Big, too Big, Big enough? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

Big, too Big, Big enough?

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

We bought a 31' Class C with one slide out in the living area. We determined that would be enough space for the two of us - no pets no kids. We spent time in 40+ Class A's with multiple slide outs and felt it was overkill for a MOTORHOME. We plan on spending most of our time outside.

Sometimes it seems what some folks really want is to drag their S&B behind them or perhaps outdo the Jones.

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

I hear ya! I bet you guys are getting pretty excited round about now huh? not long till you get your new 'home' huh? Sorry you had to put away your painting supplies, what are you going to do with yourself? lol.

I don't want to feel too cramped in our MH, but I would like to have more options for where we go/stay. Some of the 32'-36' ones I have been in feel just as spacious as bigger ones and they have plenty of storeage too. I am thinking like you, I would prefer to have the 'outdoor' living space to enjoy and as we don't really plan on staying too long where it's too cold to be outside, I think that is a bigger consideration anyway

Good luck for June 4th! I look forward to your blog posts and all the excitement of your packing 'her' up to go on the road!!
huggs kim x

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've full-timed in 16', 17' and now a 35' vintage bus (that is only 8' wide, no slides). It's plenty big enough for us - we still have space we don't know what to do with.

So much comes down to a functional layout for your needs... and yes, personal preference.

- Cherie

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our current thinking is THE BIGGER THE BETTER. That might change one day, but we will be full time and having the BIG 45' MH is a real nice thing on a rainy day...Or any day for that matter. For us we like having what feels like a small apartment that is completely mobile allowing for a scenery change any time we want.....G

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

JayKim - We pick our new NEXUS up on April 5th and yes we are very excited - WOO-HOO

I'll miss painting, but the time will fly by quickly and once we hit South Carolina mid May I'll be painting like a mad man. Thanks for your good wishes.

Our motto is "Follow the sun - find the beaches" If it rains out we'll jump in the toad and go to a movie!!

The best to you.

dream reachers · RV-Dreams Family Member

We had a 35' fifth wheel and went to a 40' MH so that we could keep the same storage space that we had in our truck and trailer. The extra 4' over a 36' MH means a great deal when it comes to storage. I do carry quite a few tools with me because our volunteer church building projects. We have stayed in several state parks across the country and we have visited several nat'l parks ,but camp outside those because of our size. Personally I would not feel comfortable living fulltime in less than a 36'MH but I have seen many others that do. I do research areas that I want to camp near to find where we will fit and check cost factors.

Loydstuts · RV-Dreams Family Member

DW & I are about to embark on our 'Great Adventure'. Her deal breaker was having a washer/dryer. I just couldn't find any floorplan under 36' that had W/D connections. Food for thought. Thank Jay for his continued
service, and double huggs back at you. Be blessed. Loy & Debbie, and of course, Waddles the Wonder Wienie.

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

There well may be almost as many opinions as responders. This is such and indivicual decision. We began with a 36' diesel motorhome with one slide. We loved it! Five years later we moved up to a 40' same brand primarily for the reason it had a slide in the bedroom and newer technology. We love it!

The major difference has been that four feet added more size to the bathroom, the bedroom and storage. An four drawer chest with two large door areas above and closet across the entire rear make a big difference. The basement comparments are much more spacious.

As to driving and parking there has been virtually no difference. It is a dream to drive and maneuver - actually a bit easier due to a sharper front wheel cut. As to being able to get into CGs, we have stayed in national parks, state parks, county parks and even two city run parks plus private CGs. I am confident there are some we might have enjoyed, but this has not been a deterent to finding wonderful sites.

Back to the first statement - it is going to be a personal decision. And, yes, I could have been just as happy if our first MH had a slideout in the bedroom. We would miss the storage, but overall it was a great RV.

Whatever your choice, spend a good bit of time in the coach and get accustomed to layout. Most important is the quality of the chassis, drivetrain and carrying capacity from a balanced weight standpoint.

Have fun in your search!

RVRon · RV-Dreams Family Member

We're about to embark on our fulltime life in our 34' Class A. Right now we're unloading the house into the RV and filling every nook and cranny with our "stuff". We really wanted to be able to stay in a lot of state and national campgrounds so thought staying under 35' would be beneficial. It really is a personal decision as to how much space you need for both storage and your lifestyle.

