31' Class A bunk models?

We did exactly what you are proposing on several long trips. We don't pull a towed vehicle still, but we do put a XT250 on the back hitch mount for good weather exploring. With the stock cameras, a 31' can go just about anywhere.

Yes, you have to do some backing up and some 5 point turns in tight lots. First thing I look for is the parking lot. Just park a long ways from where the crowd ends and walk a little bit more. For most situations, I would guess a 34' would be fine.

However, coming out of parking lots onto the street is the one weak point of having a longer model, because of the rear end scraping. Also, coming out of everyday gas stations, the rear end swing is something I have to watch even with the long wheelbase 31' model.

When we went to the Tennessee mountains, I had to cruise completely through Sevierville in order to find a place to turn around, though. I was driving our handicapped daughter, who is most comfortable in the RV, but enjoys driving around seeing things.

So sometimes, if the parking lot isn't roomy, I have to pass up a place, but we can go get anything we need with the 31', and probably with a 34'. We also got the 31' to pull a 28' trailer and stay at 60' total.

I like the quick disconnect features that you can add to the motorhome, so that in 20 seconds, you're unhooked, another 30 seconds at the wheel for the jacks to come up, and you're rolling. Driving by myself, it would be very difficult without the backup camera working, though!

With the 31' the only gas station limitation is the height of the overhang, too. Again, if it gets tight, just back up a few feet, move over a little, try again, all slowly.

Kaz wrote:

RedJeep wrote:
Thanks for the feedback and Merry Christmas. My reason for trying to stay to 31 feet is for maneuverability. I'm hoping to have a "nimble" enough rig to avoid having to bring a toad.

Two thoughts...

First, we have an ACE 30.1, which we love, but if you're looking for other brands in that size class I'd second the suggestion for a Forest River FR3. We had a Forest River trailer once upon a time and we're in the process of looking at a Forest River pop-up for son #1, and every time we come across that brand we've been impressed with the design, quality, and value.

Second, though, while there were lots of reasons we wanted a small Class A, I'd be hesitant to say that ours is "nimble." Even at a 31' length, it's hard to imagine driving it to stores, tourist destinations, out-of-the-way places, and all of the other locations where we now take our toad. Think of this way: our ACE is about the same size and weight as a Triceratops--not exactly an agile steed for a run down to grocery store.

And Merry Christmas to you too!
Skip

x2, our Ace is not what I would consider nimble and a grocery getter. It's a Class A motorhome and there isn't a ton of difference between 30 and 35' in terms of driving and maneuverability. Not to mention, do you really want to break camp every time you want to go somewhere and then set up again when you return?

RedJeep wrote:
Thanks for the feedback and Merry Christmas. My reason for trying to stay to 31 feet is for maneuverability. I'm hoping to have a "nimble" enough rig to avoid having to bring a toad.

Two thoughts...

First, we have an ACE 30.1, which we love, but if you're looking for other brands in that size class I'd second the suggestion for a Forest River FR3. We had a Forest River trailer once upon a time and we're in the process of looking at a Forest River pop-up for son #1, and every time we come across that brand we've been impressed with the design, quality, and value.

Second, though, while there were lots of reasons we wanted a small Class A, I'd be hesitant to say that ours is "nimble." Even at a 31' length, it's hard to imagine driving it to stores, tourist destinations, out-of-the-way places, and all of the other locations where we now take our toad. Think of this way: our ACE is about the same size and weight as a Triceratops--not exactly an agile steed for a run down to grocery store.

And Merry Christmas to you too!
Skip

Thanks for the feedback and Merry Christmas. My reason for trying to stay to 31 feet is for maneuverability. I'm hoping to have a "nimble" enough rig to avoid having to bring a toad.

Hi,

I'd recommend that you look at 34'-36' models. Why are you limiting yourself to 32'?

And if you can convince yourself that you don't need bunks, you will open up a lot more floorplans. Our rig doesn't have bunks. It does have two sofas. This isn't a popular floorplan on gassers, but is on diesels, depending upon what you're looking for. We opted for dedicated living space over dedicated sleeping space and it's worked out great for us. The other thing that bothers me about the bunk models is that the kids bunks are just a paper-thin wall away from the "mommy-daddy" space. We like having them at the front of the rig and we have the back. At least we have some semblance of privacy for those nights when mommy's feeling a bit romantic. :)

~Rick

Jayco has a 31 Precept with bunks

The problem with the shorter ones is the lack of living area space and virtually no counter space! When you move up 4 more feet to a 35 footer you get a lot more room.

Check out the Coachmen Pursuit line and the FR3 line. We went the Coachmen Pursuit 31BDP model with out the bunk beds and we are under 33 feet bumper to bumper. Still can sleep 6 if we need to.

I have the 31' Coachmen Pursuit, and know they add a couple of feet for the bunkhouse model
http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2015-Coachmen-Pursuit-33BHP-Bunk-Bed%2C-Pwr-Bunk%2C-2-Slid-112698796

Don't know the actual length, but may be a little shorter than 34?

Can't help you with the shorter ones, we did switch from a 39' Raptor/F350 to a 34' Sightseer w/bunks and have had no regrets about the change at all. I modified a flatbed trailer for the ATVs. The MH was able to tow the 4 ATVs with breeze, and no longer felt like the tail was wagging the dog while we drove up/down the gorge. Also opened up options for a boat and now our Jeep too.