A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

I am in a question mode. I am planning on full-timing for a couple of years, and traveling around the country visiting mostly national parks--a week here and a week there.

I do not yet own a motorhome, and I will eventually take one of the driver's courses, but my question is: Is there really that much difference between driving a 24' motorhome versus driving a 31' motorhome???

I know from reading that some state parks and national forests limit some areas to motorhomes less than 30 feet. I noticed Grand Canyon, for example, allows only under-30 footers in their regular no-hookups campground. I also have noticed that at least with used motorhomes, smaller ones cost almost or as much as larger ones. And I am worried about the storage in a smaller one for someone like me who is living in it full-time. Not only does there seem to be fewer cabinets, but there is less underneath storage, from what I can see.

1. Does it feel any different to drive a big vehicle down a highway, compared to a slightly smaller one?
2. What about pulling into shopping centers and larger grocery stores? Is it harder to turn a 31" vehicle as opposed to a 24" one? (I'm pretty sure drive-throughs and McDonalds are out of the question, no matter what size.)
3. What about driving in traffic and cities on expressways?
4. Any other times when you are driving, you'd much rather be driving something smaller than larger???

I drive a Town and Country Chrysler Minivan, by the way, so I am a little used to big vehicles, but even then hate to back the thing up when I can't see behind me, which is almost all the time.

JudyJB

My motorhome is a 23 ft so it's pretty much like driving the Ford F250 crew cab we use to own. For me the most frightening to get use to was not having a rearview mirror on the windshield, which meant, no back window either. I do have a rear camera on my sunvisor I can use to see behind, but don't use unless I'm backing. The gals told me that I'd get use to using the side mirrors easily and they were right. It's just a matter of driving more and getting comfortable with the rig.

I am a believer that one can learn to drive whatever you want. Driving down the expressway you won't notice what you have behind you....but length does mean that you turn corners differently, pull into and out of gas stations differently, avoid more narrow two lane roads, etc. Again, it is all teachable learnable stuff. Where and how you want to travel, camp, park....will effect what you might choose to drive as you have already taken notice of.

Everyone has different needs and wants. Beth has a small rv, I have a 34ft diesel pusher with 2 slides and am still regretting at times trading in my 40 footer. I like room, power and my washer/dryer. She full times in hers and I've spent 6 months in mine when I went to Alaska. She loves hers and I love mine. Yes, there are times when I wish I had a smaller unit, usually when I see some of the places that Liz and Beth go that I would have a problem. But that's few and far between. You'll get as many answers to your questions as we have members on the forum.

As far as backing, I'll tell you what I tell any member that is nervous about that part of an rv....cover the rear view mirror in your van. Practice backing in a straight line either on a quiet street or parking lot. When you can do that, practice backing around a corner, side mirrors only. When you've mastered that, get some cones or cut large balls in half and practice backing around them. By the time you get your rv using side mirrors will be second nature. My dad taught me to drive and always covered the rear mirror so I grew up using the side ones. Made life much easier for me when I started driving an rv! LOL

Like Sharon says, the answers will vary with each of us. So, you have to ask yourself - WHAT is it YOU want? I have confirmed over the years that I will never go larger than 25-26 feet. Not because I couldn't drive it - but because of the places I want to continue to be able to go to. As to length, after adding my toad, I'm longer than your 30 foot motor home and it does stop me from going some places - not because of length but because I can't back up and could get stuck having to unhitch to get out. The jury is still out on how well I 'like having a toad. I'll love it this summer while I'm workaming for 7 months. I've already decided, tho, that when I go back to Alaska or down Baja, the toad gets a vacation. I can do that whereas if I bought larger, I couldn't cut off some to do somethings I want. Like just this winter, enjoying the boondocking location I discovered. And 3 different times now I've gotten into a FL state park because I was 25 feet or under.

