Towing a 42 footer… What do you think?

[Mondooker]

Hi folks, Found the perfect 5th wheel and it’s 42 feet. Started out looking for a 38 but it’s the 42 footer that best handles our needs. Not concerned about state parks etc. We will use an occasional parking lot on travel days but mostly RV park pull thru. When all is said and done does the extra 4 feet make that big of difference towing and in general?

We go between Georgia and Montana most summers but pretty much stay in one place. So not a lot of traveling around with the Coach once we arrive at our destination.

Thanks guys

[TxGearhead]

We started with a 28ft, then a 35ft, and now a 40ft.I couldn't get in many spots in Smokey Mt Nat Park with the 28ft., so no great loss with the 40ft. Right now I'm sitting in a state recreation area in Illinois with plenty of room. I have maybe 10ft of RV hanging over the end of the site driveway. We have stayed at many state parks and COE campgrounds. You do have to "shop" wisely though.

[Mondooker]

Hey Bad Brad, That’s exactly right… Whenever we were going to our 40’ motorhome we always had to decide what we can’t take. With a 42’ fiver with 4 to 5 slides very little consideration has to be given to that. It’s more like a 2nd home as you said.

[Bad_Brad]

Mondooker wrote:
Length isn’t really the greatest factor because it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s heavier? The 42’ River Ranch isn’t as heavy as some 38 footers because of its use of composites and some other weight saving materials.

And I don’t know about downsizing? If you downsize and end up with something that really doesn’t work. Then what good is the downsize off all it does is get you into a couple other state parks?

Totally agree! We went from a 26'TT to a 28'TT Toyhauler, to a 35'TT Toyhauler, and now have a 42' 5er. We moved from trailer to trailer to accommodate our needs. I can imagine going smaller now. BTW, this is our retirement home away from home. Love the space.

[Mondooker]

Length isn’t really the greatest factor because it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s heavier? The 42’ River Ranch isn’t as heavy as some 38 footers because of its use of composites and some other weight saving materials.

And I don’t know about downsizing? If you downsize and end up with something that really doesn’t work. Then what good is the downsize off all it does is get you into a couple other state parks?

[StirCrazy]

ford truck guy wrote:


This will NOT come into play with a 42' fiver..... There is NO WAY someone towing a 42' fiver will be over the 65' number..

this is very true. I have a 40' 5th and a 21 foot pick up (crewcab long box) and I come in at 56 to 57 feet long.

[Lantley]

Veebyes wrote:
Cruise the forums & see how many wish they had or have downsized rather than upsized to 40' plus monsters.

If you look carefully at floorplans all you are really getting is more floor space. The monsters will have the same fridges, the same stoves, the same furniture as a mid 30s 5er. They may have a bit more storage but other than that it is all floor space.

I'm of the mindset find the floor plan that you like and be sure to buy a truck capable of towing it within its ratings.
Length is way down on my list of determining factors.
My next rig maybe larger or smaller in terms of length.
I have no restrictions or limits either way.

[Carlos___Ranae]

We started with a 35 ft toyhouler, went to 40 ft Raptor and now we have a 45 ft Seismic. I really did not noticed any differences. I do know the truck makes a world of difference.

[Veebyes]

Cruise the forums & see how many wish they had or have downsized rather than upsized to 40' plus monsters.

If you look carefully at floorplans all you are really getting is more floor space. The monsters will have the same fridges, the same stoves, the same furniture as a mid 30s 5er. They may have a bit more storage but other than that it is all floor space.

[aruba5er]

Finding a pull thru is'nt always possible as you well know, or will find out. A friend of mine has one of those Behemouths. He wises it were smaller. Heck, it's our camper and your money. Do what you want. I would just as soon go shorter and I have only 28 ft. Can I assume it's a tri axle? If so it wont's turn as good in parking.More tires to buy, harder on springs and frame as it turns in cramped corners.

[ford_truck_guy]

Dtank wrote:

Mondooker wrote:
Hi samsontdog, I hear what you’re saying but for us 34’ does not give us the space we need. I can get our 40’ motorhome most anyplace I want to go and the same should be true for a 42’ fifth wheel. My consern is more about Drive ability?

The same is *NOT* true for a 42' 5th wheel as with your 40'MH.

For a 5th wheel you must include the Tow Vehicle in the overall length. The campground (or?) site is *not* the problem...combined length limitations in the various states is!!
(often 65' max - under that & you're good to go!).

Check the length req's for states where you will travel...:W

~

This will NOT come into play with a 42' fiver..... There is NO WAY someone towing a 42' fiver will be over the 65' number..

[bucky]

Several feet of a 42 5er will be over the bed and will be deducted from overall length when towing. 65 is easily attained.
I'm sure it's happened but I have no first hand knowledge of any LEO stopping a RVer and pulling out the tape.

[Dtank]

Mondooker wrote:
Hi samsontdog, I hear what you’re saying but for us 34’ does not give us the space we need. I can get our 40’ motorhome most anyplace I want to go and the same should be true for a 42’ fifth wheel. My consern is more about Drive ability?

The same is *NOT* true for a 42' 5th wheel as with your 40'MH.

For a 5th wheel you must include the Tow Vehicle in the overall length. The campground (or?) site is *not* the problem...combined length limitations in the various states is!!
(often 65' max - under that & you're good to go!).

Check the length req's for states where you will travel...:W

~

[ford_truck_guy]

My fiver is 42’ and no regrets so far. We are mostly private campgrounds, with visits to a great State Park 3-4 times a year with zero issues…

[Mondooker]

Thanks Ron3rd, You see 45 footers with 18’ trailers all the time and they seem to always find a place to park. That’s about 63 feet and they seem to get along just fine. Great to RV as you like isn’t it!