I just downsized from a 40' 5th wheel to a 30' gas motorhome. 40' is just too much for state and national parks. That was my experience. There might be a few parks that can take a 40 footer, but not many, and those that do, usually only a few sites, and those 1 or 2 sites get taken quickly. With our 40 footer 5th, we gave up on state parks...just went to RV parks instead. We really missed the national and state park experience.
We had a 32' 5th wheel before the 40 footer, and though tight sometimes, we usually could (not every time) find a spot in the state parks. I know there is a strong urge to go big, but 32' would be the limit in my recommendation for state parks. Smaller would be better too.
Diesels typically can tow 10000 lbs, where gasers are 5000 lbs.
If I was full-timing, I would probably own a 43 foot tag axle, but that is not our life style. We are both retired, but enjoy spending time between our stick homes and on the road with our camper. See my signature.
The other big issue I have with new diesels is all the emissions they put on the engines. IMO, reliability has taken a big step down since 2007. I couldn't see spending 200,000 plus on a diesel motorhome that could give me problems after a few years.
My newer chevy diesel truck had one emission problem after another (all under warranty, at least). I won't buy another diesel engine, until detroit figures out the emissions 100%. DEF? What a horrible solution, IMO.
