Sweetspot for length of Class A

[blw2]

What do you consider the sweet spot (or range) regarding size for a class A motorhome?

(I'm thinking from the perspective of some long weekend travel, some week-long type trips, and some part-time living such as say 1 to 4 months on the road. We have talked about eventually full or part-timing, but I don't think my wife really wants to full-time it, so or max will likely be part-time stuff/seasonal trips. We still have kids at home, but that's quickly becoming less of a variable as they get older...and this MH upgrade probably wouldn't happen till two of the kids are pretty much out of the picture, maybe all of them.)

I know size is only one variable, floorplan layout might even be the bigger driver to comfort and functionality, but size is a biggie regardless.
I reckon that in many or most cases other key variables are at least somewhat affected by the size of the chassis....

• load capacity
• tankage
• the volume of exterior and interior storage
• driveability, comfort, safety
• etc....

And size can be a negative too...

• height/weight/length restriction problems
• parking lots
• limiting available RV sites
• etc...

The reason I ask is that I'm starting in the very early sense to daydream about upgrading from our 32 ft class C
I'm thinking that I would probably prefer a diesel...something much better suited for the highway.
I was thinking and wondering about the various chassis that are available for these, and wanting to better understand the options/pros/cons.

Our C is a great floorplan and has been a good rig for the family. Our plan has more interior cabinet space than even many A's that we toured and more than we even really use.... but exterior volume is severely lacking, tankage is way too small, etc.
Basically it's clear that the chassis is not intended for long haul trips.
I was thinking that our 32ft sometimes feels too big.... not from the perspective of floorplan, but from the consideration of the chassis. It's always either overloaded or right on the edge.... and sometimes it's a minor headache finding parking when stopping at places along the way, etc...
I feel like something just a little bigger to allow room for onboard laundry and maybe a bit more seating would be great but maybe too much bigger... I'm just not sure....

So wondering, in your experience what is your sweet-spot size?

 

[DonTom]

So wondering, in your experience what is your sweet-spot size?

That will probably be determined best by the number of people you travel with.

Since I travel alone these days, I find the perfect length to be no longer than 29' 11" (the length of my Class A).

But how much room vs. the hassle of longer lengths is going to vary greatly between people for many reasons, IMO.

It's one of those things you will have to decide for yourself, as either way has its advantages as well as disadvantages.

Also, fulltimers will probably want a lot longer than a non-fulltimer like me.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[Kirk]

What you are asking is a very individual thing. My wife and I lived full-time in a 36', F53 chassis, class A without any slides. But we have also known people who left the RV life because the 40'+ motorhome with 2 slides was too small. Another factor is the driving skill of those who drive it. Longer motorhomes are more difficult to park in most locations. If you plan to stay mostly in RV parks with full hookups and move frequently your needs will be different than someone who spends all winter in one of the BLM long term visitor areas (LTVA). I suggest that you consider how you will use the upgraded RV and where you will take it. Try to find others who have done the sort of travels that you have in mind and see what their experiences have been. If we were to buy today for the life we had when fulltime, I think that we would probably look to one of the shorter diesel pushers with 2 slides, but we bought the gas motorhome for reasons of budget and the price difference has not improved much so it would still be a factor for us. We chose to buy a motorhome that we could get without payments and still invest the proceeds from the sale of our house so that we could buy another when we left the fulltime lifestyle.

 

[PancakeBill]

The length and restrictions are really not a big deal. We traveled with a truck camper with a 25' length overall, and then a 35'A, a 37'A and a 40'A. I never missed a place because of size. Yes there are some older National Park campgrounds with lower length restrictions, but there are parks within a short drive that allowed up to 45'. It is only an issue if you have your heart set on a particular CG that has a restriction. There are also CG's with age restictions, both for the RV and the occupants.

