Best RV Length for Fitting in National Park Campgrounds

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  • Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
  • I've been doing tons of research to find the best length for a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or RV to fit in camping spots at national and state parks. This is the video where I show what I've learned.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 245

  • @ArbitraryExploration
    @ArbitraryExploration 6 років тому +6

    This is a very important consideration if you plan on visiting a lot of national and state parks. I truly enjoyed the state parks in Oregon.

  • @bjohnmasters
    @bjohnmasters 7 років тому +9

    Thanks for the very detailed research you did. I did ask someone with a 45 about how much trouble they seem to have. They said they certainly don't fit into many U.S. Parks (and they usually do have very good pricing), they have always been able to find nice places at reasonable parks just outside the park. And, if you're towing, you can always just drive in for the day.

  • @jmcgsd
    @jmcgsd 7 років тому +25

    I am a CG host and have worked at several national parks and California state parks.
    Length is certainly one important consideration. Another is whether you can get your RV level. I've volunteered at several campgrounds where you might fit a 30' trailer, but the slope you'll be on would be unacceptable. Many campgrounds were built in the 30's and spots just don't work for newer RVs. Unfortunately the only way you're going to be certain is either to try to use a spot or find someone personally familiar with the campground.
    My best advice is to carry PLENTY of leveling blocks and know how to use them.

  • @chunk4funk
    @chunk4funk 7 років тому +2

    Finally .. the myth has been broken. Thank you for hard work. You've just dispelled the hardest rumor to quench.
    Your idea of measurements is great .. to further comment: Using LARGE industry acceptable cones, while hooked to your trailer-place a cone tight to front and far rear BUMPERS. Measure in both in Inches and in CM, do the same for just the trailer, electric or not jack-stand to rear bumper. Now the roof, from experience on a KW900, mee-Ayyy-zzurr from the top down.
    Go to a professional printer, have these numbers written backwards twice so you or anyone can read it, have one made for you to attach to the inside of your chrome Texas window shade, which will look the best once you add the Texas bumper; this goes for Class A's all the way to a Super C+.
    Pardon me for straying into your awesome idea. An idea like this will hopefully force everyone to know their numbers + GVWR ... that's a MAJOR issue with families of 4 bringing their entire wardrobe, filling up with water.
    Most of these awesome 2-3 people TT travel trailers, when 100% dry offer 600#'s storage. You've loaded your 40 gallon fresh water, mom as got everything where it needs to be.
    200 mile later one tire explodes, not a gater retread .. a full side blowout now. The axle did some Freestyle X-Games & has a 20° Y-Axis toe & a 15° to 25° variant above level wrapped to itself .. the dealership within 10 minutes came with a flatbed, towed you, came back with the salesman, sales manager, and 2 State Troopers (??).
    The manager informs you of the repair costs (I forgot to mention the wheel tore through the "Military Grade Aluminum, no such thing"), adding pieces, computers, tanks etc..and tore out the entire wiring harness, as the wheel,snagged it, you had spaghetti on your only axle
    It's no big deal to you since you insured the TT with super top notch insurance, the whole kit and caboodle. And had you listened, the policy starts after midnight on Sunday .. it's Saturday. The Dealership wants their TT back that you stole; because it's says there was no contract ... that's why you read the fine print, now.
    So, you're being arrested for a myriad of traffic charges and the theft of their now totaled $60k+ TT.
    Why did I go into so much detail just now? Because overweight RV's are the #1 problem on the wide open road & it's always the itty bitty ones that fly like kites .

  • @mikel5140
    @mikel5140 7 років тому +8

    Thank you for the time and effort you put into doing the research on this. It certainly helps me consider what I will purchase/travel in. Well done.

  • @2009mechanic
    @2009mechanic 6 років тому +4

    I had to stay at a KOA one time and found they were almost 100% booked.
    There was ONLY 1 spot that was open for my 29' 5th wheel camper to fit into with a single slide out and it was a "grass pad" site with only a 15 amp electrical available with water hookup but NO sewer.
    If you have a camper with a 30 amp service , you CAN get by but you have to watch very closely what you turn on and when.
    I did fine with mine , I didn't need the air conditioner at all and didn't use the shower in the camper for a couple reasons but instead used the shower and toilet facilities at the campground.
    The reasons : I didn't need to use the extra electrical load of the heating element in the water heater and the AC as it was cooler. I also really didn't need to dump my tanks either as they were not being used all that much.
    Some campgrounds charge considerably to dump at their facilities.
    So with the correct electrical adapters and proper electrical load management I got by.
    An RV/trailer that uses a 50 amp service , you'd be out of luck trying to cheat the way I did.
    As for the grass pad site and a big heavy 5th wheel , I bring extra ground pads with me to park it on and also my leveling block kits.
    No problems there either.
    The length of my spot was short though so I just parked the truck sideways in front of the camper.
    I had plenty of room because my spot was on the end of a row and it is actually wider in the width.
    So before you park on a spot , walk in there and check it out first to make sure it fits before you pay.

