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

[Ron3rd]

Mondooker wrote:
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

You should be fine with that setup. Generally every private campground we've stayed at can easily accommodate that size rig.

Really nothing to worry about imo

[fj12ryder]

We pulled a 40' toyhauler for 10 years, and never had much of a problem with getting spots, a few times, but nothing awful. That being said, we now have a 38', not much smaller, but I swore I wouldn't go bigger when we went looking. A 42' would be longer than I would want. But that's just me.

[Campinghoss]

We had a 40 foot dp coach and went back to a 40 foot fiver. We only stay in full service cgs and never have had a problem finding a spot large enough. I would never let the length dictate my decision. If you do, you will regret it later on.

[Mondooker]

Thanks ferndaleflyer and IvyLog, That’s been my experience as well. I don’t remember ever having a problem finding a pull thru for my motorhome and 18 ft trailer. Maybe it’s a matter of where you are, I don’t know. I always call ahead for space and NEVER have been turned away. Maybe part of the reason is I only travel during the week, never weekends. So I’m not competing with the weekend crowd. At my destination point I’ve made reservations well in advance so my space is locked in.

[Ivylog]

GO FOR IT, especially with stayin in one spot for long times. Recently went from a 42’ DP to a 45’ and in the summer we stay mainly in Public CGs without reservations. Would say this summer was NOT as busy as last summer in CO, WY, UT.

[ferndaleflyer]

Never had a trouble with size getting a place to park. At one time I had a 45ft DP and a 32ft enclosed behind it, 77ft total, and I always parked in commercial campgrounds and don't ever remember being turned away. I have downsized now to a 36ft DP and a 20ft Featherlite. Still 56ft. It suits you go with it as you only go through life once, enjoy all of it you can.

[Veebyes]

No matter what anyone says physics rules. Size matters.

Private CGs will find a way to cram you in somewhere. SPs, CPs, COEs etc, not so much.

Accept that you will have to do more planning ahead. Rolling into a CG without reservations & getting a site decrease as size increases.

[Mondooker]

Thanks Michelle, that’s great information and just what I was looking for. I have a 40’ motorhome and have driven many 45 footers. There is very little difference between the two. And what you’re telling me is that’s true of the 5th wheel as well? Great information, thanks.

[Michelle_S]

We have been traveling for the past 6 years with a 43 foot unit with a Long Bed Crew Cab Dually and have always found a spot to park it. Some State Parks that we frequent we have to fib a little and say we're only 40', but know for a fact that the site we picked would fit a 100 footer.
We went from a 24' TT, to a 35' 5er, then a 40' 5er, and current 43' fiver. Just have to swing a little farther on corners each time length increased.

[Mondooker]

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?

[Jack_Diane_Free]

Had an 40ft 5er for 5 years and never had a problem finding sites in private or Provincial Parks.

[samsontdog]

I had a 40 ft 5th w and got tired of being told NO SITE FOR A 40 ft. Sold it and bought a 34 ft

[Mondooker]

Hi MarkTwain, We currently have a 40’ motorhome and know that drill very well.

[MarkTwain]

Mondooker wrote:
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

Too avoid surprises in your RV trip reservations, I would call ahead and ask how many 42'sites they have available .