I sold RV's for a number of years and my advice to buyers, similar to real estate adage of 'Locationx3' is 'Layoutx3'. I would have the rig set up, air on, TV ready and tell them to sit in a bit, like an hour and get a feel for a living situation, counter space, TV viewing angle, bathroom room etc. Some times I would get a call, (really big lot!), that it was not a fit, sometimes after not too long a time they knew it was right.

You didn't mention budget or preferred age of RV, but from what I am inferring, you should check out the Tiffin Breeze, 31' and a diesel.

 

[Larry N.]

What do you consider the sweet spot (or range) regarding size for a class A motorhome?

Certainly that will vary a lot, but we had a 45' Beaver DP for several years and it was great, but when we downsized we went to a 37' Newmar and while we lost some space and some comfort/convenience features in the transition, it served us very well and was only about 4 ft longer than the (gas) Bounder we started with, making maneuvering noticeably easier than on the Beaver at times -- and it was only about 5' longer than your class C.

And the Newmar still had most of the essential advantages of going diesel, including (I strongly recommend) a hydronic heating system (Oasis on the Newmar, Aqua Hot on the Beaver), which gives furnace and hot water and runs from diesel (primary) and electric (secondary) heating sources -- we often got by (when parked) with just electric. And hot water AND furnace both can run from just the engine heat while you're on the road. Some models also can act as a secondary engine heat source (cold weather block heater of course). It's a lot quieter than a propane furnace and the heat is better distributed too, plus both had a dedicated heat exchanger in or near the water bay keeping that area around 45º or so when it got cold out.

Of course the air suspension is marvelous, too, among other DP advantages.

So IF the 32' unit you have is satisfactory for you, a 34' to 38' unit (careful to be sure you will like the floor plan) could do well for you, including LOTS more storage space in addition to the extra living space.

Longer motorhomes are more difficult to park in most locations.

Not much different if your driving skills (including mirror usage) are up to snuff, unless the length difference makes it approach the limits of the available maneuvering space, when you might have to back and fill a bit, though you do need to be careful of side obstructions between the front and rear wheels in turns, to avoid compartment damage.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Your basic question is truly an individual answer. Everyone has different lifestyles and when it comes to camping and traveling, no two people ever do it the same way or travel to the same locations.

We started out with a tent when the kids were little. Moved to an 18 foot travel trailer when the kids stopped camping with us. Next moved to a 31 foot travel trailer, then a 35 foot travel trailer, and now a 41 foot fifth wheel. Combined with tow vehicle, my total length is now over around 53 or 54 feet. (as long as a semi truck trailer.

And we travel now, (almost full time) from Florida to Louisiana to North Carolina to Michigan to the Dakotas. Sometimes I wish we had even a longer trailer. Also, our fifth wheel does not loose living space because of a cab used for driving. It's all living space.

Personally, I don't think you can go big enough, especially if you are planning on long term adventures.

As far as navigation on the road? My length has never been a problem. Of course, we choose our roads carefully. And campgrounds, same! We choose where we camp carefully and ensure we can fit.

Do we get the best sites, along the water surrounded by trees as thick as a jungle? No, very seldom. But, we are in the same park with the same beauty and the same anamniotes. Once unhitched, we are able to get around in the truck and have no problems going anywhere, even with our dually.

So, to answer your question, in my opinion, bigger is better. But, bigger brings new challenges. Those challenges are easy to over come IF you do careful and prior planning.

 

[Kodiak34SS]

High 20's low 30 feet. That's my best estimation of the "best" length for a gas class A. From parking lot maneuverability to versatility in a range of RV sites and parks that's the length that seems to be the best bang for the buck. Layouts generally afford room for a queen or king bed and a decently generous living and bath areas. Consider if you're dragging a toad, that should still put you at <50' combined length.

And, on the F53 chassis, you don't get more power the longer you go...

