Is a 40+ Foot Motorhome Too Big For National Parks?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ค. 2024
- We get asked this question A LOT so here are our thoughts on if a 40+ Motorhome is too big. If you want even more information, please see our travel blog post on it here... OutsideOurBubble.com/40-foot-m...
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I have a 40 footer coach, the 33-36 footers have a wheelbase 5 foot shorter than my coach. It’s not just the length one needs to consider. Wheelbase lengths hamper turning radius and toggling around culverts and ditches. And I drove 18 wheelers 25 plus years. That extra 5 foot adds challenges in tight areas.
I had a 45 foot when my husband and I traveled together. We never had any problems finding a place to stay. We also hauled a 25 foot trailer behind.
Since he passed, I travel in a 36 foot. I don't need the extra space.
Happy travels!
isawondfl1 happy travels.
Of course you don’t regret it. Some campgrounds are picky as to who and what they let in. If your rig is too old, a big fat no, even if everything is updated and current. You guys motivated me to renovate our 2000 35’ motorhome. I looked to you guys for many things, especially WiFi. An extra ten feet would be great. Size matters. Buy what you want and afford. It’s been 4 years for us . This year we went nowhere. But the last three summers were cool. There is nothing like traveling in your own home. Even though our rig is older we totally enjoyed it. You guys rock!
Thanks for creating, and posting, this! Nice to hear from people over that magic 40' number......
I guess this is a personal thing. Apparently some cannot image not traveling with large campers, and certainly some added size is needed if more than just a couple. We have a 21' class B (24' would be too long). For us (both about 60), we are travelers and explorers, not "campers". Many of the National Park camp grounds do not easily accomodate big rigs, and while there are often camp sites outside the parks, these are often 30 minutes or more from the entrance. We do lots of photography, and the best time is at sunrise and sunset (best time even if you are not photographers too). Getting up an hour earlier to get into position for a beautiful sunrise is not worth having room for an extra couch to watch TV from. We spend less than 10 minutes setting up or tearing down and can decide in the middle of the day that "things have changed" and we want to stay somewhere else or explore further up the road. Don't want to have to drive back to the campsite to retrieve the "mobile" home. We can come into any city and usually park in a standard parking spot. As you point out ... it can be done with your larger rig but the additional time and hassle to accomodate the rig, would often cause one to just decide to "skip" opportunities to explore. I am sure you can count any number of times you didn't stop someplace that you would have if you were only in your car. We have comfy twin beds, kitchen, work/entertainment area, large bath (small tanks...). How many places do you need to sit down?? We could't even justify a 24' class B for the additional lost opprotunities the added 3' would cause. I have to admit, I don't always have a lot of patience, and owning a rig that big would require a lot more of it.
This is soooo awesome! We upgraded to a 42' fifth wheel last year (and we adore it). We did it primarily because we want to go full-time in the next 2-5 years (hopefully closer to 2), and I initially had worries about not being able to fit in some campgrounds. Right now we go out in our rig once a month on average (even if it's just for a long weekend) and have not yet had any issues. My husband moves semi-trailers all day at work so he's very comfortable towing it, so that wasn't a concern, but I was worried about routes and finding spots (especially since we also have a back porch on ours that we love to use but require an additional 10 feet in a space to use it). We haven't yet had an issue finding a campground that has sites large enough in the areas we want to visit. We mainly camp in Florida/Georgia area and I realize Florida is very RV friendly in general so I'm so happy to hear it's not something to worry about around the country for when we go full time. Thank you for this! I think we'll be looking into a Rand McNally trucker/RV GPS system at some point, too.
Sure miss hearing from you more often. Of all the video blogs I keep up with Your's seem to be the most entertaining, educating and relevant to RVing. Hope you enjoy your summer and be safe.
Thanks. That was very kind of you to say.
You two are a breath of fresh air. I really love your cheerfulness and enthusiasm. My day is coming when I'm fulltime RVing and "Living Outside my Bubble".
Glad to see you both looks like you are doing well and have settled down at the home site for the next 4 to 5 months stay safe have fun
bro and broette, i always find myself smiling along with you both during these videos. cheers.
