downsides(s) in moving from 36 to 42 ft

If you like to camp in state and national parks, the longer the rig, the fewer sites there are that you will fit into. Other than that, I don't think there's a really big difference as long as you have a truck big enough to tow it. IMHO.

Watch the pin weight and your SRW truck payload.

yeah, we realize that NFS and other state/fed campgrounds that will take a 42 ft. are pretty darn limited. This is a big consideration for use.
(But check out the new NPS campground at Schoodic Point, Acadia NP)

My negative from a 35ft to a 39ft was it cost more.

Are you unhappy with your current rig? Or was this just something that flashed in your eyes?

If the latter, go take a few hundred that you would have put out on a new rig and change out the decor of your current one. Lots cheaper.

We just moved from a 36 footer to a 42'11" 5er. We LOVE it. Yes, it's larger and we have to be a bit choosier on our sites, but even though we do mostly state parks, we have not had an issue.

We host in state parks during the summer months and don't have a problem with our rig fitting any of those sites and we just returned today from Douglas Dam Headwater Campground. We booked our site several months in advance so we knew we would fit. We just have to make a call or search the sizes on the campgrounds we want to go to.

We are still glad we moved up even with putting about 1800 miles on it this past summer and fall.

We went from a 34’ Class A to a 42’ 5th Wheel with a mid bunkhouse for the grandkids and pups. While it will limit some of the places we can stay having the extra room has reduced our stress while traveling.

Howdy!

We fulltime and went from a 36’ 5er to a 44’ toy hauler. Don’t trust the RV parks just because they show to be big rig friendly. It takes a little more planning. We call ahead and talk with the RV parks. I also use google earth map to get a look at the place. Even if the sites are big enough you still have to deal with narrow roads, trees and of course other RVers who tend to park close or on the roadways. But its doable.

“Happy Trails”
Chiefneon

We went from a 36' 5th wheel to a 41' toy hauler. We love the extra room and haven't found any negatives for it being longer.

We've had everything from a 26ft TT to a 45ft fifth wheel and a 44ft dp. Never had trouble staying in any area. Including older areas of Canada. There are always some places to stay.

Size simply was never an issue