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Agree that it's highly individual, but for what you described I'd put the "sweet spot" at 34-36 feet within a broader range of 32-40 ft. We did that sort of traveling for 20 years and in RVs ranging from 24 ft to 40 ft. And, as Pancake Bill says, never missed a place due to length. The bigger units offer a lot more space for creature comforts, so as we got older their advantages became more & more desirable to us.

In our somewhat younger days (50?), we were comfortable traveling for up to about 6 weeks in a 24 ft trailer. When we moved up to a 29 footer that expanded to about 8 weeks. By age 60 we had a 35 footer with two slides and found that 3 months was our limit. But when we got the 40 ft triple slide rig, our horizons really opened up to 5-6 months. When we decided to head home, it was not because the RV was limiting in any way. Instead we simply yearned for the things we could do more/better at home, e.g. my wife tending her flower beds or her quilting hobby, me using my well-equipped workshop, seeing our regular doctors & dentists, favorite restaurants, etc.

 

[8Muddypaws]

For me it's always been 38 feet with 3 or 4 slide outs. With 1 1/2 bathrooms. Not likely to ever have one as we're both feeling that the end of our RVing adventure is drawing near.

 

[blw2]

That will probably be determined best by the number of people you travel with.

Since I travel alone these days, I find the perfect length to be no longer than 29' 11" (the length of my Class A).

Yeah, that certainly changes it in a big way I suppose
Still, there's a point I'd imagine when getting into the very smaller class A's that they mirror many of the disadvantages I see with my class C.

 

[ferfer]

there's a point I'd imagine when getting into the very smaller class A's that they mirror many of the disadvantages I see with my class C.

Brad, reminder that your 31' Class C living space is closer to 26' since the captain chairs likely can not be turned plus engine area. (Guessing cab and engine area ~ 5')

"sweet spot" at 34-36 feet

Gary nailed it but my range would be +/- 1 with 2 slides min. Suggest you go to sales lots and walk through different size Class A, esp. if you can focus on size and ignore floorplan and manufacture.

Another reminder is the different driving positions between Class C (behind steer wheel) and Class A(over steer wheel) thus allowing for a great view out the window but another learning curve to enjoy it.

 

[blw2]

I guess I didn't ask the question all that well. I'm not really looking for guidance for me.... it was a question of what YOU consider to be the sweet spot and why.... your experiences, your opinions regarding these variables....

I just thought that I might learn something from your different perspectives.

Ya'll have answered the question, but I get the sense that it's more focused on guidance for me.

I think that maybe my rambling was misleading. I was only just elaborating on what my thoughts have been so far regarding pros and cons, etc... Just for perspective as to why I thought to ask.

 

[House Husband]

The DW and I have been traveling in a 32', no slides, 8' wide, 1995 Bounder for 24 years now.
Longest trip was 4 months seeing Alaska. We also Snow Bird for about 3 months in the winter.
We looked and looked before buying. The ol Bounder's floor plan was the deal maker.
Fleetwood's Founding Father (John Crean) made the first Bounder for himself.
So maybe it's not the length but the floor plan that you need.

Richard

 

[DonTom]

it was a question of what YOU consider to be the sweet spot and why

Exactly 29' & 11".

Why? Because that is the length of my Class A.

But really, I wouldn't want it an inch shorter or longer. It's just right for me.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[rjshiflet]

We had a 37' Class A (Georgetown) on a Ford F-53 chassis and it provided just the right space for the two of us and our two four-legged traveling companions. As we have aged, we wanted to go back to the comfort level we felt back when we had fifth wheels. We now have a 32' fifth wheel with three slides which (when you consider space lost for drivers seats, etc. in the Class A) is still just about the same size as our Georgetown.

Find the floor plan you like and the one that works for you. After all, you and your wife are the only ones that really matter.

