symbasden
WI
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Joined: 07/29/2003
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My 33' trailer is easier to back in some ways than my 21' footer but in other ways it is not. It is easier because it doesn't respond as fast to steering input from the truck as the 21 did so you can't jacknife it as easily. However since it takes so long to turn you need more room to cut it into a site. 30 feet is probably close to the limit in a lot of state park sites around me. I have not had my 33' in a state park yet but it is new this year.
Jeff
2009 Rockwood Signature Ultra Light 8317SS
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 QC LB Hemi
DW Kelly and DD
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kfriceman
Ferndale, WA
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Joined: 02/12/2005
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We held at 30 ft. because to go longer meant a serious curtailing of available camping locations that fits our preferences.
-Kevin
2008 Tango 299BHS * 2007 GMC Yukon Denali
Trip count 2008: 10
Nights camped 2008: 31
The Rice Paddy
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kfriceman
Ferndale, WA
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Joined: 02/12/2005
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Drippin
Dripping Springs, TX
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Joined: 08/09/2005
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This year we wnet from a 21 foot HTT to a 28 foot (actually 32'4" exterior length) We mostly camp in state and national parks and I am really glad I did not go longer. The older campgrounds were just not made with sites to handle a big trailer. We only have one kid so we opted for a unit with just 2 bunk beds and found one with the the bunks sideways across the width which reduced the overall length.
My son really wanted the unit with the seperate bedroom just for him. I'm glad we did not do that as the lenght would have increased about 4 feet.
A man, his wife, a son and Cody the Goldendoodle.
2008 Laredo 284BHS, 2001 Chevy Sliverado 2500HD 4X4 4.10, Equal-i-zer, Primus, Subaru RG4300iS
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Fortkentdad
Alberta Canada
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Joined: 07/12/2008
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pdvandusen wrote:It's a matter of having the right TV for the job. .... Take the GVWR and add at least 10% (20% would be better) and then go shopping for your TV .....
The GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and is the MAX that unit is expected to hold. I would want to back off 10% or even 20% off of the GVWR and not add anything to it.
I'm new to this so maybe I'm mixed up here.
As I've been doing the math it is usually the CGVWR for the TV that hits the max first. This Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the MAX your truck and trailer combination will hold, including carge, fuel, gas, and people. It is that figure that should not be exceeded. I created a simple spreadsheet that I use to determine how much of the CGVW I'm using, if the trailer goes over 90% I look at a lighter unit.
Fort Kent Dad aka FKD
Fort Kent, Alberta Canada
09 Rockwell 8319SS
08 Dodge Laramie 1500 QC 4x4, 3.92 gears with the Hemi.
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4campnuts
Southern NH
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Joined: 05/23/2005
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The space is nice, but I would definitely suggest thinking about where you really enjoy camping because at 34 feet you might have a hard time getting onto certain types of sites.
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Tarponteaser
Space Coast Florida
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Joined: 09/12/2005
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Several of you have hit on a key point. With the pop up we pretty much go where we want...and we really liked our first trip to Tomoka State Park here in FL(and will definately go back). I just looked at the website for Tomoka and see that they limit campers to 34 foot and under due to space constraints.(I do recall lots of trees and overhanging branches too!)
Although the extra 3-4 feet in living space might be nice, I sure wouldn't want to eliminate certain parks from the list because the trailer is a tad too large. Think I'll focus on the 30-31 footers, not so much for the towability but the potential limitations at campgrounds.
Thanks again for the input.
Randy
2006 Centennial 3606
2008 F-250 4X4 PSD King Ranch Crew Cab
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areed
lacombe, alberta
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Joined: 02/22/2007
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Our trailer right now is just over 35 feet...and we don't get to pull into any campground we want. We definitely have to call ahead and see if they can accommodate our trailer length and slides.
We went from 31' to 35', wouldn't say I notice much of a difference in any driving situations...might be a little more wind push when semi's go by us...not sway, just more push and pull.
My wife absolutely loves the floor space we have...only problem now, is when we camp with friends/relatives our trailer is central quarters for everyone because of the space inside.
Beautiful Wife, Me, 4 kids (10,8,twins 6)
2000 Excursion Limited: 6.8L & 4.30 gears
Jayco G2 32BHDS
Reese Dual Cams, Timbrens
17,600 pounds combined weight.
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Drbolasky
Allentown, PA
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Joined: 04/20/2002
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I think you're smart in that you are choosing the floorplan that you believe will work for you. That is SO important. Yes, you may not have as many choices of sites in some CG's (esp. older ones and KOA's) but as others have said you will learn soon enough what you can do and what you can't do. I was a bit apprehensive when we moved from a 16' TT to our current 28' bunkhouse. The BH is definitely easier to back up, believe it or not. With smaller trailers (and I still pull one from time to time) the slightest twitch at the steering wheel sends the TT off on an unintended direction. If you have the tow vehicle to handle the 34' unit I'd go for it. I hear very few on this Forum say they wish their TT was smaller. JMHO
Doug, Linda, Audrey & Andrew
2000 Dodge 2500 RamWagon, 5.9 L, 727 4 sp. Auto, 4.10 Rear, 2000 Coachmen Futura 2790TB Bunkhouse, Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension, Reese W.D. Hitch & Dual Cam Sway Control, Prodigy Brake Controller, McKesh Mirrors, Nuvi 650 GPS
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H & E
North Texas
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Joined: 10/05/2006
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I did not know any better and we picked a TT that I could pull with current TV and fit our requirements. It has worked out great. TT is 34’ long and has not been a problem except a couple of times getting perfect level in some SP sites. I would not go shorter.
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