Perfect timing! We have been discussing this very thing for the past month and your info was very helpful. Thank you! ~Mel
I am soooo glad that I ran across your video. I have owned class "A' before and even full timed in one 30+ years ago and now am thinking of getting another one. The big popular demand now is the class "B" vans. While they are nice and pack a lot into a high top van they still don't have the room that a class "A" has and then there is the price. My word---you can't get into one that is decent for less than $100,000. I can buy a goo well cared for 40' class "A" for $40,000. My dilemma has been parking it and using it. You say you can park it into most National and State parks which is a big concern. Driving it and handling I have no problem with. Maintenance for a Desir pusher is another concern since I have only owned a gas before, but I have driven bus conversions before and they are a dream. Really going to watch your videos to educative myself for that $40k class "A" is looking really good to me right now :)
"Never not", it is so hypnotic lol.
This video is so useful because I have a plan to convert 40 foot long bus into RV!
Just wanted to thank you both for this video.
After purchasing a 40-foot fifth wheel, we were shocked stun and upset to learn that some in the RV community said that we would not be able to get in or take advantage of national parks.
This was our RV of a lifetime. A 37 year dream that finally came true and you can imagine how our hearts sank when hearing this.
Your video has given a us new found hope and expectations then we in fact will be ok. Even though we may not be able to get actually inside ALL the parks, none the less we will still be able to stay close to the parks and see this great country of ours.
I am so happy to have found this video. I have been shopping a 40' with a bath and half due to the fact I will be traveling at first with my son and daughter in law and 3 small dogs. I had almost made the decision to go smaller due to meeting national park length requirements. But after reviewing your video I believe I will stay with the 40' option and with a tow w/4 on the ground. I figure I can camp where ever and drive to see what I can't get a 40' RV into for camping. thank you for sharing.
Perfectly addresses the reservations my wife has about buying a tag-axle motorhome. Thank you!
We were looking to pick up a 42' bus and convert it to a skoolie, this was one of my concerns. Glad to hear that there still are options for us people with bigger rigs to fit into...
Very reassuring, I couldn’t imagine going smaller then we are in our skoolie. I was definitely a little worried about getting around and in places, but this video helped!
You guys always have a video going on the topic that most vloggers overlook. Thanks for your detailed guidance.
Thanks for the wisdom you two. It's always great when a video is fun and informative. This was both
I'm enjoying your channel. We just found it and I love your playful attitude and common sense. Thanks for sharing.
Charlie and Martha (Wandering Toes)
“Size Matters” had her blushing hard. I see you David 😂😂 👏🏽
First time watching you two. Very nice presentation and personality and info. Thanks much!!
Hi Bill...Thank you very much. We try. Please be so kind to subscribe if you have not already. :)
Great topic. We are presently evaluating purchasing a large motorhome and this was one of our key questions
Early in RV research process to buy. Figure I want the shortest motorhome with a half bath. Appreciate you guys sharing your experiences!! Thx!
This is an awesome video. We are presently in the process of selling our 2019 Ford F-250 diesel and our 37’ puma to get into a class a.
Thank you for this positive information!!
A 40ish+ foot motor home is great for the room no dispute. But you simply can't get to the same spots a smaller rig - at least not without unhooking and driving your dingy to get there a lot of the time. Now that may not be a big deal if you are retired with lots of extra time to site see, and lots of extra time to mess with your dingy; However, it is a big deal for someone limited to a two or three week vacation trip. So yes, you can get to the same places as a small rig, but it takes a lot of extra time and planning to get it done. Nice rig by the way and keep up the good work!
You guys are very likable. Someday we may see you out on the road!
THANK YOU for snapping me out of the SIZE anxiety. I'm down to two 5'ers. One is 35', the other is 38.5'.
Pfft. I'll make 'er fit!