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

We're in a 38' 5th wheel. For me, it wasn't only the space but the floorplan that was important, and the 38' was the only unit that had the floorplan I wanted. I can't imagine the 2 of us in a smaller rig. But I agree with others that it is a really personal decision. You have to think about how you'll live in it & what features are important to you.

Cindy T

Neil and Connie · RV-Dreams Family Member

Cindy T wrote:
We're in a 38' 5th wheel. For me, it wasn't only the space but the floorplan that was important, and the 38' was the only unit that had the floorplan I wanted. I can't imagine the 2 of us in a smaller rig. But I agree with others that it is a really personal decision. You have to think about how you'll live in it & what features are important to you.

Cindy T

Connie and I concur; floor plan is what you're looking for. Our in progress New Horizons is 39 (actually 37 but we added 2 feet in the bedroom to get nightstands on the sides of the bed). Given that it's our only house…we'll have to store more than a weekend camper will and we just felt like anything smaller would have been too cramped. Our other choice was an Elite Suites 38 but the New Horizons construction is far superior.

janieD · RV-Dreams Family Member

We FT in a 30 ft 5th wheel and find it large enough for us. The only thing I wish I had is a little more counter space in the kitchen. We actually have space in a couple places that we haven't used yet. One of our fears of getting a larger rig is that we keep more stuff and our goal was to simplify to less stuff but everyone has to find their comfort zone.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

janieD - I agree 100% - everybody TALKS about downsize but yet most people seem to want more and more room so they can start filling up the RV with STUFF - does it ever end????

ken and cindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

RVPAINTER wrote:
janieD - I agree 100% - everybody TALKS about downsize but yet most people seem to want more and more room so they can start filling up the RV with STUFF - does it ever end????

Does it ever end ??? Currently we have 43' does anyone know when the 53 footers come out, this ones getting cramp ...lol

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

Love my 40 footer. If I ever buy another (unlikely) it will be 45'.

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

RVPAINTER wrote:
janieD - I agree 100% - everybody TALKS about downsize but yet most people seem to want more and more room so they can start filling up the RV with STUFF - does it ever end????

Even in a fictional 55' RV (giggle) - that would be way less room and storage space than an average sized American apartment, nevermind a typical suburban house. I think RVers at any size are on the minamilist side on a whole.

Whatever you choose.. it has to be a homebase that is sustainable for you. Something that gives you the space to be comfortable and have the things with you that make it home. Squishing in too tight just leads to eventual burn out. Managing too many feet and trying to squeeze into too many tiny campsites will too.

In the end.. it's all about balance. And that will vary... but when you think about it... 45 sq ft vs 400 sq ft (the two extremes of most typical RVs), isn't that much of a delta when you look at the range of typical American homes. Heck, most 1 bedroom apartments start at 700-800 sq ft.

- Cherie

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

"In the end.. it's all about balance. And that will vary..."

I could not agree more.

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you for all the responses guys/gals

It's good to hear what everyone else is comfortable with, there are so many good deals out there right now, it's tough to even 'think' about what may be best for us, let alone come up with a shortlist! I think we have got our list down to about three as far as make/company of the RV, we are in the throws of making list of the included options we would like now, boy! that is not easy either!! There are certain things I would prefer in the floorplan, free standing dining area, washer/dryer (or at least connections) I really want an oven, Jay wants a desk....the list goes on.....

That isn't even including mechanical/ent' options! Guess it will all come together when the timing is right, i'm just so darned impatient, I want it all now!!

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ours 2010 New Horizons is 42'. The 2012 New Horizons will be 42' 6". So I guess this is the sweet spot for us. Our rig previous to the New Horizons was a 38' Royals International. We found that to be fine, but when we built the 2010 NH we wanted a washer/dryer and did not want to give up storage space for clothing...so now we have a W/D and lots of storage. By the way, the 2010 New Horizons is still for sale. A great deal for someone that is looking for a luxury RV.

