Cross Country Trip - What length Class C???

[Udetective]

So I'm purchasing my first Class C rv for a cross country trip in the summer. I was all set on getting one approx 25' long. However, I'm second guess myself and thinking it would be nice to go a little bigger. The big question, does a shorter RV play nicer in the National Parks? Or does that 5' not really matter? Thanks in advance for any info!

[PghBob]

We've been to many national parks in our 27 foot C. We have not experienced any difficulties getting around. We love the floor plan of ours, and as noted above by others, one reason is we do not have to climb over each other to get in/out of bed or climb a ladder to the bunk area. Be careful of getting one too long and with too many options as the extra weight cuts down on your usable payload (OCCC).

[garyemunson]

Having had both a 24 and a 31, we prefer the longer if only for the walk-around bed. If you are the one who has to make it, you will prefer it too. As older folks, we also find it convenient not to have to climb over your partner if you need to get up at night. The short one sure was easier to park at the tourist traps, though!

[DaCrema]

I will second a few other posts. How many are making the trip with you. There are advantages to the different sizes. Short rigs have more CCC and it is easier to find parking when playing tourist. The wife and I have a 26.5' rig that is just right for us. I do a lot of longer solo trips (I am retired, she is not). I have not had trouble finding parking in campsites, but at sight seeing stops along the way even this length is sometimes long.
Also look at the amount of overhang. As already mentioned there is a ratio of length to wheel base that makes a big difference in handling.

[Artum_Snowbird]

There is much to learn about length and the handling of the rigs. E450 Chassis' are very popular, but the available carried weight of your possessions gets less and less as the rigs get longer and more slides.

I doubt whether National Parks for the most part would be much more difficult to navigate at almost any Class C length.

[pastorbillv]

In the national parks I've been too, my 30' was fine. When I was buying it back in 2004, I was led to believe that 30' was a maximum.

But, I'd be more concerned with internal design for a trip that length. You don't say how many of you there are, but a lot of the shorter RV's don't have a separate bedroom - just a curtain at the end of the bed. We love having a sliding door to the bedroom as well as being able to block off the hallway for an expanded bathroom (nice when showering - you can step into the hallway where the closet/dresser drawers are and change there).

If you haven't been RV'ing before, rent something now for a weekend and see what you like/don't like about your rental.

JMHO! Good luck with your purchase!
Bill

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I liked the fact that our 28' had an island queen bed. Was SO much easier to make up (plus there was good storage along the sides). Re: Nat'l Parks - unless you visit in the way-OFF season, ANY RV will be a stinker to park in those lovely scenic turnouts. We usually rented a car to do our exploring with - then we could fit in that "last available space" to see the waterfall, etc. Some parks limit vehicle length to 22' (Glacier's Going-To-The-Sun Rd) on the smaller scenic drives.

But as far as driving down the road, I doubt a 25' feels any more petite than a 28' or so. And if you'll be spending weeks doing this, having the extra room and seating in the MH would be nice