RV Camp Grounds and longer trailers.

[Saleen05]

My wife and I just changed from a Heartland 36' fifth wheel Model 32 GK to a Heartland Cyclone 4214 which is over 45'. I'm an curious and wanted ask this group about their experiences with regards to RV sites having any issues with a 44'- 46' fifth wheel. In particular, will many of the sites parking spots be too short, or difficult to back into? We just returned from our maiden voyage with the 4214 and it was quite a bit different backing the 45+' unit into a spot as opposed to a 36' unit. We are starting to plan a long trip for the summer and wanted to get an idea about others experiences with longer units.
Thanks!

Steve Carvajal
2021 Cyclone 4214
2022 Ford F350 4x4 DRW

 

[VACHZHD]

My wife and I just changed from a Heartland 36' fifth wheel Model 32 GK to a Heartland Cyclone 4214 which is over 45'. I'm an curious and wanted ask this group about their experiences with regards to RV sites having any issues with a 44'- 46' fifth wheel. In particular, will many of the sites parking spots be too short, or difficult to back into? We just returned from our maiden voyage with the 4214 and it was quite a bit different backing the 45+' unit into a spot as opposed to a 36' unit. We are starting to plan a long trip for the summer and wanted to get an idea about others experiences with longer units.
Thanks!

Steve Carvajal
2021 Cyclone 4214
2022 Ford F350 4x4 DRW

You'll likely be fine at newer commercial parks, but don't count on State or National Parks being able to accommodate you. The good thing is as you search for parks to stay in they will almost all have size limits posted so you will know ahead of time. Pull-throughs will be your friend. Safe travels.

 

[taskswap]

I second what VACHZHD said above about state parks/campgrounds. Here in CO, many campgrounds specifically advertise their site sizes, and "60+ deep" is typical. But sometimes the curves are what get you - tree-trimming is not their top priority, and a ponderosa can really do a number on the side of a large coach.

That being said, the folks that run these places usually have a REALLY good sense of what will fit. Try calling them, and/or check https://campgrounds.rvlife.com/ for reviews. Many reviews will mention parking, and somethings it's just one "loop" or two that are too tight.

FWIW, not to shill too much for KOA, nearly every one I've been to had huge driveways with staff used to guiding big rigs to various spots. They've always been a "low anxiety" option for us, even if our kids have outgrown the stuff most have for youngsters. Anything with "resort" in the title is also usually reliable.

Start from the knowledge that you'll be able to park SOME places, then keep a mental note of places that were comfy vs tight. Once you know a few examples, you can look at their satellite maps to get a sense of what a tight spot looks like in an aerial view. After that, you can usually pull the same thing up for any new campground you're considering and get a good sense of whether you can manage it.

 

[david-steph2018]

My wife and I just changed from a Heartland 36' fifth wheel Model 32 GK to a Heartland Cyclone 4214 which is over 45'. I'm an curious and wanted ask this group about their experiences with regards to RV sites having any issues with a 44'- 46' fifth wheel. In particular, will many of the sites parking spots be too short, or difficult to back into? We just returned from our maiden voyage with the 4214 and it was quite a bit different backing the 45+' unit into a spot as opposed to a 36' unit. We are starting to plan a long trip for the summer and wanted to get an idea about others experiences with longer units.
Thanks!

Steve Carvajal
2021 Cyclone 4214
2022 Ford F350 4x4 DRW

You will be limited on the sites & parks you can fit. You will eventually get used to backing a larger rig. If you are hauling any toys in the rear, you may need to unload before parking the rig, if you are going into a back-in spot.

In particular, will many of the sites parking spots be too short, or difficult to back into?

We have been in one KOA park that I had to tell them I needed to move, because I couldn't get in the site. It was because there was a large tree at the end of the site, and I couldn't swing out far enough to miss the tree. Another park liked to have piles of large rocks for decorations near their roads, the turning radius wasn't big enough for us. Strange thing both of these parks were outside of West Yellowstone, Mt.

We have been full time since June 2019 and have been to numerous parks throughout the country. You will learn different techniques to backing a larger rig in different situations.
Our rig is a 2018 Road Warrior RW427, we tow with a 2017 Ram 3500 dually.

 

[Saleen05]

You will be limited on the sites & parks you can fit. You will eventually get used to backing a larger rig. If you are hauling any toys in the rear, you may need to unload before parking the rig, if you are going into a back-in spot.


We have been in one KOA park that I had to tell them I needed to move, because I couldn't get in the site. It was because there was a large tree at the end of the site, and I couldn't swing out far enough to miss the tree. Another park liked to have piles of large rocks for decorations near their roads, the turning radius wasn't big enough for us. Strange thing both of these parks were outside of West Yellowstone, Mt.

We have been full time since June 2019 and have been to numerous parks throughout the country. You will learn different techniques to backing a larger rig in different situations.
Our rig is a 2018 Road Warrior RW427, we tow with a 2017 Ram 3500 dually.

Greatly appreciate the info. Backing the trailer is not an issue for me as I drove tractor/trailer rigs for years. I appreciate hearing from folks who have encountered issues like you described which make it very difficult, (not worth the effort...), to have a parking spot that is too short, or has too little room in front to back into, etc. The tree story is exactly what I meant. Thanks!

 

[scayne62]

sort your searches to big rig friendly sites. I am 42' and have similar issues as you describe with finding big enough spots

 

[chaplady]

Three things I've learned
1) When making reservation tell them you have a 45 ft rig.
2) Visit web site look at there directions to get there or asked campground staff if there are any concerns once leaving major routes in getting back to campground. That has saved me a few headaches in past.
3) you can also view Google earth route to see what it might look like too.

 

[Saleen05]

Thank you all!

 

[wdk450]

Thousand Trails at at least one location I have used, has categorized all their spaces by maximum rig length. Spaces I have previously stayed in were now categorized as too short for me. I remedied this, but would rather not post online how I did this. PM me if you feel you really need this information.