Here is what we have found moving from a 36' Newmar, to a 38' Royakls International, to a 42' New Horizons. From a parking perspective I notice no difference. There may be places we could get the 36' into that we can not ger the 42' into. But I have not found them yet. But we do not try to go into tiny Forest Service campgrounds, either. We have absolutely no issue with going anywhere we wish....we may have to look for a site, like Howard and Linda do, but having a 42' RV makes no difference as far as I can tell. FOR US. Your travels may be entirely different. But in 12 years fulltime I have not experienced the "problems" of a large rig that seem to often be touted on forums.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

We started with a 35' motorhome and now have a 40' motorhome. We seem to get into the same locations. If we had been 32-33' or shorter with the first RV we had a few more choices of campsites. Now I can tell you that going to 42-43' would limit us in a couple important locations since we barely fit at 40'. Those important locations are the nice campground close to my mother where we would have to park the car in the limited overflow parking and the street in front of a friend's house, we barely fit from the property line to into his driveway.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

IMHO - it seems we look forward to going from a big house filled with a lot of STUFF to a small "home on wheels" with only the essentials. Ahhhhhh the freedom from all that STUFF - we all brag about our Estate sales and our donations. Then the materialistic juices start to flow once again and we MUST HAVE A BIGGER home on wheels so more STUFF can be bought and stored.

Sort of comical. :>)

I will say if I could afford a $250,000+ BIG - BIG - RIG I would rather buy a nice home on the Island of Aruba or Anguilla - now that is what freedom and living is all about - IMHO!

I think we will be very happy me & my DW ( no kids - no pets ) in our 31 footer. Starting RV-ing at 72 years of age I doubt that I will ever want or for that matter go down the BIGGER route.

It's a personal choice - whatever floats your boat and works for each of us.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

I originally wanted a truck camper but my wife wanted more. After eight years I am used to what we have and we are still doing fine.

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

So, taking out of the equation the parking, not being that big an issue. I guess we just get what we find is comfortable for the both of us

Not yet sure if we will be having sox (the psycho cat) travel with us as yet, he seems to have found some new friends and a family that really don't want to give him up while we have both been away from home. We shall see how Jay feels about letting them keep him! hmmmm!

I am really looking forward to the search, just have to wait patiently (yeah right) for Jay to come home!
huggs kim x

Lynn and Ed · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill,

Thank you for sharing -- fun and funny at the same time. Although I could be wrong, their target market does not appear to be full-time RVers and/or indivdiuals looking to stay in national and/or state parks smile .

However if I ever would like to take a look at a 55 foot RV and/or a 2 story expandable trailer, I will know where to look biggrin (i.e., http://www.andersonmobileestates.com/home.php)

Edit by moderator: Set link to open in new window. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 19th of March 2012 05:59:21 PM

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

For those of you that would like to MH "ON" the water this looks like the way to go.

http://goez40.hubpages.com/hub/LAND-AND-WATER-MOTORHOME--AMAZING

Edit by moderator: Set link to open in new window. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 19th of March 2012 06:01:16 PM

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

While it is a personal choice as to what you want I want to echo Jack’s comments about rig size. Our rig is about the same size as H & L’s (just under 39’) and we’ve never had a problem parking it wherever we wanted to stay and that has included trips to Alaska and the Canadian Northwest Territories. IMO rig size has almost nothing to do with hauling “stuff.” It has to do with comfort, the ability to have room to move around and not feel confined. This is all a personal preference and personal attitude.

Now, if you feel you can’t handle (park) a larger rig simply due to inexperience, then we suggest RV driving schools to show you how. Much of the time that training is necessary for anyone if they have never handled a larger vehicle; be it a fiver or a MH. Please keep that factor in mind, getting training, if that is a concern. Most people can learn how this is done. With that training your options open up and the stress factor goes down if you think you might want a larger rig. It’s an option.

(BTW, we’ve had 5 RV’s, and each one got bigger, but we still take about the same stuff with the exception of the generator and water capacities.)

Save travels

Bill

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

ken and cindy wrote:
Does it ever end ??? Currently we have 43' does anyone know when the 53 footers come out, this ones getting cramp ...lol

If you curious, they’ve already come out and we’ve seen them. Really nice, but sorta big. Not kidding. PM me if you want to know where to get one.

Bill

RonaldNC · RV-Dreams Family Member

We started with a 32' motorhome. It was fine for me, but momma really wanted a bigger kitchen/prep area... so we now have a 38' motorhome. It has a bigger kitchen and a slightly bigger bedroom. That generally seems to be the big difference between those sizes in most motorhomes. Just based on my observations at RV shows, it looks like the biggest difference in the 38' and 42/45' is the rear full bathroom. I can see how some folks would like this feature... but I really don't spend much time in there.

This is probably too simplistic, but it helps me to rationalize why I didn't spend more money for an even bigger RV.

