- length; overall, living, and combination
The 2 common references to RV length are “living” and overall. When we shop for RVs the number we see in a model designation is the approximate living length. For example, an Arctic Fox 29-5E has an exterior length (Aprox. w/Hitch) of 31'. [northwoodmfg.com] Arctic Fox is one of the most realistic manufacturers when it comes to actual versus designated lengths, there are some that have a difference of more than 3 feet between the model designation and the actual lengths.Motor homes like travel trailers (TT) have a larger discrepancy. For a TT the difference is between the box and that part of the frame, the A frame, that hooks it to the tow vehicle. Typically it is about 2½ feet.
With a MH it is the cockpit space that “can” be used as living space, but not well. And don't forget space between the front seats and the bumper. And, if it is a gas MH, then there is that pesky “dog house”, it is the bump up in the floor that covers the engine.
To make it even more difficult there is the combination length of the tow vehicle and trailer or the MH and the dinghy (toad is another term).
to be continued
David, we studied the full timing lifestyle for 15 yrs having 4 shows a year in Dallas/Ft Worth. In that time we only missed 5 shows. We studied everything and I quickly came to conclusion that I did not want a truck and have to get out of it to get to the trailer. We did decide that 40' would be about right for us. As the years went by and the stock plan was doing so good we decided that a DP would fill the power requirements. We ended up with a 2001 American Dream w/ two slides and the floor plan was what decided it. The Boss liked it! We turn our front seats when we stay anywhere for long periods and we have a table to put on the steering wheel and we have the dash and surrond the dashboard with large drawers. I think we have very close to the same amount of interior storage space as any fiver and of course the basement storage area is great for full timers.
ReplyDeleteSomething I have noticed in 6+ yrs of fulltiming is that when people stop for lunch or a rest, if they are in trailers they tend to not use the facilities in the trailer or sit in and have a snack or lunch whereas most Class A and C RV'rs almost always use their facilities even for cooking up a snack at times. Not having to get out in the rain was a great option I thought with the class A. I have watched folks trudge(run) through thunderstorms to get to the rest room and they were pulling a trailer, while we sat snug as bugs and dry in a warm or cool house on wheels.
As an aside...Welcome home brother. 65-66 and 71