  • @dongordon5154
    @dongordon5154 6 років тому +1

    This is a lot of work...take a bow!! Thanks....heading out west for extended trip next year and this has been on my list to research! I'll buy you a beer if our paths cross!! Mine is 37' but a Class Super C, with lots of rear overhang. Sometimes you can squeeze in and cheat just a little if you back in a bit further and hang over the back of the campsite.

  • @Improvephotographycom
    @Improvephotographycom 8 років тому +15

    Hope you guys like the video! I'm doing my best to put lots of content up as I learn more about RVs. Let me know if there's a video or article I could do for you guys. It's fun to research this stuff and share what I'm learning.

  • @Oklahomajewel1
    @Oklahomajewel1 8 років тому +1

    Hey I'm so glad I came across your video. Hubby and I are planning to full time RV in 5 years and looking now at either a 42 foot or a 38 foot toy hauler. We know other full-timers videos and blogs that say the same thing about having A class rigs and not being able to actually stay in the National Park because of the size. That's why we were going to change and go down to a 35 - 38 foot but towing with a 1 ton dually it sounds like most of the time we wouldn't be able to stay in the Park Campground anyway. I had looked up one at Newhalem Washington in the Cascades and they have a few spots that are 77, 88, 100th feet but like you said you probably have to book those at the very beginning of the season months ahead of time to get them and they also might cost more. thanks for all the info!

  • @thoughtsinpassing2968
    @thoughtsinpassing2968 7 років тому +20

    THANK YOU for all the time and consideration in your research and sharing ! EXTREMELY helpful !

  • @bluelionsage99
    @bluelionsage99 6 років тому +20

    I pull a 31.5 ft trailer with a Ford F-250. So far I have always been able to disconnect and park across the front of my sites with no issues yet.

    • @PhilouCerise
      @PhilouCerise Рік тому

      Ok but when you arrive at the camp the guard does not tell you "30+17" 47 you are too long?

  • @CindyHigginsRichelle
    @CindyHigginsRichelle 8 років тому +4

    Thank you for all your work. We full-time travel in a 35 ft Class A with a toad. We have been able to fit in every national forest we have been to, with plenty of room. Our true restriction is height. We have even fit, with toad, in an rv spot meant for a 15 ft rv. With experience, you will find yourself in the most astounding places.
    Keep in mind, the measure of the sites, is not as accurate as you may think.

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco 8 років тому +1

      That's good to know! I want to eventually get a Class A (for full-time use) and I want/need it to be a big one. Around 36-37 feet. But I don't want to be shut out of the national parks/forests.

    • @Mark-rb6fd
      @Mark-rb6fd 7 років тому +2

      You won't be shut out , i have never seen a ranger take a tape measure to a rig,,, buy what you like and go see America, no worries,,,, thats what i'm doing ,,, just bought a 1993 36' Pace Arrow DP and am getting it ready for a trip to the west coast next spring !!!!

    • @kimberlyhoughtaling5654
      @kimberlyhoughtaling5654 6 років тому

      whats a toad?

    • @mr.mcbeavy1443
      @mr.mcbeavy1443 6 років тому

      @@kimberlyhoughtaling5654
      I believe it is the vehicle that is towed behind the class A or C motorhomes.
      Towed toad

  • @johnjekyelandhyde32
    @johnjekyelandhyde32 6 років тому

    wow! I had no idea the length would play such a huge role in which parks would be able to accommodate you. Thanks for the video!

  • @wellsonwheels457
    @wellsonwheels457 7 років тому +2

    I also consider what campgrounds I prefer! Lots of the favorite places I desire don't hold greater 30ft. I'm sure we could find a spot somewhere. We really try and get places with spectacular views.... so that limits us even more

  • @Trailhound1
    @Trailhound1 5 років тому +1

    Appreciate your fact based reports and helpful links. Jack

  • @timothybuchanan1611
    @timothybuchanan1611 8 років тому +1

    This was just the type of information I have been looking for but it is very different from what I am hearing from other sources. None of the other sources are saying you have to include the length of your towed vehicle for your truck that pulls a travel trailer.

  • @HPaulHonsinger
    @HPaulHonsinger 8 років тому +5

    Outstandingly useful nuts and bolts, specific information. Good job.

  • @dwightstewart7181
    @dwightstewart7181 7 років тому +5

    I agree with the others. Your combined premise (trailer & tow vehicle) makes no sense. That would mean those with full-sized pickup trucks (±18~19-ft, mine nearly 21-ft with winch) would be limited to small travel trailers no greater than about 20-ft. I checked with several local parks and couldn't find even one imposing such a limit. They all said the length limit is for the actual RV, not that combined with the tow or towed vehicle.

    • @chuckpotter1209
      @chuckpotter1209 5 років тому

      @Oscar Rodriguez I agree. Seems extremely and unrealistic that the "combined" length is what he is referring to in NP rules. I'll do some research but the rules are likely the total length of the "camper". It also depends on the NP itself, some have campsites longer than others.

