36' vs 40'

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36' vs 40'

January 29, 2017, 07:27:52 pm

We are looking for our first Foretravel, well first RV period, and were originally looking at a 40', but have heard that many state and national parks will not allow a 40' in, so because of this we may start looking at 36'. Anyone have any input on this? Thanks

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #1 – January 29, 2017, 08:07:08 pm

I looked at both. The only difference to me was basement storage. The 40 has a signifcantly larger amount. The interior space didnt seem nearly as different between the two. I would have happily purchased either, but the one I fell in love with just happened to be a 40, which I successfully backed into a spot the park service listed as "36' max". The rear end hung off the pad and I made sure the oil pan wouldnt get crushed on the parking stop when leveling, but otherwise it worked fine for me.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #2 – January 29, 2017, 08:11:00 pm

We have a 40ft U320 and we're really thankful for the floor plan that (for us at least) is superior to the 36ft. We have had no problems associated with the length and would get a 40ft again.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #3 – January 29, 2017, 08:31:20 pm

KK...got a question or two for you

Since it will be your first RV, especially a motorhome, how do you intend to use it? That to me is the first question. It may drive your conclusion easier than a parking space, maybe. For example, freeways or byways, some secondary roads? Perhaps shorter coaches help with secondary or winding roads?

Long trips, short trips? Trips with more than two (children or grands along with you at times or very seldom). Tend to be minimalist, as one of my daughters, or do you like to have most everything along? Desire to, or very seldom, camp where there is no hookups (water, power, sewer) at all or for short or long periods of time?

The length of the coach can dictate certain floorpans, restrictions. Do you care if the toilet is in a private closet unto itself or do you care or desire if it is out in the bathroom (doors still keep it private from the living area but this can impact the closet area in the coach). Do you know if you want or do not want one or more slides? Some years there were coaches that were mid-entry. They are quite different than front entry. After about 2000 it seems there are much less of these though I have seen 2003s and even a 2008 today. It is a good design, look at an example of both mid and front entry if seems may impact your choice.

Do you intend to tow a car? Do you wonder if with a toad you may not feel you can handle the total length to drive so think you want shorter coach?

Is the fuel mileage or towing capacity important to you? Do you know if you desire some particular engine? Some engines are better on fuel but seems fairly small differences to me, others may guide you better on that....IF it is important.

Good luck...you will get good help here.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #4 – January 29, 2017, 09:26:54 pm

Our 2001 36' with one slide is wonderful for us. A 40' would get us a bigger bathroom and a bigger living room and more basement space and prevent us from getting into many places we like or have a much more limited choice of sites. Without a tag axle, the gross vehicle weight rating for the 36' and 40' is the same. More space does not mean more weight. It is just the two of us, no kids, no dogs or cats or any other pets. A table is nice, a booth dinette for us (tall) is terrible. The J dinette is a good balance, easy for dinner or games for four with the two folding chairs we carry. A toilet in a closet seems like a bad idea to us - small, confined, hard to clean. Look at as many as you can, imagine how it will work for you. If we were ever going to full time (not likely) a 40' would be a good choice. At six months a year on the road our 36' works for us.

Whatever you find will work. Over some time you will make it yours and it will be perfect for you.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #5 – January 29, 2017, 09:55:00 pm

We have a 36'. We have been in parks (especially up north and out west) that a 40' would not fit. It's nice to have the flex to chose more remote sites.

We travel for 6-15 weeks at a time and have enough space to even carry our folding canoe in the basement. We usually carry a VERY full pantry - we don't dine out often.

We are completely happy at 36' and would not think of going larger.

Rich

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #6 – January 29, 2017, 10:10:06 pm

You'll not get it right the first time, which ever you choose, you'll question your decision. Just buy whichever grabs you first, you'll be trading it in a couple of years.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #7 – January 29, 2017, 10:28:00 pm

Quote from: toyman – January 29, 2017, 10:10:06 pm

You'll not get it right the first time, which ever you choose, you'll question your decision. Just buy whichever grabs you first, you'll be trading it in a couple of years.

And even if you do get it right the first time, which most don't, your needs/wants change over time. I echo Toyman's thoughts. Get the one you think you want, live with it awhile. Only then will you know what fits you best.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #8 – January 29, 2017, 11:21:40 pm

Quote from: Jet Doc – January 29, 2017, 10:28:00 pm

And even if you do get it right the first time, which most don't, your needs/wants change over time. I echo Toyman's thoughts. Get the one you think you want, live with it awhile. Only then will you know what fits you best.