Ron

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

Want bigger? Biggest? Bump outs can go up as well. Nothing like a 2-story RV at the local KOA!
http://www.businessinsider.com/will-smith-trailer-2011-5

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill Adams wrote:
Want bigger? Biggest? Bump outs can go up as well. Nothing like a 2-story RV at the local KOA!
http://www.businessinsider.com/will-smith-trailer-2011-5

ashamed That is just crazy OTT!!

Bill, I totally agree with you on the RV driving school, Jay is already talking about getting a CDL license before he drives an RV. Also, Palmetto RV, which is most likely the dealer we will buy from, offers a free RV school, he has you stay in their campground overnight to get used to all the bells/whistles etc, also gives you a chance to find anything not working as it should, he takes you out driving around town and even takes you around Walmart to show you some of the camping stuff you may want to consider buying biggrin

When we were stationed in the UK (my home from birth to 25) we would go cruising the canals in the family narrow boat for weeks at a time, it was only 7' wide and 45'long, but we just loved it. We had 2 small boys at the time too, this time around it will just be the two of us, i'm sure that anything above a 36' MH will feel pretty spacious after that

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

JayKim, we fully understand your questions, since we're asking the same ones ourselves. Some people buy 3-4 coaches in a couple of years, as they try to get things exactly right. Others, like us, spend hours researching and asking questions, hoping to get it right the first time. Both groups seem to enjoy doing what they're doing.

As you have undoubtedly been told many times, "try" the coaches that interest you. "Fix and eat" a meal; "wash up" afterward. "Take" a shower, "make" the bed. That will help you evaluate a coach to see if it works for you. In the meantime, try to make a list of everything that you will want to have with you. If there is something large, a KitchenAid mixer or table saw, make a note of the dimensions (including weight) and carry a tape measure with you as you look. If that "must-have" item can't fit, scratch that coach or figure out some other solution.

You will rarely be unhappy (I think) if you buy a coach that is slightly larger than what you absolutely need. You will constantly be unhappy if you buy one too small. Consider your "mission" profile. Will you be staying mostly in new, full-service campgrounds, small city or county campgrounds, boondocking, or a mix? Pay attention to the sizes of the various tanks. Sometimes a larger coach has larger tanks. If you are boondocking those can really be handy.

We've pretty much decided that a 36' is as small as we want to go, and 40' is as large as we want. There are lots of coaches in that range, so finding one that will fit us shouldn't be too difficult. I'm in favor of no slides, but Jo Ann isn't completely sold on that idea yet, although she's starting to see that it is possible. Also remember that tag axles start showing up at 38' (at least that's the smallest DP tag I've found) and are pretty common above 40'.

Jay, thanks for your service. Many years ago I considered the Air Force (I was in the CAP), but they didn't want to consider me.

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you David,

Sounds like you and 'we' are going through the same process in our research, I can understand how a 'try before you buy' kind of thing would work, but unless we could afford to hire a few different sizes, which we can't

We will just have to get inside the different sizes and 'imagine' ourselves in them

We are of the same opinion, 36' is probably about the smallest we would want, just have to convince Jay that it would be enough!

Thank you for the response, it's good to know that we are not alone in all the many choices and not really convinced which way to go:)
huggs kim x

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Kim, I didn't mean to rent various coaches, although that might be an idea for the top two finalists, but rather pretend to take a shower, fix a meal, etc. going through the motions. In the case of the shower, get it, close the door, and pretend. We really liked one 5'er on paper. When we actually saw one, we pretended to make the bed. Couldn't do it. That design has been eliminated from further consideration.

BTW, the top two MH brands that we're considering at this time are Bluebird Wanderlodges and Foretravels. PM me if you want some links.

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanx David:)

I know, I was kinda joking on the renting different MH's :) I'm not sure there are many of us that could afford that lol.
Our two faves right now are foretravel and Winnebago, haven't seen the wanderlodges....hmm, more research:) I hear you on the bed making, some of them are a little tight at the pillow end huh?

We will be 'trying' a few out for size when Jay gets home toward the end of May.
huggs Kim x

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

JayKim-no regrets wrote:
Bill, I totally agree with you on the RV driving school, Jay is already talking about getting a CDL license before he drives an RV.