  • @RVProject
    @RVProject 8 років тому +23

    One thing you also have to take into consideration is the number of sites available for a larger rig at a particular park, if you are basing your purchase decision on getting into a park.
    For example, in my state's campground park system, virtually every campsite can accommodate a 25ft rig, but only a few sites at each campground might be available for a 35ft'er.
    So say for 100 campgrounds having 100 campsites each - you have a potential pool of 10,000 campsites available if you had a 25ft rig. But if each campground only has 20 campsites available for larger rigs, only 20% of those campsites are available if you had a 35ft'er.
    Given that the reservation system in my state sells by campsite, you may find that while a campsite you want to stay at is big-rig capable, you may find it all but impossible to obtain one.
    So any study should determine the number of spots available for a particular size per campground... which would I suppose make an already difficult task all but impossible.
    But if you are basing your purchase decision on such data, you need to consider the true availability.

    • @reneeclark45
      @reneeclark45 8 років тому +8

      Yes! He seems to be using the words CAMPGROUNDS and CAMPSITES interchangeably. Percentages of campsites is very different than campgrounds.

    • @whoofit
      @whoofit 7 років тому +3

      This is far more important, I agree...

    • @robertsitch1415
      @robertsitch1415 6 років тому +2

      I find it largely depends on how much of a parks campgrounds date back to the early days of car camping.

  • @jojolighttheway63
    @jojolighttheway63 5 років тому +2

    Thank you so much for all your hard work. You have been a great help!!

  • @StudioDaVeed
    @StudioDaVeed 8 років тому

    I intend to live full time in retirement in a 43 ft toy hauler 5th wheel. I've considered the campsite issue because of this. Last February, I was at Lake Thunderbird (Norman OK) State park. Many State and Federal campsites have reconfigured the SPOTS to fit larger rigs. The issue is the roadways in the camp grounds themselves. Built 30 - 40 - 50 years ago, the roadways are literal 'paths'. Always watch your clearances!

    • @ebfabulous
      @ebfabulous 8 років тому +2

      your home will be huge, still half the parks will accomodate you..that is not bad

  • @rja12
    @rja12 8 років тому +4

    We have a 5th wheel and it's only 28.5' long. It's just the two of us and this is the perfect size for our trips. We can get into so many spaces that bigger trailers can't. Tows very nice and with my GMC 2500HD Duramax/Allison truck I can barely tell it's behind us. Pulls the hills so easily. Eventually when we retire we will go full time and of course get a bigger 5th wheel and that will be around 37'-39'. If we were to go FT right now our choice would be the Cedar Creek 36CK2. Solitude by Grand Design would be our 2nd choice.

  • @rodneylw10
    @rodneylw10 7 років тому

    Good to research and, we think alike. I did the same thing but just on FL parks and the MOST spots are for under 30'. Another consideration is getting the spot you need. Often those bigger spots are booked and hard to get. I am doing the reverse of you. I got an Airstream trailer to do extensive travel with for cost reasons.

  • @jppowers5619
    @jppowers5619 6 років тому

    Well done. Continue your posts as your presentations are quite comprehensive and informative.

  • @1Oldskool63
    @1Oldskool63 7 років тому

    Thank you for this information, it save me the trouble of doing it. It's a blessing

  • @mikec8017
    @mikec8017 Рік тому +3

    Most trucks by themselves are over 17 feet…with a lot pushing 20. That means your trailer is going to be very SMALL to be able to fit in most parks.

  • @BARBAQUED
    @BARBAQUED 8 років тому +6

    Most of the parks I have been to have alternate parking if there isn't room for your tow vehicle

  • @jaysuper8255
    @jaysuper8255 8 років тому +8

    Besides length of ones RV trailer. Being able to back into a site gets tricky. The campground road thru the campground might be narrow. Or, making the turn to back into a site might be limited by trees, ditch, posts....We have a 26' tt which we find a good size for most state, national, forest service and BLM campgrounds.

    • @timothybuchanan1611
      @timothybuchanan1611 8 років тому +1

      When you say 26 feet, are you including the hitch and back bumper?

    • @jaysuper8255
      @jaysuper8255 7 років тому +2

      Yes hitch to bumper...There are many RV sales people who will only list the "box" size as the RV length. So when I say I'm looking for a 26' to no more than 30', I get sales people showing my 33' RV trailers....I had a Winnebago rep at a RV shop swearing up and down the tt he was showing was a 30' unit where in reality it was 34'.

    • @jenniferstephenson
      @jenniferstephenson 4 роки тому

      @@jaysuper8255 This is so true. Also, many people (and sales people) make the mistake of going by the model number. ie....if you inquire about a Jayco 275rks they will tell you that it is 27.5 feet long....which is never true. It's usually a 30 footer at least.

  • @daviddion3731
    @daviddion3731 6 років тому +5

    When you are talking about the length of the rv in feet, are you referring to the box length only or the total length, ie; rear tire rack to farthest front point of tow hitch? Please advise. Thank you.

