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!

[WhitehouseLV]

We have a 40' fiver. I prefer to boondock because of its size. We prefer to boondock in National Forests. Camping in national forest campgrounds requires a little due diligence. The only thing I wish I had was self leveling jacks because a lot of boondocking places we go are not level and can take longer to get level.

As mentioned 4x4 is a good thing. Not so much for going through mud but to keep all tires turning. I also have a heavy fiver and have there have been times it's rained when we were leaving the mountain & having the luxury of 4x4 was a lot like having a big fiver...nice 😉

As for height?....well aren't most fivers around 13' tall anyway so a shorter length one doesn't mean it will be shorter in heigth.

Traveling over rough uneven or rocky terrain isnt any more challenging in a 40' as it is in a 30' IMO. Previous fiver was shorter.

Go BIG my friend :B

[Gadget_Guy1]

As has been posted, length definitely a factor and will limit your spots. If you are going to do a lot of serious boondocking a four wheel drive truck is a must.

[Sandia_Man]

While there may be a few places where you might find difficulty getting to a specific boondocking spot, get the floorplan and size of rig you want especially since you plan to fulltime in it. We're a couple of feet shorter and can get to most any boondocking spot we choose unless there are too many low hanging trees. Not sure what type of terrain you plan to traverse while boondocking but there has been many instances where without 4WD we wouldn't have been able to get in (and more importantly get out) some of the more scenic spots. Enjoy your new 5er!!!

[atreis]

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

[Mello_Mike]

Length isn't the only consideration, height is something that must also be kept in mind. Many forest roads, like those found on the North Rim, have low hanging tree limbs that also must be dealt with. I seriously doubt a high profile 5th Wheel or Motorhome can navigate down some of the forest roads on the North Rim, at least the ones I've been on. Otherwise, you may need to put a friend on the roof armed with a chainsaw to deal with this issue.

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.

[revump]

We have a 40ft MH ... you must plan ahead and make sure that you have a way out

[TucsonJim]

I've boondocked in the forest by the North Rim, and the biggest RV manufactured could have fit there three times over. Just need to be a little picky where you set up.

[markie_mark]

Boondock in our 37' all the time in Western Desert BLM land
all the time

As long as you have a good road in and can turn around no problem

[2oldman]

I have a 34' and don't feel restricted until I try to camp at places like Joshua Tree, where the CGs spaces are small.

As for boondocking, with a bigger rig you will certainly not be able to traverse 10 miles of bad road. I dry camped off a forest road just south of Tusayan with no problem. Just be cautious before you get in somewhere you can't get out. It can take a lot of back and forth if you do!