Posted: 8/25/2023 12:19:34 PM EDT
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I am thinking of purchasing a new trailer later this year but I have seen some threads mention that they could not get a site due to there trailer being to long. I am considering a 21' vs a 25' fiberglass trailer. I hope to camp in more primitive locations with an occasion stop at a RV park. As I am new to RVing but wish to stay at more out of the way locations as a cost saving measure and I tend to like quiet locations. |
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It can. You will fit in more sites the shorter the trailer is. I have a 32' (which is 36' bumper to hitch) and noticed that if I put 29' I will see more available sites. I'd estimate my backing skills as "above average", so I wouldn't recommend doing this unless you can claim the same  . I wouldn't do this on totally unfamiliar places, either.
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Absolutely, but mostly it applies to campers in the 40’+ range. SC State Parks and all the other campgrounds I’ve been to have sizing available or require you to inform at the time of booking. There are many fewer sites available for long campers than short. As long as you stay in the 25’ and shorter length, you should not have much problem. Still though, there are a lot of sites limited to <20’ campers, especially in the mountains( which is likely not a problem in FL). |
It certainly can. My Voltage had to be carefully planned on where we were going. The new Cougar.. not so much.  Attached File Attached File |
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If you're boondocking, length shouldn't be a problem. We have a 34.5 foot bumper pull, and never have a problem dry camping out here in the west. However, we were absolutely not gonna get a sight within Yosemite this summer. Their max length was 24 feet, and total rig couldn't be more than 50 feet in length. I'm at 56 feet total length. We had to reserve a site outside the park, that could accommodate our longer trailer. Not a problem for us, we knew we'd be out of spec for a lot of Gov ran campgrounds, but don't mind driving a few miles to get in. Your length of trailer shouldn't be a problem in all but the most restrictive campgrounds. |
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As short as you are it should not be a problem. Most issues are when you go beyond 48-50 feet total overall length trailer and truck. I am at 48' and have many more options than 50'+ |
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It makes a difference for sure. There are a couple of state parks here that I just can't get into. My rig is 34ft 11 in. Keeps it under the 35ft limit for some of the national parks. The other consideration, if not mentioned, is your shore power. Bigger rigs, esp with 2 AC units, use 50 amp. Sometimes you are stuck with 30 amp, and you can adapt it down, but you still can't run as much stuff without popping the breaker. For example 2 AC units, microwave and have the electric hot water heater kick on. So you can switch your fridge and hot water to gas only, and watch when you use the microwave and you can be ok. We have also unhitched in a tighter spot, and just parked the truck in overflow parking.... 21 ft to 25 is not even an issue. You would be better off deciding which floor plans fit you best in those lengths. |
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We have a 20' that measures about 25' with the tongue and I would not want anything bigger if I was going to be going to a lot of "non" RV campgrounds. We have yet to camp at a RV campground and are pretty much boondocking it 95% of our trips. Attached File |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Yes, it does. We hit a lot of national parks, and they have a maximum limit that is often 30 ft, and even then, there are a limited number of sites. If you are camping out in the desert with a fifth wheel toy hauler, you'll be fine. But just about any other scenario, a longer trailer can become a problem (unless all you do is stay at KOAs). |
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Thanks to all for their comments. We just signed the paperwork for a new Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 14CC. We just purchased the necessary items like chocks, leveler, hoses and electrical items to outfit our new trailer. I am just one wiring harness shy of being able to pick up the trailer. We have booked our first trip to Silver Springs which is about one hour away but close enough to town to pick up item that we missed or forgot. |
| Length isnt the only limiting factor. We noticed that once with hit 35 feet the state parks around here were completely out of the question. You also have to consider slide outs as well. If you have opposing slides it can get very tricking trying to avoid trees, and shit, cause it almost doubles the width of the trailer. Just today I put a nice dent in the cab of my son-in-laws truck. I was trying to get into a very tight drive and was used to my 1 ton 8 foot bed, and we took his 2500HD crew cab this weekend cause it was more comfortable and gets better mileage. |
We have a mini Winnie with the solar package. It rocks. It’s like 24’ total with a 20’ box. Has a decent sized slide, big shower, queen bed, nice kitchen, enough solar to run the ac, fridge, and all the power, on demand hot water, awning with outdoor speakers and lights. Only drawback is only 30/30/30 o. The water capacity but if you are smart two people can boon dock for 5 days and never use a generator.  If you have hookups it’s even better, can use 30 or 50 amp. |
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Originally Posted By cheeks: Following. Looking to get my first rig. What does “boondocking” mean? Off grid camping/ being self-sufficient/ self-contained with the camper when it comes water supply, power supply, etc. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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We decided on a Forest River Wolf Pup 14cc. Very small but enough room for the wife and me plus can take our son with us if he wishes. Just brought it home but have booked reservation at Silver Springs park on Sept 3 thru the 5th. Will test out the equipment before we go to be sure everything works. Purchased all the obvious items like chocks, Black water hose, fresh water hose, WDH. Will find out what we missed and work from there. |
| Being under 30 feet total length (29.5') jeep jk and off road teardrop, let's us use regular tent campgrounds and not have to go for more expensive and less scenic rv ones. Being under 30ft also saves us a decent amount or even allows us to get a spot on the state ferry system. |
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I have a 24ft Coleman that I've only used boondocking. There's only been one place that getting parked took some work, but so far it hasn't been an issue. However, any longer and I can see having problems. Attached File |
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| I pay attention to potential trailer spots out in the forest. 25' seems like the longest practical length one can have before running into issues with maneuverability and site size. |
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Originally Posted By G1F2-EE: Reviving this thread for info- when these places are limiting lengths, are they generally talking overall length, or box (actual camper length)? IE- a 27' camper that is 31' overall? Just assume they mean the size of the box. Last thing you want to do is get in somewhere you can't get out of, or make the corners without destroying something. And, if the driveway is really small, your trailer might be able to squeeze in there, but then what about your truck?? We learned that lesson the hard way. |
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Our Coachmen Apex Nano 187RB fits pretty much anywhere, just the way we like it. It's just Wodstock and I, and we usually cook on a camp stove/grill/fire outside of it, so it's mostly used for sleeping, showering, etc. The 1" suspension lift and 235/75/15 tires give us more ground clearance for sketchy areas, too. We bought it new in 2020, and the only thing I wish it came with was the 4400# axle instead of the 3500# axle. That, and a shower surround. Might do both of them eventually. |
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I don't stay at private RV facilities, so I cannot help you there. I either camp on the beach or state parks. Length is an issue, esp for state parks, which is why I didn't bother looking at anything over 24'. I also wanted an off road capable camper which only really comes in that range. Remember, your tow vehicle has to fit on the campsite too. One other thing to consider. Height. Esp the larger 5th wheels. You need to clear the trees at your proposed campsites. |