Is there a max. practical length for a 5er? By practical, I'm talking about is there a length where it becomes a problem handling turns on streets in small towns as well as big cities?Is there a problem with getting space in some campgrounds if too large?That kind of practical. Right now I am still looking. As soon as boat is sold, I will own one in less than a week.

I think the maneuverability question depends on the skill and confidence level of the driver. And yes, longer lengths (above 35' or so) will restrict your ability to get into some campgrounds, especially state and other non-commercial parks.My recommendation is to go with the shortest length you can find that fits your needs - that's my definition of "practical".

As for streets, the only issue really is height. Most full profile 5er's now are 13'6" tall, so low bridges, trees, etc can be an issue. a 40' 5ver wont get into all the same campgrounds as a 30'. You have to determine what type of camping you prefer, and the places that you would go. Many of the state parks have a reservation system that will block out sites, based on length, so you can get an idea of site availability by length. We went from a 30' TT to a 40' 5th, and have no issues with any place that we normally camp.the only other issue to think about is fueling when on the road. You don't want to pull into a tight gas station, or low overhang. When we are on extended trips, I try to use the busier truck stops, and either use the truck lanes, or in the case of pilot/flying J, many have special RV lanes.

34' is enough for me. Sometimes it's the wheelbase of the truck that's a problem too. The longer that is the more careful you need to be when backing, especially in narrow roads. You can find yourself running into the ditch and taking out bushes if you're not careful.

For the type of campin' we prefer, 25' is our maximum practical length. And sometimes that length is too much.

Max Practical Length of 5er | Good Sam Community

MarkTwain
Explorer
Apr 20, 2017
2oldman wrote:
34' is enough for me. Sometimes it's the wheelbase of the truck that's a problem too. The longer that is the more careful you need to be when backing, especially in narrow roads. You can find yourself running into the ditch and taking out bushes if you're not careful.

X1, 34' 5th. wheel trailers with slide outs works great. It will give you all the advantages and avoid the disadvantages of longer40' trailers.
Mel_B_
Explorer
Apr 19, 2017
Don't forget about the tow rig, You have to try to make a safe match there as well. Longer trailer might mean bigger truck. Also I'm not a full timer but do a lot of traveling with our 5th wheel. Alot of the state parks you are going to have problem if your 5th wheel is much over 31' plus the tow rig it can be harder to get into a spot.
Mel
Devocamper
Explorer
Apr 19, 2017
also take into consideration how many slides you have or will have, a shorter trailer with 3 or four slides is easier to handle and has as much room as something longer. We have a 35 footer with 4 slide outs and lots of storage and space, have lived in it for months at a time and in 8 years have never found anywhere we could not get into, yes some spots were tight but doable.
Mike
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Apr 19, 2017
REWahoo is right...shortest length that meets your needs.
RedRocket204
Explorer
Apr 19, 2017
There also some mountainous roads, usually non-hwy roads, where longer trailers won't be able to make the switch-backs.
snowpeke
Explorer
Apr 19, 2017
All depends on how many is in your group. For us it's just me and the wife so our 26.5 is just fine.
kennethwooster
Explorer
Apr 19, 2017
Have a 31ft. Carriage. Very nice trailer and very easy to pull and park. However the inside is cramped, especially in the bedroom and shower. Thinking about going longer. I've pulled 36ft. and it was not a problem, and much roomier.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Apr 19, 2017
REWahoo wrote:
I think the maneuverability question depends on the skill and confidence level of the driver. And yes, longer lengths (above 35' or so) will restrict your ability to get into some campgrounds, especially state and other non-commercial parks.

My recommendation is to go with the shortest length you can find that fits your needs - that's my definition of "practical".

this is a very good response, keep in mind that commercial travel most of the main and secondary streets in cities and towns . You will notice on those streets that nearby trees, are usually trimmed by the passing semi's. :)
The ability to maneuver your rig is dependent on your skill and size awareness.

If one daily drives a Prius then driving a DRW TV, seems like a monster, if that same TV is daily driven, they the driver is comfortable with the size of the package.
F-TROUP
Explorer
Apr 19, 2017
The longer the length the more impact it will have on gas rigs in some service stations. Diesel not a problem, just hit the truck stops. I tow double a lot and have only had 1 issue in town driving.
korbe
Explorer
Apr 19, 2017
For the type of campin' we prefer, 25' is our maximum practical length. And sometimes that length is too much.