Kim:

As a suggestion, check you state, or the state you plan to legally reside in driver’s license laws before having DH jump into a CDL. They can be expensive and troublesome to renew. (Like yearly medical exams - depending) Some states, like mine, offer what I call a “CDL light.” It is a “Class A” (or Class "B") license which is for people driving big rigs (they define that by weight) but does not have the same cost or yearly testing requirements as a full CDL. Other states have RV “endorsements.” Some have no additional requriements - it is a state by state thing.

I won’t go into all the detail here. Two suggestions: check for yourself the state laws and don’t believe all you read on the web, especially in forums, about what is required or not required about the driver’s license requirements for RV's. Half the time they are wrong and the half they are only half right. Been there and read them.

Naturally none of this has to do with a driving school.

Safe travels

Bill & Linda

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

kb0zke wrote:
Kim, I didn't mean to rent various coaches, although that might be an idea for the top two finalists, but rather pretend to take a shower, fix a meal, etc. going through the motions. In the case of the shower, get it, close the door, and pretend. We really liked one 5'er on paper. When we actually saw one, we pretended to make the bed. Couldn't do it. That design has been eliminated from further consideration.

BTW, the top two MH brands that we're considering at this time are Bluebird Wanderlodges and Foretravels. PM me if you want some links.

I know you are primarily considering motorhomes, but I thought I would comment on the bolded and underlined part above. We have a DRV Suites product, which normally come standard with a king-sized bed. Since we were going to order anyway, we ordered ours with a queen-sized bed instead. Not only is it easier to make the bed, but we gained a second "nightstand" as well.

It might be that if one is ordering an RV instead of buying "off the lot" that one can sometimes "work out" a solution.

Terry

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

>>

Thanx Bill, will talk to Jay about that, we will be changing our State of residence, it is SC right now, but we will be doing more research/comparisons, once Jay gets home, he is better at that kind of thing than me

huggs Kim x

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

kb0zke wrote:

BTW, the top two MH brands that we're considering at this time are Bluebird Wanderlodges and Foretravels. PM me if you want some links.

I looked at a few of the Wanderlodges, they look pretty good. We are not sure that we want to go with no slides though and the ones that had them were above our price range! We will keep checking though:)

huggs Kim x

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

JayKimlol.
Our two faves right now are foretravel and Winnebago, FWI......that is like comparing a Chevy to a Rolls Royce Keep looking, take your time, many good deals out there...

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

GENECOP wrote:
JayKimlol.
Our two faves right now are foretravel and Winnebago, FWI......that is like comparing a Chevy to a Rolls Royce Keep looking, take your time, many good deals out there...

Yeah! lol. Would love to find a foretravel with everything we 'want' in our price range!! They seem to be a pretty rare find, unless of course you have found websites that I haven't? confuse

Huggs Kim x

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, we were able to tour the DRV factory last summer, and we were really impressed. They are at the top of our 5'er list (they're also the middle and bottom, since nothing else is on it) at the moment. Jo Ann would love to have a 5'er, but she isn't thrilled with the truck necessary to pull it. That's why we're taking so much time trying to decide what we want.

Two more factory tours are planned for this summer.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

David,

Well, you are way ahead of me in one sense. We've not been able to tour the factory yet. All the touring that we got was by looking at photos that others had taken that had taken the tour.

You are wise in looking at every option. And, each option (motorhome or fiver) has their own benefits and detractions. We would have been content with either a Tiffin Phaeton 42-foot motorhome or the Mobile Suites. Price is what made the final decision.

Good luck with the other tours, and if you are looking at motorhomes as well, be sure and see if you can take some "lengthy" test drives. One dealer here in OKC (McClain's RV) allowed us to drive two different Phaetons. One we drove for about 80 to 100 miles and the other for about 200 miles. However, I'm not sure how lenient other dealers will be with such lengthy test drives.

Terry

Jake62 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill Adams wrote:
Want bigger? Biggest? Bump outs can go up as well. Nothing like a 2-story RV at the local KOA!
http://www.businessinsider.com/will-smith-trailer-2011-5

This RV was highlighted on "Celebrity RVs" which aired on March 23rd here in DC. At $2.3 million, it's unbelievable. RV 2012 preceded that show and was an hour long of the 2012 Hersey RV show and hightlighted three families looking for three different type of RVs (Class DP; 5er; and trailer). That show was much more practical for those looking to purchase a future RV, that is, unless you're Will Smith.