I agree Bigger is Better!! last year we bought our 43' Holiday Rambler Navigator and a Chevy Suburban for our dingy. Like you we have never had any problems finding a place to stay and we are very happy with our purchase moving up from a 36' HR and Jeep. We have stayed at many state and federal campgrounds without issue, it's all a matter of planning. However we do get a few dirty looks from the Prius driving crowd here in the PNW, maybe they don't like Suburban drivers LOL. Anyway we have so enjoyed your videos and hope to see more of your adventures in the future. We really enjoyed the tour of your coach it's just beautiful.
Before this video my brain has been working overtime trying to decide. Thanks for the confirmation. You two rock.
Miss your vblogs, always informative and entertaining. Thanks
Just found you guys ♥️ Great Information 🤗 Thank you 🌠my Husband and I, just bought a 1998 36 ft. National Tradewinds Diesel pusher. 05/22/2017. Bless you both, with great health and happiness, Today, Tommorw, And Always 🌠💫🌟 Don and Donna, Northern, Nevada.
Great message. Thank you!
Thanks a lot, I have already the same question... And you got me too...
Awesome, thanks so much, I needed to hear this
Love your videos, if I've had bad day all I have to do is watch one of your videos and ya'll put a smile on my face. ..... btw, I have not had any place I could get into. lol
Good info, thanks and GOD BLESS you and yours 🌹... 🖤👽
Hi there! New subscriber from the San Juan Mountains of CO. I have really enjoyed the couple of video's of yours' that I've seen. And...how appropriate to stumble on this video as we are in the midst of beginning our look for a Class A or Class C motorhome. We envision being part timers; taking 1-2 month trips to focus on particular parts of the country (Pacific northwest, rocky mountains, New England, California (gets it's own 1-2 month trip). Also, the emphasis will be on national parks. Hence, the mattering of size is great to hear from you two. Safe travels!!
fantastic advise.. Beautiful motorhome by the way..
We have stationary luxury camped and we finally went cross country in our 35' pace arrow and boy did we realize that it is too big for us and 2 dogs. It was hard keeping the thing on the road because the back end kept swaying. Our toad the fiesta did great. My husband turned this thing around in a tiny Murphy's gas station with no problem. I guess after the long drive he could do anything. Thanks for the video.
Glad to read you got Outside YOUR Bubble and went on an adventure! Memories surely were made!
We just got a 40 ft Itasca...its huge but we love it
Very nice excellent convincing talk thanks
hello there from cali, jst got a 37 ftr thanx for the video, very helpful, you two are goofy...…….and kewl!
Congrats and thanks! Signed your Kewl video people.
I like your rig alot
Good for you I think some people are getting in this fad of going so small that I don't think it's fair to their kids
Why go small, when you can spend the kiddies' inheritances?!?!?!?!?!
@@pro2a261 It isn't the parents responsibility to ensure the kiddies get a bunch of stuff they didn't earn. I think you are a kid yourself.
Awesome couple. God bless you 😊💖
Thank you. Excellent! You guys are so cute.
My next upgrade may be a 40ft coach, currently we have a 35ft gas coach and I cannot think of a place we have been in the last 5 years that we would not have been able to fit with the extra 5 ft. My concern would be ground clearance for boondock sites right now we have plenty but a diesel dunno how is you're clearance? Thanks for the video.
This video was SO helpful! Thank you SO much for this. I am trying to convince my wife to move into this life style and the large motor home would definitively be our option. Any other resources we could use in our final decision about sticking with the large RV? I am trying to do my homework as much as I can to avoid surprises. Thanks again and please keep up with the videos! Cheers. Eduardo.
Sorry, not really sure where to direct you other than on-line community forums on RVing.
Thanks guys for your honesty on big RVs. I plan on getting a tag axel myself hopefully within the next 10 months Lord willing. You guys are awesome and keep up the great work. Question, do you plan on going to Banff National Park in Alberta next year? Stay safe and be good to each other.
It is not in the plans. Thanks for the kind words.
You guys are so cute together. Love it!!!
Thank you kindly. Nice of you to take the time to mention it. :)
I like you two, i also like your lifestyle and your motorhome and cats, you have the Rv i want but i dont see any in the UK. x
very nice vlog well done 😀😀😀
I love the 40 ft RVS so much, because its the next best thing to a real home no matter what!🥰
Hey guys! Just found your videos today. A completely off the video subject question- where do you place the litter box for your cats? Thanks! Great vids!
