Remember, every time you "trade up" it's costing you money. I bought my first coach (36.5') and after 6 years still happy. In my travel I've yet to see an instance where a "longer" coach could not be handled. California I know is different but I've traveled to all areas.
Happy travels
We’re now almost sure we’ll buy a Monaco Knight and are looking at the 36 PFT. We also really like the 40 DFT rear bath model, but with a bumper to bumper length of 41.5 feet, this seems like waaaay too long for a first MH.
Either of those coaches will work fine for you.
But....the law in CA requires a Class B non-commercial driver's license and restricts travel on all but a few state highways for fixed frame rigs that are longer than 40'.
Not a deal killer. Many owners ignore the law. But the law is out there.
As many have said, the length should not be a major buying concern between those two floorplans.
I agree with going with as big and as high-end as you can afford, if you plan to use the rig more than on occasional weekends. Consider how important it is to you to get into small parks vs. the liveability of the coach itself. This is always a tradeoff. At first I prioritized the ability to get into tiny parks, then realized that since we spend a considerable amount of time in the coach (semi-full time) that size/liveability of the coach was much more important TO US than the ability to get into very small parks. And, you may be surprised at the fairly tight spaces you can get a 43' Class A into, without toad attached, and with a good modern wheel cut - it's much easier with a Class A than trying to maneuver a large 5th wheel or trailer into a tight space.
Our first Class A was a 2004 41' DP. I got fairly comfortable driving it within a day or so of extensive driving. After 9 months of regular use and anticipating even more longer term use, we gleefully upgraded to a new 2011 43' tag axle model with full bath in the rear w/ 2 vanities, and a 1/2 bath mid coach. Two slides on curb side and a full length slide on road side. 2011 HR Endeavor 43DFT:
The difference in ride and driving feel is fabulous. Neither feels too long, but the new 43' tag axle model rides like a dream and is exceptionally well controlled. We love the floorplan and the spacious living - for an RV. After three months of continuous, on-the-road use, we're ready to say the heck with the house!
Every time you sell an RV to trade up you take a MAJOR hit. Try to minimize your buy-trade-in-buy cycles as they are costly. Buy as big and as nice as you envision yourself ever needing and can afford. The thought of a 43' tag axle motorcoach can seem a bit intimidating at first, but you get over that very quickly. My wife and I comment every day we're in our new 43' coach about how much we love the size and the layout. And every day we fire up the 425 hp Cummins diesel and roll down the road we comment about how amazing the ride is. Go big and luxurious, if you can afford it ,and plan to give the coach much use.
* This post was
edited 01/24/12 11:22am by DHart *
2011 HR Endeavor 43DFT with a 2012 Chevy Avalanche LTZ "toad".
In my opinion, livability is the main concern, not drivability.
With a little practice, the length of the coach will matter little as you drive. Parking is a concern in any size coach, best done with a spotter.
You want a coach that you can take to where you want to go and that you will enjoy living in. You'll spend a lot more time living than driving. If you plan to frequent a lot of state parks, you may want to keep it to 35'. Slides make a huge difference in livability. Floor plan for your family is critical. Maybe the extra 1/2 bath will be important for you. All other things being equal, if your budget allows and your likely destinations will accommodate you, I'd go longer. Even the largest motorhome is a very small efficiency apartment on wheels.
CJ and Pepe
2003 Itasca Suncruiser 33V
Workhorse W-20 chassis
2004 Jeep Liberty Limited w/Blue Ox
Peppy Pilot said:
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With a little practice, the length of the coach will matter little as you drive. Parking is a concern in any size coach, best done with a spotter.
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I'd suggest learning to park WITHOUT a spotter. How many 18 wheeler spotters do you see? It's not that hard to do with practice and actually better if you are the one responsible for seeing objects. Relying on others to guide you in can be costly.
2004 Monaco La Palma 36DBD
Workhorse W22 8.1 Gas Allison 1000, 7.1 mpg
2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
US Gear Brakes
Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.
ArchHoagland wrote: Peppy Pilot said:
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With a little practice, the length of the coach will matter little as you drive. Parking is a concern in any size coach, best done with a spotter.
===========================================================
I'd suggest learning to park WITHOUT a spotter. How many 18 wheeler spotters do you see? It's not that hard to do with practice and actually better if you are the one responsible for seeing objects. Relying on others to guide you in can be costly.
How many dents, scrapes, and other damage do you see on the back of 18 wheeler trailers? Try and find one without damage. Use the spotter if you value the rear of your motorhome.
2004 National Tropi-Cal T-350, Class A, Triple slide, 330 HP Cat DP. 2006 Dodge Dakota 4x4 or
2002 Harley FLSTF Fat Boy on a Trailer or
2004 Polaris Quad on the Trailer
18 wheelers have drivers who do it for a living, also they are much easier to back up than either a bumper pull or large class A according to my neighbor who drove one for years.
An amateur such as myself is much better off with a spotter if they have a system worked out.
For Jay and I we use cell phones where a signal is available or a hand held CB for her and the one in the rig. We only use 4 directions, Driver/Passenger (pertaining to the direction the back of the coach should go) Back and STOP. This eliminates trying to see and interpret gestures in the monitor or mirrors and if a STOP happens I can get out to see the situation.
With this system we have no issues at all, given enough time I may be comfortable backing alone in unknown situations but for now the only place I'm good with it is the driveway, I have landmarks to line up with in several places.
'99 Alpine 36SDS/8.3 ISC 330 Cummins
Or
'05 Lance 845
'06 Super duty SC/SB 6.0
Upgrades include: StabilLoads, Air Bags & Timbrens,Swaybars
Usually towing an '01 Wrangler, lifted/locked on 35"s or a mildly built '98 Cherokee on 33"s (only one locker)
Lisa... if I were you, I'd go with that 40' DFT in a heartbeat! Especially with the three of you, having the half bath is really nice. You won't notice the additional two or three feet AT ALL. You're going to love the Knight!
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