Yup !!
Bought a 36' gasser, slept 8, after a few trips kept finding little things that were a pain, ie:design of coach,floor plan, small tanks, even smaller gen set.. crapper in a too small box, & no quality of build...Every thing was super "get by cheep", very poor driveability & limited cargo/towing capacity..Finally had enough so went looking for Quality build,Quality components,Ample power and CGVW.. a coach that will last us for as long as we care to travel.
Bought a 40' with a tag axle & single slide.. Happy Wife = Happy Life !

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #9 – January 30, 2017, 12:01:12 am

I never thought the length would make much difference in terms of fitting in a space. But then, on one of our summer trips to Garner State Park, we got a short space and our 36' barely fit. You don't get to choose your spot there. Was glad we had the 36', at least in that instance.

Chris

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #10 – January 30, 2017, 12:21:07 am

You are forgetting one thing, height, many parks are so overgrown with trees you cannot get a newer bus height coach in without scratching the heck out of it.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #11 – January 30, 2017, 01:22:14 am

How physically big are you? Size matters

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #12 – January 30, 2017, 08:14:09 am

As has been said already, how are you going to use the coach?? Full time living or vacation home on the road. We had a 38ft GV and traded it for a 40ft U320 and found the difference in storage a big plus as well as more inside space. There were only two of us and a little dog.
Our use was for a vacation home on the road. When planning the trip I would check sites for size availability and only ever had one problem and that was in Yellowstone at Fishing bridge where they allocated us a 40ft slot for the 38ft GV and I was touching a tree at the back with the nose just out in the road!! Otherwise never a problem unless you count the sites that do not have larger slots, but planning can avoid that problem.
Speedbird 1

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #13 – January 30, 2017, 08:48:54 am

In the 6 years we have had our 45' unit, we have stayed in State Parks at least 50% of the time. I have not had any problems with length. I do research each destination and verify prior to. The "general" comment that you must have shorter length to visit state parks might have been applicable years ago. But I find most state parks have upgraded in the past 5 years to accommodate larger rigs.

BTW, We travel as a family of 5.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #14 – January 30, 2017, 09:51:23 am

Agree, my 40' has been in and camped in most of our major NP. The extra length is a convenience for the user every day, while it might inconvenience you 1-2 times a year or less

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #15 – January 30, 2017, 10:39:43 am

When we go online and search for sites at campgrounds, which for us are dry, no power campgrounds, we have used the 36' length search function and never had a problem with our 40'. Where we go they never get a tape measure and check us. Either the front or the rear depending, as we camp together with my brothers 40' Monaco, will hang out over the inside of the space and be inline with the outside.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #16 – January 30, 2017, 10:44:16 am

Question....handling characteristics of 36 vs 40, additional directional stability due to longer length?

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #17 – January 30, 2017, 10:51:00 am

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – January 30, 2017, 10:44:16 am

Question....handling characteristics of 36 vs 40, additional directional stability due to longer length?

That is controlled by wheelbase in my experience. Same overall length longer wheelbase more stable. A 40' should have longer wheelbases than 36' model in Fortravels. have seen same wheelbase on SOB's 36' and 38' models.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #18 – January 30, 2017, 11:00:45 am

Hey there KK....how it going? I have many people I consider friends on this Forum, not met some.....and without a doubt they all are trying to help you and have great ideas, guidance. We have owned a 36 and a 40 ft coach and we like them equally but differences as all say.

Beyond 36 vs 40, as this your first buying, you can study a lot, and there is a PDI checklist on the Forum that is helpful, consider this:.

Suggestion: Even so, get someone to go with you, to help you look, to talk, give an initial impressions inspection or ideas about the condition of the coaches you are narrowing down to and then get a professional inspection. I offer this as important as deciding between the other factors.

Best of luck

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #19 – January 30, 2017, 11:02:40 am

In the area we live here in the Sierras, the campgrounds have not been upgraded and at forty feet, it would be difficult making some tight turns as well as finding a space long enough. We end up squeezing into 25-30' spaces as is. Sure, we could do it but it's just easier at 36'. Since we will never full time, we don't need the washer/dryer, etc so it would be just wasted space. There are just the two of us plus a couple of dogs so we have plenty of room unless the overseas relatives are here. (they may not be able to visit now) In that case, the sofa comes in handy and we also have a big tent for the overflow.