An out of the way corner in the walk in closet.
You guys are great. I wish more people had the positive outlook that you guys exude. Quick question - totally unrelated to the content... Your coach looks so beautiful can you direct me to one of your videos on how you get that shine on your coach's exterior. I have heard a lot of people use Zep Wet Look Floor Polish. What about your guys? Thanks so much and as always... safe travels. bg
Here you go... outsideourbubble.com/professional-rv-wash-and-waxing/
😂😂😂 size matters thats great love video keep on trucking🐻👍👍
As a friend of mine says, "You can't hide money." LOL We've had a couple of Class A motorhomes and now a Class C. Although we're giving up space, I love the maneuverability, stability on the interstate, and the general lack of stress driving our Class C.
As with most everything, what works for one doesn't for another. After owning both a class A and C on Ford chassis we was not happy with the suspensions on either. It didn't matter how much money we threw at suspension upgrades, to many highways and interstates are sadly beat up and worn out resulting in traveling that we often didn't enjoy. After 2 years of owning a class A diesel pusher I have found my general lack of stress in driving a motorhome to be drastically reduced. I don't care that the coach is bigger than what we need for space if that's what it takes to have the ride/drive comfort we had hoped for in the previous rigs.
Thanks for the insight. This is something we've wondered about when looking at possible future coaches.
Some comp b, tnt, c4. And we can make room-LOL!. Stay safe. Happy Motoring belay that. Happy rv-ing...
DAVE / BRENDA another nice job !
We have looked at all types of RVs and each type has it's own advantages. Our thinking was a smaller class A that could fit in almost every park, that was safe in crashes as a class A can be, etc. We had pretty much decided on a Winnie 35 SF. Class C's we had eliminated because they were typically cramped and dark living quarters. One day we went to look at a Winnie and stumbled onto a very different Class C, the Sunseeker 3050s. What a difference from the rest. There was a lot of light inside and with the entire driver's side of the RV that is a huge slide the room was ample. It even has enough guts to tow approximately 7000 lbs...which is a nice sized toad.
You are absolutely right about getting what you want but take a lot of time to think it through because if that new TV comes up short for you it is a costly mistake. We've thought it through for over a year and yet changed our mind within minutes because something new for ame out on the market the suddenly fit perfect for us.
Caught by spell check.... "RV" not "TV" :-)
A 7000 lb toad!
dlwatib I could tow 7k but I go as light as possible. However, it sure is nice to have that extra towing capacity when going up hill. I always love the overkill.
Bigger is not always better. My wife and I travel in a Yugo that we converted to a camper by putting a blanket and 2 pillows in it.
We get about 32 MPG. I'm 6 foot 5", so it does get a little cramped at times, but easy to park.
I agree. I think the most RV RVers need would be 35' in length.
Yes I love these 2 people very much! :-) I WANT MY OWN MOTORHOME!!!!! hahahahaha..... xxxxxx
Thanks, that is too kind....We have a few videos as we try to help others who are new to motorhomes. If you come to the US, maybe we will be in the area and you can ride along for a short trip. LOL OutsideOurBubble.com
So the real answer is, “Yes, we can’t drive into some national parks because of the size of our RV. Along with certain places or drive certain routes because our motorhome is to big and to heavy. But that was our choice and we are willing to live with it.”
Anyone notice the little squirrel running in the background at 3:46. :-)
WOW...Surprised you had seen that. :)
What a beautiful couple! I like you guys
My “bubble“ is a 587 Peterbilt and of all things I purchase was a 93 Bounder
Great video! I'm looking at changing from a travel trailer to a 37 ft Class A, and this was very helpful in deciding if it was too big. Question though, I also plan to camp on Weyerhauser land out in Washington state, just wondering if you've done any driving or camping with your RV on mountain roads? I know those roads have to accommodate logging trucks, so I would think it's not a problem, but just wondered if you've had any experience on that. Thank you.
