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Topic: going from a 36' to a 40' (Read 29906 times) previous topic - next topic

going from a 36' to a 40'

I wanted to ask the group if anyone here or if they know others who have gone from a 36' to a 40' MH and how much they were restricted from particular parks? we have a 36' GV with a bad engine(long story- will explain in a later post). We've had some difficulty in finding a mechanic that will rebuild the engine and justifying the cost. My DW loves our MH because of particular features and the floor plan. Have been looking for another one that has the same features, but have not had any luck until lately, we found a '95 40' 280. It's been well taken care of and is still in the hands of the original owners. This one has many great features that ours doesn't, but the longer length is a concern. My wife has fears that our choices will be limited as we generally shy away from resorts and like state and national parks and COE's. I always get great feedback here so I'm throwing it out for discussion. Thanks, Michael

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #1 –
We had the same dilemma long ago when we went from our 36' to the 40' we have now. The reality is we have had only a few places that we couldn't get into. What we found is campgrounds like you mentioned out in the Northeast especially ones that were built by either the CCC or the WPA men will have verry limited places. Out west you will not have a problem as most of those campgrounds are more spacious.  Now that we have the 40' going back to the 36' would be a challenge. (DH has too many tools and stuff down in the basement)

Pamela

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #2 –
I had a 1999 36' U270 (2 years) and went to a 2000 40' U320 (13 years). Never had any issues getting a spot in any park (including Yellowstone, inside the park. Yes, some rally old parks in WA have a 25 foot max, but neither a 36 or 40 would get tinto those.
Do it and dont look back.

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #3 –
When we went looking to buy our first (and last) motorhome, we thought we wanted a shorter coach, but once we started walking around inside the different length models decided to just go ahead and get a 40 footer.  Never had a problem getting into any park we visited.  A few places it was kinda cramped finding the extra space to park our towd, but still always workable.

We did notice right off that when comparing our 40' coach with similar floor plans in the 36' versions, almost all of the extra room is found in the middle - IE the bathroom and kitchen area.  The bedrooms are the same size, and the "living rooms" are the same, but you get a lot more spacious bathroom/closet area in the 40' version.  Plus, of course, extra space in the storage bays to carry more "stuff".  After enjoying a decade+ in our 40' coach, we would never consider a shorter one...but that's just us.  DWMYH

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #4 –
We started out with a 1993 40' U300 and had it for 10 years. We're not the kind of people who drive until a certain time and then start looking for a place to stay. We make reservations at least a few hours in advance, and usually a few weeks in advance. We've never found a place where we couldn't go - somewhere. Yes, sometimes we couldn't get into a particular park, but there was always another one nearby that we could get into.

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #5 –
Had a 40' since 2006. National Forest CG can be an issue. Most COE parks are ok just pay attention to what they say about how level the sites are it can be an issue. We are full time and move about quite a bit. COE parks are our go to if they are in the area. You can also get into some BLM GCs out here in the west, again check them out and read the reviews( these are Camp groundsNOT dispersed boondocking) just my 2cents. As long as we are fulltime I would never go to a shorter coach. Once that changes I will be in the hunt for a 36 or the ever elusive 34'

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #6 –
Went from a 33' Vogue in 1994 to a 40' FTX Foretravel and have been 40' ever since. Just have to check which sites are made for 40' coaches. I usually can take any 38' site also.

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #7 –
We went from a 36 to 42 and noticed no difference other than one or two places we did not fit.  Then downsized to 30 foot and it expanded a lot of new locations as well as more options.  So not much difference unless you are 30 foot.

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #8 –
No issues or regrets with our 40 footer. We love the spacious bathroom. Feels like home.

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #9 –
Until I have to hang up the keys- 42 is our forever coach.

Re: going from a 36' to a 40'

Reply #10 –
Full time in a 36'. When visiting our two sons we park in their driveway. No HOA of course and a 40' would not fit in either. We occasionally find 36 vs 40 an advantage in state parks, national forests and BLM campsites, it opens up a few extra sites. Without the driveway issue I would take a well maintained 40' with good history of maintenance and interior updates that we found pleasing over a lesser quality of coach. That extra four feet won't cost you much in campsite availability, but a neglected coach will cost you for years no matter what length.