We don't spend that much time in the coach unless the weather is bad so 36' is pure luxury. We had a 29' SOB for several years and thought it made excellent use of space. Took it to Canada and Mexico a lot and loved the size. Since we eat out a lot going cross country, we also don't need a double door fridge either. Our 35' bus was huge in comparison and without power steering required a lot of work in the small Mexican towns. On the other hand, we could turn off the main road and head down a river wash to the ocean without a thought of breaking a windshield.

Pierce

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #20 – January 30, 2017, 12:05:41 pm

Quote from: KKinkead – January 29, 2017, 07:27:52 pm

We are looking for our first Foretravel, well first RV period, and were originally looking at a 40', but have heard that many state and national parks will not allow a 40' in, so because of this we may start looking at 36'. Anyone have any input on this? Thanks

That was one of my criteria when choosing which length to choose from. Getting to the park/campground is not a problem. I wanted a shorter turning radius when trying to navigate tight turns with lots of trees and not having to worry about backing up, etc.

We just recently had that experience staying for a week at Clarkco State Park 20 miles south of Meridian, Ms in Quitman. http://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/ms-state-parks/clarkco.aspx It originally was an old CCC camp built in the 1930s.

A beautiful quiet park and the kind of places we like to get away to. We were in site No. 39 and turning into the road for campground No. 2 was very tight. http://www.mdwfp.com/media/243723/park_map-2.jpg My 36' rig was probably the longest one in there. I always unhook my toad and although there were no length restrictions, I wouldn't want to be over 40'. The choice of sites in these older smaller parks is increased with a smaller rig and I also like to park my toad in front if possible. There was only one pull-through site and it was taken. I usually can unhook the toad, park, level, and connect to the park utilities in about 10 minutes or less! I like to make as little noise as possible. The same can be said when it's time to leave. I just smile when I see somebody with a big pull behind or fifth wheel struggling to back-in and get leveled in a park with a lot of trees. A guy with a big long heavy trailer a few sites away from me spent over an hour with lots of yelling trying to get set-up. It was rainy and his wife wasn't too happy. They left after a couple of days. I'm sure most of us on the forum have a story like that to tell!

Here's a few pics including the gold fish pool from the old CCC park. That's all that's left besides the old closed off road to the park now used as a hiking trail.

Jerry

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #21 – January 30, 2017, 12:26:46 pm

KKinkead,

You don't show a location on your post so we have no idea where you are located. If you gave an area there may be some members around who would show you theirs and share thoughts??

On my 40ft the washer dryer has been removed which leaves me with an extra large cupboard for all the sheets towels and bedding. There are many variations so look before you leap!!
Speedbird 1.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #22 – January 30, 2017, 12:38:24 pm

Going back to your original post, "this is your first rv". If that is the case and you are not a truck driver or bus driver, go small. I sold my 40' Monaco to a gentleman in N.C. and I am in Los Angeles. I took him for a test ride and was going to go somewhere he could get used to the size of the vehicle. He chose instead to have his son, a bus driver, come drive it home for him. I don't know all of the Forum members history but I graduated up from smaller coaches. The longer coaches swing the back end into objects when you pull away from a curb and cheat the rear end when making right turns. Have seen much damage from beginners.

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #23 – January 30, 2017, 12:57:16 pm

Quote from: craneman – January 30, 2017, 12:38:24 pm

The longer coaches swing the back end into objects when you pull away from a curb and cheat the rear end when making right turns. Have seen much damage from beginners.

Many of the front engine gas motorhomes have a huge overhang from the rear tires to the back of the coach. Yes, lots of damage. Plus, veteran front engine models seem to bend downwards in the frame/body right past the rear axle.

In any long coach, cutting across the corner apex can spell trouble, especially on right hand turns. Stopping in the middle of a campground road to start your backing into the campsite takes a while for some to learn.

Pierce

Re: 36' vs 40'

Reply #24 – January 30, 2017, 01:02:04 pm

Thank you all for sharing your experience and helpful sage advice.
We have never actually been in a Foretravel and would love the opportunity to get in a 1995 to 2003 Foretravel and get a feel for it. We live in Wichita Kansas. We are planning a trip to Nacogdoches Texas, but will not have time for the two day excursion for about another 6 weeks.
A friend of mine, who is a fellow aircraft engineer, owns a Foretravel and says it's just like working on an aircraft. So I'm all in.

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