Size matters BOTH ways - depending on what you want and how you want to travel. Only you have those answers. And sometimes you won't know till you've been out for awhile. I will say that when I started out EVERYONE told me I made a mistake buying small and that I'd be chasing my money within a year to get larger. In my case, I got just what I wanted the first time and that "everyone" was wrong. Big isn't always better. For others, their isn't anything big enough yet!

1. Does it feel any different to drive a big vehicle down a highway, compared to a slightly smaller one?

Depends on whether you are talking about a Class A or C. My experience of driving a "C" is that the "C" gets blown around by the wind and by passing semi's. My "A" is more stable on windy days and easier to drive. With the longer RV's, about eight to ten feet of rig hangs behind the rear wheels, and tends to swing wide. So you have to take that into account when you turn -- or are pulling out of a tight space like a gas station. Also, my Class A has a rear-view camera, so I can see as I back up.

2. What about pulling into shopping centers and larger grocery stores? Is it harder to turn a 31" vehicle as opposed to a 24" one? (I'm pretty sure drive-throughs and McDonalds are out of the question, no matter what size.)

I park on the outskirts of parking lots and walk a bit to get to the store. My 35-foot Class A takes up two parking spaces, lengthwise. I don't pull in anywhere that would be difficult to pull out of. But when you have a larger rig, it is EXTREMELY inconvenient to drive around town. Lots of us (including me) tow cars or scooters to get around.

3. What about driving in traffic and cities on expressways?

My rig + car is 50+ feet long, so I pay close attention to what's going on around me in metro areas. Unless I'm going to exit, I stay in the middle lane because in cities right lanes often turn into "exit-only" lanes. The rear-view camera tells me whether I have cleared traffic when I'm changing lanes. AND ... I also leave a lot of room between me & the traffic ahead 'cuz that baby doesn't stop quickly. A real help is a GPS that tells you when your freeway changes are coming up and what lane to be in.

4. Any other times when you are driving, you'd much rather be driving something smaller than larger???

Larger. Definitely larger. I like the weight & stability. I like sitting up high. I love the view through the big windows. I hate it at the ga$ $tation$.

Beth, I am encouraged that you are full-timing in a 21". Was that a Class C? You are single, right? Does traveling solo mean you have more space for clothes, etc? Your other posting said it has a slide in the bedroom, so I am trying to imagine that.

Can you give me some examples of where you can go in a less than 25" that you couldn't go if it were bigger?

Thanks

Judy

Hi Judy,
I just wrote you a book, but didn't notice I lost my wifi connection from this park. So I lost everything I wrote. Will rewrite, but probably briefer.

My Class C is a 22' with a back corner bed. The slide is the living room sofa. When I started out I had lots of extra room in cabinets. You know the adage that if you have space, you'll fill it. It's true. I like sundresses. I cut myself down to 5 or 6 when I started out. I gave some away last year and counted what was left. I think I cut myself down to 20. Yep, 20. I have tshirts I have away that I never wore. And still have way more than I need. I could probably go one or maybe even 2 months without ever wearing the same things twice. I started out with 3 pairs of shoes. Let's not go there now. I'm starting to get rid of things again. This is REDICULOUS lol. So, yes, being single means there's more space than you realize in these little cabinets.

As for examples of places I can go - well this winter so far, I've gotten into 3 FL state parks that only had small sites left available. In fact, twice I got the last site - which was for a 25 foot rig or smaller. The boondock location that I found on Blue Cypress Lake - they MIGHT let a big rig stay there, but it would be really difficult for one to park, and it would take up more than one space to do so. There weren't many there when I was there this time, so wouldn't have been a problem. The day I checked the place out, they were close to full. I could have fit in. There are many federal, state, COE, and even commercial cg's that were built way before the big rigs existed - and they aren't prepared for them. Some are getting there. But little rigs have no problem. When I traveled down the VA Skyline then the Blue Ridge parkway - the big rigs would be pulling off into the cg's early - real early - to be sure to get a spot as soon as others pulled out. I only had to make sure there was still a spot available - as I'd fit in all of them. In both Alaska and Baja, there were many places I could boondock that big rigs couldn't. And most of the time, they were very scenic areas. One night LIz and CArole and I boondocked next to a river - that I barely fit in. Liz's B had no problem at all. It was quiet and wonderful.

