resupply on the weekend unless it's a holiday weekend.
I'm still surprised how many post there are on here about XX feet being too big although often it's from someone in a Class C or even a small TT. Not sure how they know where I can put my 42' and yes I have a few scratches from trees proving I'll go where some smarter than me will not.
I went almost ALL electric last year replacing my NoCold with a 21cuft Whirlpool refer. It is amazing how little power it uses, less than a 100 W light bulb and it only runs about half of the time. I created a separate electrical system for it with four batteries and a1000 W inverter. It will go 48 hours before needing to recharge the batteries so a system half the size would be more than adequate. Yes, a 500 W inverter would run it even when making ice or defrosting. Here is my DIY install.
Before throwing a serious amount of money into a Nocold refrigerator you need to seriously think about going electric even if you Boondock often. Having replaced a plasma TV and all of my halogen lights with LED it is amazing the power savings. I can now go 24 hours before needing to crank the generator for aproximately 1.5 hours to recharge the batteries. I have found an hour in the evening while making dinner and half hour in the morning while making coffee is all that is needed and works the best for us.
Before throwing a serious amount of money into a Nocold refrigerator you need to seriously think about going electric even if you Boondock often. Having replaced a plasma TV and all of my halogen lights with LED it is amazing the power savings. I can now go 24 hours before needing to crank the generator for aproximately 1.5 hours to recharge the batteries. I have found an hour in the evening while making dinner and half hour in the morning while making coffee is all that is needed and works the best for us.