 

[NY_Dutch]

As said, the floorplan is key to being comfortable. Our first Class A was listed as 33' with no slides, and it served us well as we transitioned from long timing to full timing. When that one started to feel a bit cramped, we moved up to a 34' Class A with a single "super slide" as the maker called it. The slide is the full length of the living and kitchen area with the pull out sofa and dinette in the slide. The bedroom has a walk around queen bed, and we've never felt the need for a slide there. One of our criteria in selecting this rig was that it had to be fully accessible with the slide retracted. The only things we lose with the slide in is one seldom used 120 outlet and the sight of a picture on the wall. Lots of times on one night stops, particularly in cold weather, we don't bother to extend the slide. The length is about right for us as it has let use sites in state parks where longer rigs just don't fit. We've very rarely found a park we couldn't fit in. We're no longer fulltiming due to health issues, but we still enjoy our 34 footer for trips to local state parks for up to two week stays. The floor plan works well for us, but may not be what someone else wants. Keeping in mind that you'll likely spend far more time living in it than driving it, buy what's the most comfortable for you and yours.

 

[Ernie n Tara]

We found the Winnebago 34y to be the perfect size for a couple. Three slides, washer and dryer, king bed, air ride, etc. and diesel.

Ernie

 

[Kirk]

... it was a question of what YOU consider to be the sweet spot and why.... your experiences, your opinions regarding these variables....

We had several very different RVs and each served pretty well for the time when we owned them. Since you are interested in motorhomes, we had 2 of them. The first was only 26' long and had no slides (a 1987 Allegro) which served us fairly well and was very maneuverable but also a bit cramped. We them moved up to the 36' that we lived in for 12 years and it was much better, although occasionally there were places that we could not take it that the smaller one would have fit. We are not large people physically and that makes a smaller RV much more practical than they are for people who are larger. A tall person has things to deal with that we (5'8" & 5'4") do not and people of greater girth need more space than do slender folks. We are also people who have learned to travel lite and so need less storage than do some, but we did travel with 2 sewing machines and a fair collection of wood tools.

 

[blw2]

.....We are not large people physically and that makes a smaller RV much more practical than they are for people who are larger. A tall person has things to deal with that we (5'8" & 5'4") do not and people of greater girth need more space than do slender folks. We are also people who have learned to travel lite and so need less storage than do some, but we did travel with 2 sewing machines and a fair collection of wood tools.

Seems to me that all of that is a big part of the equation for size...
but there's another more mechanical aspect to consider I think.... things like tank size.

If it were just me I'd be fine in a pretty small rig. Two of us would want a bit more.... but at some point, the tanks are just too small, and things such as the exterior lockers aren't configured well.. so trying to fit in even a minimal amount of stuff gets problematic (small grille, waste hoses, etc...). That's why when I look at those sprinter van type RV rigs, I think how wonderful they would be as a road trip machine (I mean mixing in hotels with nights in the van)... but how bad they would be as an RV alone (for me personally)

Another case in point is my 32ft class C where those issues are thorns in my side. No decent place to store the hoses, tanks...especially the grey tank is a limitation for sure!

It's fine for weekender type use... and 5 of us were pretty much fine even after 19 days on the road (or longest trip in it). I'd reckon that based on house "size" it is more or less big enough inside for just the two of us (wife and I) for even a month or three....although I don't see getting any laundry equipment in it so we'd probably want a smidge bigger at least...
but Based on my experience with this one, I'd suppose any E-450 based class A would not likely fit my wish list, even if the floor plan is plenty big enough

 

[Professor David]

We have had only one motorhome so not a lot of experience so far. With that said, we have been very comfortable with our 351/2 foot unit with two slides. It seems just enough room for the two of us on longer trips like a couple of months in AZ in Jan. and Feb....when we can get outside since the weather is pretty good. If we were full time in weather that wasn't so great (not being able to sit and hike outside), I could see wanting a bigger unit. We have a good marriage (38 years) but we need our space. When we were much younger with a young child, We had a slide in camper which was great for shorter trips. On longer trips, it got a bit cramped...at least for us. Again, we like our space even though we love each other.