Those w/ 40' and longer TH's. ?? on campgrounds

[jsalazar310]

I just about set my heart on a Voltage3950. My question is... w/ my current TH, I have no problems w/ finding a spot at campgrounds. Although I do 90% dry camp, it is nice to hit up the campgrounds once in a blue moon. So my question to those longer TH's, do you have a hard time finding a spot to accommodate your mansion?? I think the Voltage I'm looking at is roughly 42-43" long.

[joebedford]

As others have said "Plan Ahead". We've never been unable to find a spot in an area where we want to stop. Our 3950 is 13'4" tall so watch the branches.

We've had it for just over 4 years and we have no regrets buying it.

[WhitehouseLV]

my closest call was the switchbacks at night on hwy 18 heading up to Serrano Campground at Big Bear. Almost hit the side of the mountain with the rear of the TH. The other time was getting lost on side streets in San Diego. (make sure your in the outside turning lane)

As most stated it does require some due diligence. Our current TH is 40' long. We've found that we can fit in some 35' sites in certain Forest Service campgrounds. Others we can't, just depends. One thing we do is if we are ever near a campground we think we may visit, we try and scope it out and mark the sites we will fit in.

[camper_boy]

Not a problem in 3 years of full time living in any campground across US. We just plan a little and ask some pertinent questions. We have a Newmar X-Aire at 44ft and have never had issues.

[dcmac214]

Ours is 'only' a 40 footer and thanks to bad experiences our first couple trips we almost always physically check out campgrounds before making reservations. Most state and CoE campgrounds around here can't accomodate us - low trees, narrow roads & tight turns, more than likely a combination of both.

[calewjohnson]

We have a Voltage 3950 and we do a lot of planning ahead. We have been in some tight places on accident, but we always carry two way radios in case we are in a bad bind. State parks in CA are pretty much a no go, though we have used one in a National Forest near Santa Barbara.

Cale

[Dirtclods]

More info http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php?topic=11309.0

[1L243]

If I dry camped 90% of the time I would go for it. You can work around the other 10% by checking ahead and planning gas and shopping stops...

Besides the dually, in California you will need the non commercial class A CDL....

[jsalazar310]

I'm Rick James wrote:

Even grocery store parking lots could turn into a nightmare if there were tights lanes.

Oh the unexpected nightmares!!!!! Hahahah!!!!! I've caught myself cursing many times when I stumble on those events!

I'm Rick James wrote:

BTW- I hope you considered the extra width of the dually you're going to need for that trailer.

but the salesperson at the voltage dealer said my truck could pull it!!! 😛

All joking aside, thx all for the replies on how you deal w/ your 40+ TH's!!!!

[I_m_Rick_James]

My Voltage was nearly that length and it was a pain at times. As said above you pretty much have to plan fuel stops and any side excursions. Even grocery store parking lots could turn into a nightmare if there were tights lanes.

BTW- I hope you considered the extra width of the dually you're going to need for that trailer.

[momentum_rv]

I think most, if not all, State parks in CA won't allow anything over 35ft. Bit by this once already w/ my 44ft. As said above, you just have to plan ahead more with places you can stay.

[juzplanekrazy]

Planning ahead is key, from gas station stops to roads in and out of camp grounds. I use Google Earth a lot, street view also helps.
In 7 years with mine I always seem to find a way to stick it in the space.
I even make it fit in what most places call a 36' spot and I'm 42' from cap to tailgate. There's a few camp grounds I'd like to go to up and down the coast of Ca. that are just to short, most State owned.
Good luck.

[FrankoToo]

As already mentioned, you really need to do your homework and if not sure, call and ask. Another thing to keep in mind, the site may be big enough but you also need to consider access - tight corners, trees, etc. You also need a lot of room for backing in.

[Bedlam]

We were also looking at these large toy haulers and decided against them because it would limit us from places we like to visit. Where we go, there are too many trees and too many tight turns. I still have to watch height since my truck camper sits 12.5' high, but my truck with enclosed trailer in tow is under 50' long giving me great access. I would not have reservations towing 40'+ behind me if I was primarily in the SW or plains.

Generally, I found campgrounds are limiting and resorts are not (at lest where you find trees).

[fly-boy]

Just have to plan ahead- everything from filling up, to stopping for food, to where you can camp- Not a huge deal with all the truck stops these days but you need to plan ahead... Which you have been doing pulling a big bumper pull. You will love how the fifth wheel tows and the jump in size will not be that big of a deal. Will it limit where you can camp? Yes! But thats the trade off for having all that space when the weather turns...

We have enjoyed some terrific trips traveling and camping in a big trailer- all 47-48 feet of it. If I had it to do over I absolutely would. That said, I will not buy a second big unit. Maybe its a been there done that deal-

Hope you get as much enjoyment out of your big trailer if you get one as my family has- the ride has been nothing short of incredible.