Sorry to say we have not been on those roads. 45 foor coaches don't bend as well as logging trucks! :)
@@DavidBott That's true lol, but what about 37? :)
@@vitaminbp1 Well I would have to think a 37 ft is easier to fit in than a 45 ft. that's for sure. So you'd probably have much better luck that way. I'm just talking about what I can talk about, and that is, our 45 ft long motor coach. So I would have to think that you would have more options with a 37 ft coach. In my humble opinion.
Love this video, learn about the truckers atlas, thank you 💕💕💕
how can I have my own blog channel? do you have a membership. to like thousand trails or something like that? and Which is the best
Love your videos and the High tech Gagets you're having fun with...me and my lady,,,someday soon,,,yeeeehaaa!!!
Great information thank you ! how do you plan for fuel consumption in areas that may not have gas stations for miles.
Oh, you learn that right away. :) You learn what your range is based on your gauge after some time. For example, If we fill up we can do about just over 1,000 miles with say 100 miles buffer before we go...Oh Sh*t!!!
Thanks David..lol that makes sense. Happy travels
you 2 are so funny.. lol
Ha Ha Ha! Mouse in background at 3:45, probably already noted
Chipmunk actually. We feed them by hand. :)
Ha! as long as you don't take them with you. Just learning about RV'ing and this made we wonder about stowaways.
hello David, i wanted to ask you if you have visited Denali national park, and were you able to get your home into the place you wanted, hope your both doing well...
Hello Robert...I am sorry we have not yet visited Denali. It is on our list, though that does not help you at this point. ;-)
I have a 36 we love it .we also want to live in it trying to figure income thing.lol
What is the "Not" count of this video....... LOL!
David. Have you taken any tree limbs down with the Motorhome
Hummm.....Nope. I had to have some trimmed when an RV park was not taken care of in that regard.
Hi David, thanks for the video...What do you have for trimming tree branches ?
National parks don't accommodate commercial size vehicles. RV parks and Campgrounds are two different things.
How come you guys don't seem to ever go to the northwest part of the country? Washington, Idaho and Oregon are really nice places.
Hi....Just have not be able to travel there based on other things that where going on. HOWEVER...We do currently plan to leave here in mid August and do just that!!! We are excited to get to those areas!
I have a 40ft Phaeton. I'm considering a 40ft Allegro Bus, or a 44ft Phaeton. My question is about the ride quality of a tag axle. Will a tag axle MH ride as smooth as a 40ft MH? I've been told the tag is more sturdy, but I'm looking for the smoother ride over bumpy roads. Thanks.
It will ride smoother seeing it can distribute the weight better, you have more rubber on the road to help with wind, and you will not have the "dolphin" effect when going over humps. For smoother ride you want to be sure your tire pressure is set right and that they are now running at max air pressure which makes them very hard and thus a harder "HIT" when you hit a bump.
+David Bott Thanks David! You guys are great.
What kind of drone do you have?
Custom built XAircraft 650 and also a Phantom 2.
Just plain "never had an issue", period!
you mean buy what you can afford, right?
not from last 3 4 years!
Thanks for this..How about parking in Walmart and malls? .Do you have a hard time parking a 45 feet in those areas where parking space is not too big?
We park in Walmarts quite often when traveling point to point and need a stop. Never did a mall however. Not any issue at all.
Thanks for this. I will be proceeding to get a Newmar Dutch star 4362... A 43 feet + long diesel class A
Like they said, so long as you watch out for and go the tuck route even to get to a marketplace it is easy to park. Two Walmarts by me (both within 10 miles) have ample parking, one where RVs park up front after taking the truck only entry/exit and the other has side entry to a mostly open space parking zone that even the longest RVs park from time to time.
Does the BLM land allow an RV that size. I had heard that they have size restrictions
We have not hand any issues on BLM land.
Good to know you have agreat coach hope to see you out there someday
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I consider any 'motorhome' to be an indulgence and not really necessary. Much less one that is '40ft' or over.
People today are over obsessed with holidays and leisure.
My only regret about my 40’ Bluebird Coach is that I should have bought the 45’ version instead!! Anything less than 40’ is just too small. But at least I have the Cummins 650hp engine 😊