  • @terryrussell5392
    @terryrussell5392 7 років тому +1

    1st time listening on your tips, tks for the tips and hope you come up with more, I am learning more and more each day as I go forward in my quest for my life in an RV.

  • @penelopepenobscot4475
    @penelopepenobscot4475 6 років тому

    Another thing to consider is the height of your vehicle. We have stayed at some state parks where tall vehicles were limited to open full sun spots due to low hanging branches over the roads. These parks are in states where trees, such as live oaks, are protected.

  • @sandiesmiggs6552
    @sandiesmiggs6552 6 років тому

    Wow, I love that you've done all the work and I don't have to do it. thank you!

  • @bdarne1
    @bdarne1 7 років тому +2

    Awesome information. We're new to all this. We bought a '96 Rexhall Aerbus, 32' long. We are learning every day.
    Thanks,
    Bill and Sue

  • @gerger7287
    @gerger7287 5 років тому +1

    RV Length is big pain, visiting many cities, county- national parks and some incity RV Parks. USA really has done very little to promote RV’s/
    Currently, have retired from RV life, cause of medical conditions/small retirement finances. Retirement funds have not met with the international financial index. SS Ins. is nothing, does not combat cost of living. Plus some genes, grow older faster; can not keep up with traveling.
    My favorite is a small TOY HAULER; because there's a lot of things you could do in the attached rear garage and if you don't get a fifth wheel toy hauler, just conventional toy hauler, you can always get a new TOW UNIT: ( Truck or SUV); not out a lot of money compared to the class A or Class C motorhomes. Any types of RV Trailers, is having a diversified RV portfolio. I ENJOY the garage portion, great protected garage- patio, plus some have bath tubs and frt kitchen in the floorplan. I hate galley kitchen, cause of traffic flow issues. Garage is great storage for toys, or thro in air mattress, great sleeping. Slide outs are okay, but just another problem, when least expected. Solar panels are must have, better then generator….
    Class A Motorhomes okay if you're going to be mobile, & have lot of bank accounts for infinity of repairs. . They're very expensive to maintain/ operate, they have a lot of toys on them, so be ready for breakdowns, warranties are useless. Accessories are known to break break break… If you wreck them, Ins. are very poor to pay out!! Not many mechanics really know how to work on them, expensive $$ beast. Good mechanics are working in union auto garages, not RV garages. Diesels are smelly, both around the patio and smells lurk in to the units interiors. I ditched my diesel, could not stand the smell of diesel around the coach.
    Class C motorhomes are very mobile to get around, sleeper over the cab is a waste of time : either too hot or too cold for good sleeping and if your senior, it's very risky getting in and out of there. Plus if there's two people sleeping up there, the frame over the cab really can't support much activity. Class C is more affordable, less toys on them compared to the Class A & the upkeep is considerable less, plus USA parks are designed to fit class C, not class A.
    I would prefer a truck frame chassis with a trailer attached to it, because if you don't like the truck frame chassis, always get another one, just remove the trailer, get a new Chev /Ford truck frame, and attach the trailer on to the frame.. Engines are up front, so repairs are much easier/ cheaper, cause of being accessible.
    I have: Class A, Trailer and Truck camper. Truck / SUV are the only two of all of the above mentioned units, which have Lemon Law Protections. RV in general, carry no help from the courts and RV warranties, are collection of A-Z products and not insured by one manufacturer. My trailer is great for long length stays in the desert, Class A is okay, but expensive for interstate traveling and my camper has over 500,000 miles on it, as this is my weekend RV and gets a lot of usage. Wish my camper had a Murphy Bed, hate the over head sleeper and most of the time, sleep on floor. Store my units on my property and visit them daily.
    SIDEBAR: Ageing, lack of finances, is not our friend for RV’s and traveling. Remember, RV’s are not loved by everyone, there is equal love/ hate for RV’s, as many call us trailer trash. Many cultures invading USA are not warm/fussy towards RV’s.
    Stellar boon-docking is great, when traveling day to day. Prefer to pay to park and received full hookups and use the unit, which is was intended for: FULL HOOKUPS. Remember, there is no LEMON LAW to protect RV units, so off road n boon-dock with caution, as the units are built very fragile & not intended for moon terrain walking. Snow n freezing temps, are not RV best friend, no matter how they are rated, they have no LEMON LAW protection against severe low temps. Remember, over night fees for RV camping can be pricey, some are reaching $100 ( PLUS) per night and more and more are privately owned w/ annual membership by prescription.
    Point of Interest, no RV was designed to travel: Snow, freezing temps and day after day rain/wind storms. Extreme weather quickly takes years off of the RV coach, there were not built for this abuse.
    Here is a question for all RV owners: Do you advertise your bank account finances to the world? Reply: No!!!. So why advertise the cost of your RV to the world: via fancy paint jobs, luxury tow units, luxury tow boats, chrome everything/ anything. RV’s who advertise their wealth, are only advertising to the nation, I have arrived in wealth and heck with your thoughts. Flashy RV’s ruin lifestyles for everyone. Stellar & non-monochromatic downplayed units, fit in everywhere and are less offensive to the nation, which do not have RV’s. We live in a country of extreme biases. Less is really more, when traveling and exploring USA.
    littlefreelibrary.org/start/
    I belong to this free library, allows me to pick up books for free, anywhere in the USA and return to any location. Every city has this and is free and better then internet books. I have spent days in parking lots, using Wifi for free, when many stores and restaurants provide it for free. Now the little library, allows for national library, where ever anyone travels for free. RV’s don’t need TV/ IT/when we have free books at our disposal. Remember, some books, government archived shows, you tube, news, etc. can be download from IT for free, providing 100 hrs of viewing, anytime, anywhere, without IT connections.

