How Long Is Too Long? The Who, What And Where Of Selecting RV Length
Whether you're debating purchasing a more compact Class C RV, or you've got your heart set on a sprawling Class A rig, you may still have some doubts. Will the RV prove to be too small or too large?
Here are the 3 main things to consider before making a choice:
Who will be driving the RV.
Make a list of all of the drivers who will be in command of the RV, including kids and grandchildren who may drive as they get older. Be certain that the present drivers are capable of operating the RV under normal travel conditions, and that future drivers will be able to easily learn how to navigate when driving it.
If there are handicapped or otherwise physically-limited drivers, can they safely and comfortably drive the RV? Are the seats supportive, and are they able to see mirrors and rear-camera screens adequately?
You want to be certain that the drivers of the RV are happy with the choice of length, since they will be the ones maneuvering the home away from home.
What you'll be hauling with the RV.
If you want to tow small cars, called "toads" or "dingies" by RV aficionados, you may want a shorter rig to fit your RV/toad combo into limited-sized campground spots. Be aware that a smaller, Class B or C rig may be at its weight capacity when towing a car, especially if the RV is also full of travel gear.
If there are more than two people camping in the RV, a longer rig may be necessary to accommodate everyone. You may not want to constantly fold up beds or hunt for supplies every time you move to a new spot.
Parents may want to sleep a small distance from younger kids, or couples may want to be on opposite ends of the RV, so choose a floor plan that takes privacy into account.
Where you'll be going with the RV.
Shorter RVs will fit in nearly any campground pull-through spot, and some will even work in tent camping areas.
Longer rigs can pose problems, since some sites don't allow the extra-long RVs, while other pull-through sites may not have the space to accommodate slide-outs and awnings.
Check on the policies and the sizes of camping sites at the places where you expect to use your RV. If most of the RV camps will accept RVs that are a length you can live with, you can safely choose that size rig, knowing you and your loved ones will get many years of enjoyment out of it. There are numerous directories, both online and available at RV centers, that list campsite features including utility hookups, amenities and rules for RV campers.
Contact an RV park like Beach RV Park for more information.