38 foot travel trailer- Just to Big??

[evanrem]

We currently have a 34 foot bunkhouse TT (hitch to bumper). We get out about 55 nights a year so we use it quite bit towing around the Midwest and usually one big trip a year. We are looking to upgrade and the TT units that meet most the requirements fall in around 37 foot. We can get the 34 footer just about every where we want (although tight in a few places)I'm thinking the 37 footer is just getting out of control and towing the extra 3 or 4 feet will be a pain. Looking for input on people who tow these huge TT's and what their overall experience is on it. The current rig tows like a dream after a truck upgrade (2500 HD) and I don't want to be back in the situation of a "white knuckle tow". I looked a Fifth wheels but the payload runs out quick and I really enjoy the bed space. The unit I really like is the Grand Design Reflection 312bhts

[DinTulsa]

I have a 37.5Ft TT, I've pulled it from New Mexico to Alabama and in between. It's not an issue, hook up and have fun.

[ktmrfs]

our outback with the add on rear bumper carrier I fabricated is about 38ft overall, hooked up to the pickup I'm 65ft without the bikes on the back!!

Towing isn't an issue at all, manuvering for gas etc, not an issue. yes, there are sites I can't get into, but from my experience (your's may vary) the difference between a 32' trailer and mine is negligible in terms of sites and what I can get into. Either I need to be under 30ft or I fit.

Overall, I'm about 18K lbs overall. Even towing down the columbia river gorge, known for high crosswinds almost all the time has not been an issue unless they post a warning for truck traffic.

and if the highway can handle a 30ft trailer, I've found mine is ok as well.

Bottom line, IMHO if your comfortable towing what you have, another 5 ft isn't going to make a noticeable difference.

[SouthpawHD]

I'm at just under 34', or about 55' with truck. I don't think a few more feet with be an issue, however it would definitely require careful planning at gas stations and verifying campsite reservations to ensure that length would fit easily.

[dodge_guy]

I`de like to think 2 more feet wouldn't be an issue. but truth is 37 feet is a lot. I feel 35 is the cutoff, maybe because that's how long ours is...I don`t know, but I couldn`t imagine towing longer with even more truck. that's just a lot of length. I have never had an issue getting into any site and I`ve been in some tight sites! but 2 more feet of trailer and 2-3 feet more truck is just asking for complaints from yourself.

[kevden]

We went from a 21' to 35 1/2' (tongue to bumper). Getting in and out of gas stations is the biggest problem for us. After that it is navigating narrow campground roads. Since you have already experienced towing a long camper, I dont think you will have any surprises or problem going larger. Just be aware of the longer rear overhang and how it swings out in the opposite direction when you turn.

[Hannibal]

Xflyhighx wrote:
Look at my profile. I'm 65' long.We traveled over 10,000 miles this year. Only issues we had was sometimes making U turns on 4 lane roads and trying to go on sum 30 amp sites. Most 50 amp sites are big rig friendly. The good thing that I like best is my height. A good hitch and a good co-pilot is a stress free drive.

My F250 needs a bit of real estate to make a U-turn in. I haven't tried a full lock U-turn with it yet but the thought enters my mind occasionally. Can you make a full lock U-turn with your rig without making contact? Our trailer is 32.5' so just a shorty in comparison.

[Xflyhighx]

Look at my profile. I'm 65' long.We traveled over 10,000 miles this year. Only issues we had was sometimes making U turns on 4 lane roads and trying to go on sum 30 amp sites. Most 50 amp sites are big rig friendly. The good thing that I like best is my height. A good hitch and a good co-pilot is a stress free drive.

[Bob_Olallawa]

We towed a Grand Design 313RLTS,37 ft. pull trailer from the West coast to the East coast and back this summer. Only traveled around 300 miles between stops so we stayed at a lot of places with no problems. Our tow rig was a diesel 2500 GMC, the trailer towed great and the extra room inside is very nice.

[IdaD]

Your truck would handle it fine but to me 30' is the breaking point where fifth wheels make more sense due to the shorter overall package and superior towing characteristics. At 38' I wouldn't even toy with the idea of a TT.

I don't know the particulars of your truck but if it's a newer diesel your payload is really understated relative to the actual capability it has. Re-do your math and stay within your axle and tire ratings and see what that does for you. A 38' fifth wheel isn't small either, but the overall package would be the same length as you are towing now. And trust me when I say you'd enjoy the towing experience a lot more.

[n0arp]

evanrem wrote:
We currently have a 34 foot bunkhouse TT (hitch to bumper). We get out about 55 nights a year so we use it quite bit towing around the Midwest and usually one big trip a year. We are looking to upgrade and the TT units that meet most the requirements fall in around 37 foot. We can get the 34 footer just about every where we want (although tight in a few places)I'm thinking the 37 footer is just getting out of control and towing the extra 3 or 4 feet will be a pain. Looking for input on people who tow these huge TT's and what their overall experience is on it. The current rig tows like a dream after a truck upgrade (2500 HD) and I don't want to be back in the situation of a "white knuckle tow". I looked a Fifth wheels but the payload runs out quick and I really enjoy the bed space. The unit I really like is the Grand Design Reflection 312bhts

I know this isn't what you're looking for here, but if you want more space without white knuckle driving, go to a fifth wheel. You'll find ways to store your gear and can pick one according to your weight requirements.

[1Adam12]

We had a similar size TT at one time and pulled it with an Excursion. We were nearly 56' going down the road.

The issues were gas stations and getting into certain campsites. Some of our trips were to places we don't normally go. We had no problem 80% of the time, it was the 20% which caused some stress.

[DutchmenSport]

My Outback is 35.5 feet bumper to hitch. With truck in tow, I'm a total of 57.5 feet. We went from an 18 foot, to a 31 foot, to a 35.5 foot TT over the years, and found no problems with the 35.5 footer, except to make sure we have an adequate campsite when making reservations. A couple more feet would probably make no difference once you get this big.

[samsontdog]

I would keep what you have. I went from a 34 ft up to a 40 ft 5th w. I towed it for a yr and now use it for a rental in Yuma as it was just two big to get into places we wanted to go to