  • @lanksterprice
    @lanksterprice 8 років тому +5

    40' & 45' are the same. Most that are going in the 45' plan better and pay a lot more for the space.. The good spot is 32' or less and you'll fit in 90%...

  • @kong3
    @kong3 7 років тому +4

    I haven't found parking to mean including the towing vehicle (truck etc) after years of RVing. One does need to make sure there is room for access, but mostly you back the trailer in and disconnect and can put disconnected vehicle to side or in front or in a parking area. I You just have to be sure there is room to maneuver. We double tow long many times and there is often a parking area somewhere for the 2d trailer... and/or the vehicle. A good idea is to use google earth to look at the actual site you are interested in. Most often this will help you decide if you have access to back your rig in and access to parking. Good knowledge before you pay for your reservation.

    • @douglasmccarty1196
      @douglasmccarty1196 7 років тому

      I usually rent 2 sites next to each other.One for my class A RV and the other for what ever i am towing

  • @glennunderwood4690
    @glennunderwood4690 7 років тому

    Some really good information to know . Thanks for all your help. Happy trails.

  • @RealLifeEddy2K
    @RealLifeEddy2K 7 років тому +14

    29 feet sounds ideal from what numbers you gave, still in the 87% or whatever, that's pretty good.

  • @papawoody7352
    @papawoody7352 7 років тому +1

    Some places have stops but i fit because i have good clearance between the ground and bottom of rv behind the dually rear wheels giving me about 6ft exra.

  • @tom_olofsson
    @tom_olofsson 6 років тому

    Thanks for doing the research. 16 sounds like a good choice for me.

  • @adventureswithgnomie6553
    @adventureswithgnomie6553 8 років тому +7

    so glad I am looking at a Class B or a small TT - I want to go Full time but I don't need that much room. Good information to know for National Parks though. :)

    • @roadkillscjim
      @roadkillscjim 8 років тому +2

      my wife and I live comfortably with a black lab in a 22 foot class B...bigger rig=more problems. but ultimately, you've got to find what works best for you, and no one can tell you what that is, that's whole idea of RV in the first place, freedom!

    • @adventureswithgnomie6553
      @adventureswithgnomie6553 8 років тому +2

      Adventures with Jim I'm disabled and I have a fixed income. RV/Camper Van = Just gas, propane for cooking and insurance for the most part verses the costs of sticks n bricks.

    • @roadkillscjim
      @roadkillscjim 8 років тому

      unless you plan on stealth camping, consider price of RV parks too. The biggest issue we have is trying to find some place to park for more than a night. We don't actually "travel" that much, live and work local...BUT we own our own home on wheels outright and so nice to have different views out the window. Some places are easier to live in RV and work a full time job locally, it's been a real problem here.

    • @adventureswithgnomie6553
      @adventureswithgnomie6553 8 років тому

      Adventures with Jim - BLM is what I'd ideally like to utilize. winter in Arizona or Florida for part of it. stealth is what I'm leaning towards- metris or conversion van.

    • @roryroberts3787
      @roryroberts3787 7 років тому

      whenyou say stealth, are you referring to urban camping or wild or dry camping out in nature's playground?

  • @jenniferstephenson
    @jenniferstephenson 4 роки тому

    For people saying the total length doesn't sound right......just remember....these parks and sites were built when families traveled and camped out of the family car. They slept in a tent or possibly pulled a tiny trailer. There are several roads in Sequoia NP that your TOTAL vehicle length can't be over 22ft because you are basically driving on the edge of a cliff. Some are 25ft. The pad at our site there would barely fit our 9x12 canvas tent. Luckily we were tent camping out of a Ford Flex during that trip. Having always been Class A and large 5th wheel people from the Midwest we learned a valuable lesson in Western NP. We need a SMALL footprint in the future.

  • @michaellowrey8159
    @michaellowrey8159 5 років тому +1

    I didn't know the total length was the requirement. I had heard of the 29 / 30 foot. I just thought it ment your trailer lenght. Thanks for the information.

  • @michael1326
    @michael1326 4 роки тому +1

    The problem isn’t simply whether you’ll fit, but the ratio of site lengths. It’s not enough to know the max acceptable length, but rather how many sites will accept your RV.