That doesn't mean that you'll travel like me. I rarely make reservations and I often change where I'll end up at night. One day in Utah, I pulled out of a cg and only drove about 20 miles and saw this really neat area with lots of hiking trails, pulled in - and that was it for the day. (There were only 2 spot available, both for small rigs or tents,)

If you mainy want full hookups and always make reservations way in advance, you won't have trouble with a big rig. It's up to you how you want or like to travel. And that's why I always will say - don't listen to what others do - figure out what YOU want and how YOU want to do it. I'm not telling you the way I do it will be right for you - it's definitely right for me. I still don't think towing a car is right for me. But knowing I have the option to leave the car behind (just find a place to leave it) makes it easier for me to do so. I know I'll go back to AK and to Baja - and in both cases, I'll not take the car. Workamping, it'll be nice to have. For some people not having a car would be terrible. For me - having it can be

Next month will be 6 years since I bought this rig (Mar 2005) and in June I'll start my 6th year full time. It's hard for me to believe that when I took off in June 2005 my plans were a year or so on the road. Now - well, who's saying I'll ever come off?

Thanks, Beth. I certainly agree about the clothes. I am pruning my closet right now. I am also very good at traveling light. I went to Scotland in 2008 for 3 weeks with a carryon, which I checked, and a very small roller bag with my laptop and electronics. Then last Fall i went to London for 9 days with a carryon and a very small backpack with my laptop and electronics, so I got it down even less. I do laundry while I am there and two pair of sandals are enough--I do need a spare for rain and cow pastures! (Long story, but you can guess what the result was of a wet cow pasture and some stone monoliths I wanted to see. In the country, many ancient sites are in pastures on private land.) I do pack a small folding bag I use for souviners. I can live forever with a few pair of long pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and shorts.

I am more worried about kitchen and outdoor stuff. I don't need a table, but a couple of chairs that fold up small and maybe a tiny grill. I will need my printer/scanner/fax, however. Strangely enough, it looks like kitchens are about the same in 24-30 foot class Cs. Mostly they add one of those booths and a closet or two.

I don't like the idea of Walmart parking lots, but the small scenic places sound very attractive. I doubt if I would ever spend a month or season in a fancy resort-type campground because I am not much of a bingo and senior events person. I'm more interested in keeping moving when I travel. I suppose another advantage of being one person is that you don't use much water.

I'm at least going to start out not pulling anything. For one thing, I'd have to buy something smaller than my minivan. Maybe later. Anyway, lot to think about. Thanks for replying in such detail. I am getting behind on grading those paper which are always chasing me, so got to get a few done tonight.

Judy

Getupandgo, I had figured a Class C was easier to drive than a Class A, so that is something to think about.

I had been looking only at Class Cs, but I found a lot of older Class As are available and seem pretty roomy. Maybe I should consider a smaller (less than 30-35 feet) Class A. They look like they have a lot more storage also.

I think a toad is out of the question at first. I will be moving every week or so, but no workcamping or staying for months in one place. I still have to better investigate the electric scooters I saw. They would be easier to hang onto the back, along with my regular bike, which has to go along.

Thanks

Judy

Judy, Janice and I have a lot of the same ideas on the road. So Janice, I copied a lot of your answers and just made them fit my situation (you have a way with words).

So here is my thoughts in my situation.

