Mar-27-2014 09:41 AM
Apr-12-2014 03:04 PM
outwestbound wrote:yes
Hi to all. We're 30 days into researching full timing and decided on a fifth wheel/ 1 ton DRW truck based on lifestyle choices. We're in our early 50s and enjoy hiking, kayaking, backpacking, biking and are very active with plans to use the trailer as home base, but wonder out quite a bit.
Would a 40 foot trailer and 16,000 GVWR be too much in terms physically handling that size rig in parks/ roads and/or would it constrain camp location options?
I'm really getting at functional utility of travel as opposed to "livability". We don't necessarily prefer commercial parks that appear on google earth to resemble parking lots. Of course we'll use commercial style parks or even Walmart lots like everyone else at times, but have a preference for wooded parks like state or national parks, because that fits our recreation profile. We'd boondock not as a goal to save money; rather, we'd seek better views and access to hiking, river kayaking, mountain biking, etc..
Is a 40 footer unusual?
Thanks so much!
Apr-11-2014 02:40 PM
Apr-11-2014 02:26 PM
Apr-11-2014 11:09 AM
nottoosoon wrote:
Many times you aren't allowed to reserve if it is within 10 days or so of your arrival. So, if you like to be "spur of the moment", you may find it harder in a big rig.
Apr-11-2014 10:48 AM
Apr-09-2014 02:17 PM
Apr-09-2014 01:22 PM
Okie1 wrote:
Just like so many have already pointed out, it is all a trade off. We moved up to a 37' fifth wheel because thats the one my wife fell in love with. We have not regretted it one bit. I do find that the height is more of a concern than the length more times than not.
Apr-09-2014 01:06 PM
Apr-09-2014 09:44 AM
Apr-06-2014 04:01 AM
Mar-30-2014 12:43 PM
2gypsies wrote:
Well, once again, I have to disagree on 40' being too big. We've been in our 40' motorhome (& they don't bend like a 5th wheel) for 10 years. We traveled constantly as full-timers. Our first choice is always a public park - national park, national forest, state parks, Corp of Engineers, county and city parks, along with boondocking. We honestly do not have problems fitting into these kinds of parks. I could make a huge list of places we've stayed. Granted, you have to do your homework but for every given area there will be a park you can stay and we've stayed in some beauties - quite often the best site in the house. Also, we don't make reservations. We get in early in the week and there are plenty of spots.
A small list of national parks we've been in multiple times are Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, Zion, Rocky Mountain. We've been in many state parks along the Oregon and Washington coasts and basically throughout the country. We've stayed inside Denali National Park, Alaska and stayed in public parks in Canada and the Yukon, along with Alaska. The list is extensive for forest service campgrounds in the west. When we go east of the Mississippi we stay in COE and state parks. We love the west and the outdoors so that's where you'd find us. It depends on where you want to stay and then check out parks or areas that you're interested in staying.
I also notice that those giving answers above don't even have a 40' so why are they saying "no you can't"?
Mar-28-2014 05:13 PM
Mar-28-2014 03:30 PM
Veebyes wrote:
Lots of things come into play when stuffing a large rig in small sites. What can be done by some cannot be done by others. Experience plays a big part. Don't expect the driver who always requests a pull thru to get into a difficult backin.
Skill comes with experiencee. Determination & a cool head helps. The guy who gets rattled by an audience watching is going to provide the best entertainment. Having a good spotter is key. Sitting in the passenger holding the itty bitty dog while the DH does everything is damage waiting to happen. The tree always wins. Good directions, by simple hand signals or radio, are priceless.
Mar-28-2014 02:43 PM