Is 45 feet too long?

[KampingKris]

In our constant search for a new rig... the one we like the best so far is of course - 45 feet - tag. Right now we have a 36 foot 5er. Our other choice is a 41 footer, but it's not the same quality.
Is there a big difference in driving/backing such a big rig than say... the 41 footer? Or, are we going to regret driving around such a giant house?

[msmith1199]

Opinions are one thing but facts are facts. A 45 foot rig will cut down on the number of RV parks you'll be able to use. But if your alternative is a 41 footer, then there isn't much difference. If a 45 footer won't fit then a 41 footer probably won't either. I've never seen a park with a 41 foot size restriction. I have seen 38 foot and 28 foot (if my memory is correct). So if you want something 38 foot or bigger, I'd say it really doesn't matter because you'll have the same restrictions. I purposely bought a 35' because I can get in to most places where I regularly camp. But even at 35' there's been places I can't go only because their bigger sites were already taken. Even if the park can take a 45 footer, they may only have a few spaces that big and they may be taken up.

Now for the good news, there are a lot of RV parks in California that can take a 45 footer no problem. You'll generally start running into problems in locations where land is a premium like some coastal areas and up in the mountains.

[crasster]

My opinion, 45 foot IS TOO LONG. Many cg's won't be able to accomodate it.

Now, it is not too long because they are awesome, roomy, etc. They are great in that manner. If boondocking, they are wonderful.

But you won't be able to fit into many sites.

[StephJohn2010]

willald wrote:
...As you're seeing, this is an issue that folks are very 'divided' on. The responses you get will depend greatly on the size of the rig owned by the one talking.

You'll notice based on the responses you get to this question, that the size of the rig in each poster's signature is almost always the PERFECT size - Any rig larger than the one in a poster's signature, would be too big to go anywyere. Anything smaller, would not have enough room. Funny how that works. 🙂

That said, it IS an undeniable fact, that the larger a rig gets, the more you limit the places you can go. Sometimes, not so much 'cause of campsite size limitations, but because of the roads getting to/from them in the campground or park. Long wheelbases and long overhangs can cause serious problems when negotiating tight turns or steep inclines.

Now, just what length is the 'cutoff' at which you will find that your camping destinations are limited? Everyone will tell you something different, and it will depend on a lot of factors - where you plan to go, driver experience/confidence, how much planning ahead you typically do, etc. I think you'll find, though, that right around 40' is where you really start becoming limited in where you can camp. Still plenty of places for rigs that big or bigger, but you'll have to plan ahead more.

About 55% of my driving time, I think we are too long. About 100% of our camping time, I think we are just right 😉 We only drive about 12 to 15 times a year because we generally stay at places for a month.

[UsualSuspect]

KampingKris wrote:
In our constant search for a new rig... the one we like the best so far is of course - 45 feet - tag. Right now we have a 36 foot 5er. Our other choice is a 41 footer, but it's not the same quality.
Is there a big difference in driving/backing such a big rig than say... the 41 footer? Or, are we going to regret driving around such a giant house?

My rig is just shy of 42', and we don't regret it. State Parks are the biggest issue, very few have spots for it. As for roads, there are some restrictions in California. For the road restrictions, 40' and above restriction..
In California anything 40' and above requires a Class B non-commercial license or above.
CalTrans also has a web page for information on over 40' rigs CLICKY.
Now with all that, we don't have a tag, but on a trip I was on a restricted to less than 40' road, knew it, and it was tight, but I was familiar with the road. I would not venture out to an unfamiliar road that is restricted, you don't know how tight the curves are, and you don't want to find yourself having to stop on a blind curve and inch around it hoping no one is coming from the other direction.
We were stopped for some supplies and I was talking to one the local CHP Officers, and I asked him about the restrictions. He said the only time they mess with it is when you can't operate it safely, or when it is obvious it is to long, or as he put it, "When I see the 3rd axle they shouldn't be here, and I will let them know". He did not say a word to me about it and I am over 40', but no tag. If I were going to 45', I would want a tag.

[mockturtle]

Some relatives of mine with two kids have a 45' Country Coach. It is beautiful and it has two bathrooms, which is a good feature with two kids aboard. Their only issue is that they have to carefully plan and research their stops because so many parks just can't accommodate a coach that large. It's not necessarily the size of the site but the interior roads, tight turns, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't want anything nearly that big. Our 36' DP was plenty roomy for the two of us and had more storage than we really needed, even when we full-timed.

[Playtime_II]

Do not rely on RV rules by state "lists". They are often inaccurate. For example, I live in VA so I researched VA and MD as I have a 43'. The MD section cited above is an accurate capture of the base rule but in another section it has a separate rule (45') for Motorhomes and busses.

[willald]

...As you're seeing, this is an issue that folks are very 'divided' on. The responses you get will depend greatly on the size of the rig owned by the one talking.