1. Does it feel any different to drive a big vehicle down a highway, compared to a slightly smaller one?

I really can't address that specifically, but here is another perspective. My Class C is 30'. I tow a Chevy HHR. My total length is about 45'. I drove a SUV and 17' TT before, with a total length of about 29'. Can't compare the two different types as it is totally different setup. I know that driving my rig without the toad is a breeze. It just goes and goes and the gas mileage increases by a couple of miles. However, I don't have much of a problem with passing semi's or wind since I had the Steer Safe installed on the front wheels of my Class C. That helped a WHOLE LOT. When you turn any direction you have to remember that you have one heck of a big butt that will wipe out gas pumps, other vehicles, plus a few light poles and then behind that butt you have a toad. If you are always cognizant of what you are doing, it shouldn't be a problem. But sometimes we slip up and forget where we are and what we are driving. That is why they are called accidents.

2. What about pulling into shopping centers and larger grocery stores? Is it harder to turn a 31" vehicle as opposed to a 24" one? (I'm pretty sure drive-throughs and McDonalds are out of the question, no matter what size.)

I park on the outskirts of parking lots and walk a bit to get to the store. My 30-foot Class C with my HHR as toad takes up more than two parking spaces, lengthwise. I don't pull in anywhere that would be difficult to pull out of. I don't drive around town in my rig normally. Drive throughs are out! Not only for trying to make the curves, but they have those bars that say something like...height 8' 9" or something equally as silly. Also, some Wal-mart's will have those bars across the exit or entrance to the parking lot and has a separate parking lot for trucks and RV's. I managed to find one of those in Hope, AR last September. Also, when you have a toad, you must watch that the car is not going to fall off in the ditch when you turn and sometimes this means wider turns and there is no backing up. So remember that when you get in front of a rig towing a car with a tow bar. They can back up with a dolly or trailer, not with a tow bar.
3. What about driving in traffic and cities on expressways?

My comments are the same as Janice's. "My rig + car is 45+ feet long, so I pay close attention to what's going on around me in metro areas. Unless I'm going to exit, I stay in the middle lane because in cities right lanes often turn into "exit-only" lanes. The rear-view camera tells me whether I have cleared traffic when I'm changing lanes. AND ... I also leave a lot of room between me & the traffic ahead 'cuz that baby doesn't stop quickly. A real help is a GPS that tells you when your freeway changes are coming up and what lane to be in. My new GPS is one of the Truck Models, Garmin 465. I had a camera installed on my Class C that is on all the time and it is great.
4. Any other times when you are driving, you'd much rather be driving something smaller than larger???

When some crazy person pulls directly in front of me on the road and slows down, I wish then that I was driving a train and that I had an air horn. I don't have a problem with the weight & stability since I had the Steer Safe installed. And as Janice said, I hate it at the ga$ $tation$. Sometimes have to use two credit cards when it stops at $75 and they won't let you re-use the card. One time at a gas station I couldn't pull out and had to unhitch and back up the car (toad) and the rig. But that wasn't a big problem that time because it was Thanksgiving day at the HEB (grocery store in TX) and the store was closed so there was only a 2 or 3 folks that came by to fill up with gas. Had to do the gas as it was about 12 cents a gallon cheaper than anywhere else so made it worth the unhitch.

My laptop travels with me - as does my printer. I have a separate scanner. They really dont take up much room at all. I don't use my printer often, but do need it on occasion. As to the kitchen, you really will be surprised how little you really do need. Since I like shakes and frozen drinks, I purchased a single drink blender and love it. I finally bought an expensive set of pots and pans because I fell in love with them - and they are stackable, as well as all the handles are removable, etc etc - and got rid of most of my others. I started out with a Corelle place setting for 4, and silverware for 4. I broke (long story) some of the Corelle, so I couldn't feed 4 on it anymore. But that also takes up littles space. I did travel with a toaster oven until I switched my microwave for a convection micro. And I downsized my George Foreman for the smallest (I think) one they make. A couple years ago I came across a tiny chopper that I purchased. Now I can chop onions, etc in seconds again. I also carry a crock pot. So you don't have to get rid of everything. Think about how you cook and the things you really use all the time. If you discover you need something else, you can always purchase it. If you travel for awhile and never use something - that's a clue you don't need it. You'd be surprised how much kitchen stuff I got rid of.