  • @jackdevero3398
    @jackdevero3398 6 років тому +7

    He failed to list how tall the old railroad bridges are on the old roads leading into the rv parks .. most are under 11 feet …

  • @Wildersport
    @Wildersport 8 років тому +22

    I wouldn't think most regular passenger cars are under 12 feet!

    • @TheFirstRealChewy
      @TheFirstRealChewy 2 роки тому

      I'm guessing that for those sites you'd be backing the camper into the site then detaching it to park elsewhere. Not sure if that's allowed.

  • @alegdansk
    @alegdansk 6 років тому

    Thank you for this video, you explain everything in a very good way.

  • @Toekneepowers
    @Toekneepowers 7 років тому

    Thanks for the info saves me hours of research

  • @reneeclark45
    @reneeclark45 8 років тому

    Note: Not every single site in each campground will accommodate the largest rig noted. Some campgrounds have very limited sites large enough for long rigs. Example: Loft Mountain campground in Shenandoah NP. It does have campsites as big as 60ft. Must most are much less than 40ft. For planning purposes assume that most campgrounds only have a few sties at those longer limits. A large rig still limits your choice within the campground.

  • @brentjohnson6654
    @brentjohnson6654 6 років тому

    Thanks for the video. Good info. I didn’t know the length was including towed or tow vehicle. We are thinking of getting a trailer and this is good info. Thanks

  • @secondthought2320
    @secondthought2320 5 років тому

    Good info!! I'm about to purchase a trailer and travel. Never even considered this!! Thanks.

  • @thunderbritches1449
    @thunderbritches1449 6 років тому

    Great video! I was just starting to do the same thing. You just saved me a lot of time.

  • @sophia.a.f
    @sophia.a.f 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this video! And for all your research!

  • @angietaylor5256
    @angietaylor5256 6 років тому

    Very COOL! I would like to do all the national parks, so 12 feet is the limit!

  • @michalsz2
    @michalsz2 7 років тому +5

    Well, Im not sure if it is a typo, but I was in Zion multiple times, and most of the sites in Watchman are 45, and up to 50 ft not 19 :)

  • @k.r.v.4219
    @k.r.v.4219 8 років тому +11

    You might need to read that over again. I believe you add the combined length only with a motorized RV, with a towed behind vehicle. Not a travel trailer set up. Otherwise your 20' trailer and 20' truck would mean you need a 40' space? That makes no sense at all!

    • @roryroberts3787
      @roryroberts3787 7 років тому +3

      Since when does most government rules and regulations have to make sense.

    • @asianpirate4061
      @asianpirate4061 7 років тому +3

      Who the heck drives a 20 foot truck?!?!?!?

    • @2009mechanic
      @2009mechanic 6 років тому

      I know , right.
      Most tow vehicles wouldn't even fit into a 25' and barely a 30' garage space !!!

    • @roryroberts3787
      @roryroberts3787 6 років тому

      Some people use minvans or cargo vans (some even diesel powered to pull their TT's....

    • @brianallen0826
      @brianallen0826 6 років тому

      Yeah, that didn't sound right to me either...the typical travel trailer is 24-28ft, put that behind any 1500-3500 truck and you're way over 40ft

  • @Stayflipnawesome
    @Stayflipnawesome Рік тому

    Good information! Thank you for the effort! You get flip’n awesome status

  • @Expandacraftboats
    @Expandacraftboats 6 років тому

    If you are an RVer and like water toys or fishing boats, Look into Expandacraft, a modular watercraft that stores in small spaces and converts into all sorts of different craft. Oh, and we ship all over the world.

  • @brianski007
    @brianski007 4 роки тому

    Thanks for putting this together!

  • @Siggyroka
    @Siggyroka 6 років тому

    Thanks for all the hard work

  • @michaelhopkins2965
    @michaelhopkins2965 6 років тому

    While a park may have some large sites, not every site will fit larger coaches. And I think something like less than 20% of all National Parks have utilities like power, water, and sewer hookups on each campsite. All the ones I've been to in Washington State have no utilities on any campsites anywhere in the park. There's a water spigot for each loop of sites, and a glorified port a potty. And I had to drive to a rest stop or Washington State Park campground to dump gray and black tanks. For example Baker Lake, which is part of the Mt. Baker -Snoqualmie National Forest has campsites on both sides of the lake. The West side has paved roads, paved loops and every site I've camped in could accommodate larger coaches. campsites were all level. Once you get about halfway around the North heading to the East side, the road is Improved but unpaved. There are lots of potholes and can have washboards and serve ruts depending on the time of year. In most of the campsites on the East side, you'll be lucky to find a level enough spot for a large tent, let alone a pickup with a camper. I had to get creative to level my Forest River tent trailer in many spots. I don't think I saw a perfectly leveled travel trailer, class A, C or 5er anywhere.

  • @azclaimjumper
    @azclaimjumper 6 років тому

    Thank you for giving us the benefit of your inquisitive mind & time.

  • @brianallen0826
    @brianallen0826 7 років тому +2

    I'm assuming you're talking about trailer length only, not including pull truck

  • @klouism1
    @klouism1 7 років тому

    Amazing research you have done. Thank you.