You'll notice based on the responses you get to this question, that the size of the rig in each poster's signature is almost always the PERFECT size - Any rig larger than the one in a poster's signature, would be too big to go anywyere. Anything smaller, would not have enough room. Funny how that works. 🙂

That said, it IS an undeniable fact, that the larger a rig gets, the more you limit the places you can go. Sometimes, not so much 'cause of campsite size limitations, but because of the roads getting to/from them in the campground or park. Long wheelbases and long overhangs can cause serious problems when negotiating tight turns or steep inclines.

Now, just what length is the 'cutoff' at which you will find that your camping destinations are limited? Everyone will tell you something different, and it will depend on a lot of factors - where you plan to go, driver experience/confidence, how much planning ahead you typically do, etc. I think you'll find, though, that right around 40' is where you really start becoming limited in where you can camp. Still plenty of places for rigs that big or bigger, but you'll have to plan ahead more.

[gbopp]

StephJohn2010 wrote:

oubruceb wrote:
All class A motorhomes are fairly easy to drive. You may run into a problem with some states only allowing 40' homes. Extra slides can make a big space difference. I have a 43' Allegro bus with 4 slides and have had problems finding spots long and wide enough.

I know some roads won't allowed motorhomes over 40', but states? What states don't allow 40+ ft rigs?

I don't know how accurate this Towing Law info is but, it shows Maryland and Mass are restricted to 40'.

[imgoin4it]

Since you live in California I suggest you check your states rules for a 45 foot motor home. California is slightly different for any motor home over 40 than any other state.

[Dick_B]

I don't understand the relationship between a high quality 45 footer and a lower quality 41 footer. Isn't there a high quality 41 footer?
I think turning radius is a big deal. There is a campground we stay at with a big rock next to a curve with all kinds of paint on it.
As said, 45 feet is not too long but you limit the camping options.

[Medico]

I would acquire the Big Rig Best Bets book. The authors have personally visited each RV park listed (hundreds in every state and many in Canada). They also list fuel depots and nice restaurants they have visited. Take a look.

I own both the 2012 Printed version and the 2013 Digital version.

[Executive45]

Size does matter...:B:B::B..45' is not too long...that said, you will have to rethink your camping agenda. With a large rig, most of us like the creature comforts..i.e. full hookups, 50amp service etc. etc., so we don't do a lot of boondocking. Obviously the larger the rig, the larger the holding tanks etc. but...We've found our limit is about 5 days before our tanks are full. If you like State campgrounds your choice is somewhat limited. Check where you are most likely to go and see how many sites they have available for big rigs. With a small rig, you can just jump in and go...you'll fit almost anywhere..the 45' not so much.

As for the turning radius, check the unit you're considering closely. My tag lifts making the turning radius much less than if I leave it down. We went from a 27' Winnie to a 40' to a 45' and don't regret it for a minute. The extra 5' may not seem like much but it's huge. Same with the tag..driving it is a breeze. The tag provides more CCC but you sacrifice one storage compartment.

We stay off Interstates when possible and have been mostly on two lane roads and some single lane roads with no problems. I do scout the CG when we arrive to look over the road situation, mostly for my comfort zone. There have been very few CGs that I would not fit into. That said, those that I felt I couldn't fit into, I wouldn't want to anyway...:B:B....

My advice...drive a 40' tag and a 45' tag and see the difference. Also, check your State's drivers license regulations. Some States require a different classification for anything over 40'....Dennis

[mrkoje]

royl wrote:
45 feet is allowed in all states. The commercial motor coach I used to drive was a 45 foot and it was allowed everywhere. Maybe you meant state parks? The thing you need to watch is wheel base, a camper in the park that I am hosting at right now came in this last week and cut a corner too short and hung up on some large boulders, destroyed 3 compartment doors and the surround fiberglass around his rear tire. The coach was on it's first trip out brand new. He had traded in an older motorhome that was only 5 feet shorter but a lot shorter wheel base so it turned around in a lot smaller space.

I cringe at the thought - I can only imagine how the owner of that fancy rig felt when he heard or felt the fiberglass ripping off. Especially on a brand new rig on it's maiden voyage!

[havasu]

I think he meant roads. There are no states that ban 40+' motorhomes.

[royl]

45 feet is allowed in all states. The commercial motor coach I used to drive was a 45 foot and it was allowed everywhere. Maybe you meant state parks? The thing you need to watch is wheel base, a camper in the park that I am hosting at right now came in this last week and cut a corner too short and hung up on some large boulders, destroyed 3 compartment doors and the surround fiberglass around his rear tire. The coach was on it's first trip out brand new. He had traded in an older motorhome that was only 5 feet shorter but a lot shorter wheel base so it turned around in a lot smaller space.