Hardest for me was spices. Guess what? I cook differently now and don't need a gadzillion spices. When I can - I purchase small baggies of fresh spices of the things I don't use often.

If you don't plan on towing, you'll be more comfortable parking a smaller rig in towns, etc. I park right on the streets sometimes - can actually fit into a single parking space if I can back in and put the rear over like you can in many places. When I was going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I pulled into the parking lot and the guy looked and told me I'd have to pay for 2 spots. I did and asked if he'd refund me for one if I fit in one. He laughed and said "Lady, no way, but I'll refund you ENTIRELY if you get that in one." Five minutes later I had my parking for free! Which wasn't a big deal, but he was amazed. My next rig will probably be a couple feet longer, I might still be able to do that, or not. Otherwise, like the others say, I alway look for bigger parking lots and park in the back. When I wasn't towing, I didn't have to worry about being blocked in. Since I am towing, I do. And my first time to Wal-mart towing, someone squeezed in front of me. And I mean squeezed. I had to unhook to leave.

You know the phrase "Never say Never". I'd put that to use about parking at a Walmart, etc. Why? Because sometimes you just can't make it the distance you want to go and who wants to spend sometines $30 or even up to $50 or more to pull into a cg to sleep. That's when Walmart and others come in very handy. Plus it's when I do my shopping. That said, last fall I headed into a Walmart, planning to shop and overnight, but the new manager no longer allowed rv's overnight (didn't even want us in the parking lot to shop!). When I realized it wasn't a city policy, I didn't shop there either. Was there to see the white squirrels, so went and found the park to see them at and found a place to park right there. Much more scenic - and a better deal for me

As to clothes, when I have hookups, I often do lots of my clothes by hand. Especially the sundresses and underwear. That cuts down on how often I need to do laundry, also. Underwear are easy to do when you take a shower. Take care of a couple things at one time I'd do that no matter the size of the rig.

I have a small pop-up screen room, a table and 2 chairs for outside, another chair for outside. My kayak. Being small doesn't mean you can't bring anything with you - it means you have to shop for what you can use (foldable, etc) and know your storage. My table and chairs are very lightweight. This year I saw one I'd like better, but I'm frugal, so will keep what I have.

The hardest thing for me - is getting a vacuum cleaner in a small size that works well. I'm about to try a 4th (or is it 5th) one soon. They'd all probably have been okay if it wasn't for shedding dogs I decided I'm going to try a small canster vac, and keep it on the passenger floor - if I ever have a passenger, will have to move it to travel. That's rare, have even thought of taking that seat out, which a friend of mine has done.

Most of the kitchen stuff, etc, is the same no matter the size of your rig. You won't have the space that someone in a house has. When it comes to clothes, you'll have a lot of space, considering you don't have to share it. And the more I switch over to ebooks - the less real books I'll be carrying. You don't want to know how much of my space has been given to books for the last 5 years. I have never run out of reading material! I also have enough food in here to last me a month most of the time. Keep telling myself to cut down on that - but even though sometimes I eat weird combinations, I don't need to run to the store often.

I've been waiting and waiting......I can't believe that Mitch has let the title of this thread go without making some type of remark!

dpf wrote:I've been waiting and waiting......I can't believe that Mitch has let the title of this thread go without making some type of remark!

And Mitch would say, "Of course it does - the smaller, the better!" OK, so I'm putting words in her mouth... if she wouldn't say it, I'll say it! Or is it the shorter the better?

I will poke my nose in here for just a bit.

And say that Beth has a great small rig. Kelly and I visited Beth a few years ago when she was working in PA. I fell in love with her rig. It does have lots of storage and is a great size. It might be hard to envision living in a small space but her slide gives a lot of extra room and you don't feel cramped or closed in.