  • @kayakjo579
    @kayakjo579 6 років тому +1

    This Information is Fantastic. If I could reach through the screen so my wife can give you a hug & I would High 5 for sure! For the 1st time ever my family and I will be homeless as of July 1st if I can not find a camping trailer or spot I am a failure so I will find a trailer. A spot to put it, I'll keep working on that.
    But Brother, keep the videos & The vlog coming, Even if itbstuff I know already, it make my wife feel more secure.
    Cheers Mate

  • @prideventues
    @prideventues 7 років тому

    Hi Jim Great videos!! I am working on buying my first rig and am now a subscriber.

  • @Endless_Skyway_Adventures
    @Endless_Skyway_Adventures 7 років тому

    Thanks for the great work on this. this will be a great resource.

  • @Hundert1
    @Hundert1 6 років тому

    GOD BLESS YOU! Keep up the good work. Happy RVing

  • @PhilouCerise
    @PhilouCerise Рік тому

    Thanks for your video. is possible to have your spreadsheet because for me it will be very interesting because I want to but a Airstream 27 feet and if I understand 27 + 17 (the truck) it will be a nightmare to find a national campground. For this reason it will be better to take a class A.

  • @DavidFarina
    @DavidFarina 7 років тому +1

    Just spoke with KOA. They factor your tow vehicle in so long as you enter yourself in as a "trailer". They count the "average" tow vehicle already.

  • @saltyseascott
    @saltyseascott 6 років тому +1

    you should see if there is at least one state park which accepts up to 40' rv's. in each state.

  • @fireflyvtxr
    @fireflyvtxr 7 років тому

    Thank You for the detailed report

  • @slaviapolandia7541
    @slaviapolandia7541 4 роки тому

    excellent report

  • @markconger8049
    @markconger8049 7 років тому

    While the percentages overall is helpful I would be more interested in how regions of the country stack up. I have read and seen that eastern US parks are older and less likely to have accomodations for longer lengths but out west it is different.
    So if you plan to travel only in, say, the southeast, the breakdown in percent of campgrounds accepting longer units would be more helpful than national numbers, if that makes sense.

  • @MA-jr8hj
    @MA-jr8hj 8 років тому

    I think it also is important if the campground takes reservations, or maybe you are a person that doesn't plan ahead as much as just winging it. It is much harder to find a space available site when you are in a big rig.

    • @roryroberts3787
      @roryroberts3787 7 років тому

      I have a big rig (45') , and I have never encountered a problem of not being able to find a site. Maybe it's because I don't wish to dock in a NP. I find "in season", the campgrounds are noisey and crowded, and there are too many inconsiderate ppl running around. I find a nice private RV park and dock my RV, drive my toad into the park, making use of my NP pass, and enjoy everytrhing the NP has to offer. THat is minus the crowded, noisey campground. I find it more enjoyable. Oh and I have never been denied entrance to anywhere I want to go because of size, that is a myth...

    • @PhilouCerise
      @PhilouCerise Рік тому +1

      Ok but what price private parks?

  • @RalphCopley
    @RalphCopley 6 років тому

    Awesome work thanks for sharing the information!

  • @jamestopeka2236
    @jamestopeka2236 2 роки тому

    Thank you 😊 good information .

  • @G_RAThbun
    @G_RAThbun 7 років тому

    thank you for that information unfortunately looks like I'm not going to be camping in any of those spots. I haven't checked the links of my total camping rig but I know it is a 38-foot maybe fifth wheel pulled by a Dodge pickup which I am sure is going to put it over there 45 foot mark.

  • @gregdeeth5701
    @gregdeeth5701 7 років тому +4

    What about the amperage, 30 or 50amp??? Great information. 🇨🇦

    • @imageinphoto
      @imageinphoto 4 роки тому

      Most National Park and National Forest Campsites are non-electric, so neither 30 amp or 50 amp.

  • @jamesb.492
    @jamesb.492 4 роки тому

    I am looking into RVs my favorite is the Thor Axis or Vegas 24.1, LTV Unity corner bed is nice too but way too expensive.

  • @FinesseMuse
    @FinesseMuse 6 років тому +1

    great information, thank you for helping with the research and tips that I haven't even thought of.
    every 5th wheel, class a & c that I've considered buying is a lengthy rig & I'd like to do some boon docking, not always being confined to koa camp grounds.
    great info in your videos, definitely subscribing to future videos.

  • @Travel.Documented
    @Travel.Documented 3 роки тому

    Thanks for the video! Is there a link to this report you mention? I'm on your website and cannot easily locate...?

  • @BoostedVQUR
    @BoostedVQUR 2 роки тому

    I’m new to this and looking into a bumper pull. Most likely an airstream… However my truck is just shy of 21 foot long.
    With that said, I’m assuming most national parks are out?

  • @Yankeerex
    @Yankeerex 8 років тому +1

    Great video. i appreciate all the good information

  • @618GOLDENRATIO
    @618GOLDENRATIO 7 років тому

    Thanks for all the research!!

