How big is TOO big??

[jhamlin]

The wife & I are agonizing over what size 5er to purchase. We plan to equip it with a decent solar array, and want to do some boondocking and camping in BLM/Federal lands. Question: is a 36-37 ft. unit really too big for this, and just how restrictive would this size of a unit be? Are all the sites I see mentioned around the North Rim, for example, too small for this, or access too restrictive? We plan to full-time it, so there's definitely a compromise between something that feels like "home" and our ability to camp "outback" for a week or so with it. Any & all comments more than welcome!

[Ray552]

"Last thing to consider. If you like to stop and have lunch for the day during your travels, take into consideration access to things like the bathroom and refrigerator. It becomes a real pain to have to run the slide out just to get a drink or use the restroom during a quick stop."

I use my TT like this all the time. It has to work with the slides in.

[wbwood]

pnichols wrote:
Width is also an issue. Our Class C is fairly short (24 feet), but it's 101.5 inches wide.

We have had to pass-up going down some desert roads that, although firm enough and wide enough for only our RV, would not have allowed anyone to pass without having to pull off into soft sand.

For the best flexibilty in boondocking, I would stay less than 93 inches in width at your rigs widest part (not counting the mirrors, because most of them can be folded in).

Regarding height of our RV, we do carry pruning equipment along for too-low branches.

Most RV/Campers are at least 8' (96") wide nowadays. Motorhomes are obviosuly going to be a little bigger than towables on width, with some exceptions.

[pnichols]

Width is also an issue. Our Class C is fairly short (24 feet), but it's 101.5 inches wide.

We have had to pass-up going down some desert roads that, although firm enough and wide enough for only our RV, would not have allowed anyone to pass without having to pull off into soft sand.

For the best flexibilty in boondocking, I would stay less than 93 inches in width at your rigs widest part (not counting the mirrors, because most of them can be folded in).

Regarding height of our RV, we do carry pruning equipment along for too-low branches.

[zman-az]

With Mike on the height issue. I know someone that sold their 5vr due to height because of tree branches. Length is not as much of an issue.

[nina_70]

We have a 40-foot Class A and, in retrospect, I wish we'd gotten a smaller rig, mostly because we enjoy more remote camping. The smaller you go, the more "exotic" places you can reach. The larger your rig the more limited you will be by roads, trees, mud etc. That's not to say you can't find boondocking spots with a larger rig (we do), but you will be more limited. I have to think about our size (and weight) whenever we go boondocking & I can't risk driving somewhere the rig might get stuck.

The SW desert in winter is not much of a problem (lots & lots of space out there, with many firm roads), but forests can be much more limiting. Moisture will make roads softer (big issue for heavy rigs) plus trees, turn-around space and overhang will affect how far you can go. With bigger 5th wheels you also need to think about the overhang/clearance at the back. We went boondocking in the Eastern Sierras with some friends last fall who had a large DRV...gorgeous rig, but their overhang (at the back) was so low & bad they kept scraping the road on their way out to the site. We ended up having to boondock much closer to the main road than I would have liked. The lighter & smaller rigs have better clearance.

So, just some things to think about.

[wbwood]

rfryer wrote:

PatrickA51 wrote:

atreis wrote:

Mello Mike wrote:

When it comes to RVs, my advice is the buy the smallest RV that meets your requirements. Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to boondocking.

x2

x3

x4.

x5

[kohldad]

There are folks who comfortably full time in truck campers. So size is only what you make of it.

Eventually, DW and I know we will have traveled enough and be ready to start staying put for a week at a time. When we do, we will be ready to switch back to a FW. While we know we will boondock a lot, we also know we will want to stay in a lot of NPs. To make it easier and not have to be so selective, we have already agreed to shoot for a 30-32' model with only 1 or 2 slides. The stand up bedroom is nice, but we will probably go with a short bedroom to keep the height below 12'. On the back roads we travel, we seem to find a lot of 12' bridges.

Additionally, we travel prefer back roads so the length plays a factor there. We had a 35' FW and while I never really had a problem, one about 3' shorter would have made it a bit easier. And yes, a 10% reduction does make a difference.

Last thing to consider. If you like to stop and have lunch for the day during your travels, take into consideration access to things like the bathroom and refrigerator. It becomes a real pain to have to run the slide out just to get a drink or use the restroom during a quick stop.

[rfryer]

PatrickA51 wrote:

atreis wrote:

Mello Mike wrote:

When it comes to RVs, my advice is the buy the smallest RV that meets your requirements. Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to boondocking.

x2

x3

x4.
My intent when I got my TV was a FW. But I quickly gave up that idea when I realized it was too high to go down the forest roads where I camp. That's the compromise you have to make when you decide on an RV, bigger is comfort, but it also restricts access to many areas.You can still boondock but it will have to be in rather tame areas with no low tree branches and good roads.

[JiminDenver]

We see monster rigs where we boondock, many far deeper than we take our 25 ft. A 14 ft can go more places but after a few days of rain we would be ready to kill each other.

Get what's comfy and camp where you can.

[Mello_Mike]

Good luck in your search! You'll really enjoy the freedom that an RV gives you. You'll love it.

[jhamlin]

Many thanx to all of you who responded . . what a great community! We'll be looking at a few 5er's today, and feel much better about being able to do some boondocking with whatever we feel most comfortable in. The house is sold (we think), so things are looking up!

[PatrickA51]

atreis wrote:

Mello Mike wrote:

When it comes to RVs, my advice is the buy the smallest RV that meets your requirements. Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to boondocking.

x2

x3

[2gypsies1]

Since you're going to be full-timing get a RV that you can comfortably live in 365 days a year. Also, if you're planning to spend time in the west you'll have no problems finding nice spots.

We have a 40' motorhome and yes, you can boondock at the North Rim. There are many, many other beautiful places in this country. Our first choices are always boondocking or public parks (national, national forests, state, county and even city). We truly do not have a hard time getting into those parks or boondocking areas but you need to do your homework. No, you won't fit everywhere but still, you'll have many possibilities.

You definitely don't need to drive far off the paved roads to find good spots so I disagree that you need a 4x4 or a truck camper. We take our motorhome on unpaved roads but again..you need to investigate the area before you take off.

Again, a full-timing RV should be your main concern because that will be your home. Good luck!

[pnichols]

If you like 5th wheels for their ease of towing and use of the tow vehicle for travel away from camp- while at the same time be hardly limited at all by size - you might want to consider a small 5er.

Take a look at used and/or new versions of this:

http://www.rvingplanet.com/brands/scamp/scamp-19-foot/fifth-wheels/