  • @jamesbondaygee
    @jamesbondaygee 4 роки тому

    Cool info. I'm thinking about mileage

  • @hugginmcgroyne8262
    @hugginmcgroyne8262 4 роки тому

    ....... AWESOME WORK! :). Thank you very much!

  • @PandaLAG
    @PandaLAG Місяць тому

    When you're quoting the length allowed - is it just for the travel trailer, or does this include the tow vehicle? It seems that if you tow with a truck, your TT would have to be a year drop size, but yet i see gar larger TT at these natl parks.

  • @anthonymarino4260
    @anthonymarino4260 7 років тому

    thanks for your hard work

  • @williamwyer8520
    @williamwyer8520 5 років тому

    Also should check some of the camp grounds won't be able to run a generator after 8pm till 8am

  • @momvanup
    @momvanup 3 роки тому

    Looking for specific information about rvs, camper report delivers.

  • @deposited-10
    @deposited-10 3 роки тому

    What about having a big RV and towing a smaller sedan or suv attached to the RV?

  • @scottdurkee5049
    @scottdurkee5049 7 років тому

    Safari Trek in diesel are the best . they come from 21' to 26' they have the majic bed . good fuel mpg

  • @brianlex1479
    @brianlex1479 7 років тому +1

    I really like to stay in rv parks instead of national parks I have a 42 ft park model trailet that I love

  • @frankiefernandez5252
    @frankiefernandez5252 7 років тому

    Appreciate the work you did. .I'm a subscriber!

  • @takayama1638
    @takayama1638 8 років тому

    Jeb Bush! I thought you were him! Great info, I didn't know that!

  • @MsLiberty101
    @MsLiberty101 7 років тому

    Ok....So let me see if I got this straight..so if your towing a car that you plan to disconnect as soon as you get there, it doesn't seem right to have to add that to your length since it will be parked next to ya or in front......What about if your towing toys and or another smaller trailer with plans to disconnect & place to your side or in front of your rig?

  • @jackyoungblood8011
    @jackyoungblood8011 8 років тому

    Thanks for the help.

  • @roryroberts3787
    @roryroberts3787 7 років тому +56

    I will stick to my 45' and use one of the private rv parks just outside the entrances to every NP park. I then jump in my toad and pull out my NP pass and take advantage of everything the NP has to offer. Oh and I don't have to stay in those crowded noisey campgrounds inside the park

    • @utv6141
      @utv6141 7 років тому +5

      We have a 35' TT and have gotten to most parks in Fl without any issues. So I do think most park can accommodate , but with more limited sites. Hence harder to book. I did a quick test in reserve America and sure enough its true.
      Did a search for a 25',35',and 40' in a NP in florida and the results for the same park and same days follows: 25' had 43 sites available , 35' 12 sites, 40' 2 sites, 45 0 sites.
      . We were thinking of upgrading to a 40'+, but after verifying that most parks can't accommodate 40+ we are getting cold feet.
      You NP comment is surprising to us as we are the exact opposite. We prefer national parks over the private parks any day of the week. Not only is the cost of NP significantly cheaper ($20-$30 range) , but the sites are much bigger and isolated from neighbours.
      Most private parks we have seen atleast down here in FL are basically parking lots with everyone on top of each other and don't compare to the NP. Then again we have a 9 year old so we could be the ones causing that noise , LOL.. We also don't golf and prefer nature over golfing or shuffle boarding.
      Out of curiosity what are you using to tow the 45'? We are looking to upgrade our diesel excursion to a Ford 350 dually but I think we might have to jump to the F 450 diesel dually to pull a 40' around 20K lb

    • @roryroberts3787
      @roryroberts3787 7 років тому +2

      There are private parks a short distance from NP's & Sp's who would love to have your business. Dock there, pull out your NP pass jump into your toad and go and enjoy the NP's same as U did b4. Besides if it is peak season, I don't think you'll miss the crowded campgrounds.....

    • @MarkTarsis
      @MarkTarsis 7 років тому +4

      This has sort of become my thought as well. Just go ahead and get the larger, more comfortable RV/trailer, park 30 mins away in a quiet and easy to use rv park. Then just road trip it to the NP. If you really want the "in nature" experience you could always primitive camp in the park for a night after hiking into a more remote area. Home basing seems like the more realistic choice VS trying to cram a RV with a fridge/TV/AC/Internet next to a mountain stream.

    • @roryroberts3787
      @roryroberts3787 7 років тому +6

      Glad to see there are like minded ppl out there, I don't advise everyone to do this because it may not be a fit, but if I even suggested to my wife let's go tent camping, she'd look at me as if I were crazy. Her quote I leave the ground to the bugs, snakes and little furry animals that don't know what a bed is. Anyway thanks Mark...

    • @gregsimpson621
      @gregsimpson621 7 років тому +3

      Rory Roberts That's why I'm single!

  • @chelseemr
    @chelseemr 5 років тому

    This was so helpful, thank you!