Open Roads Forum

Print  |  Close

Topic: Thinking of a 53' semi-Fifth wheel by Spacecraft

Posted By: On the road with Sly on 04/20/17 03:27am

Hi All we are on our 3rd fifth wheel, and love the living space it offers, however lacks the storage of a Class A bus.
We have been in discussion Spacecraft and they make (I think the best of both worlds). With a 53' trailer offering 10' of garage we would get all that we want. Issue is i can't seem to find anyone who has a similar setup.
Are campgrounds hard to find for such setups? What else should I consider?
Thanks,
Sly


Sly
2015 3500 GMC Denali
2014 Jayco Pinnacle 38 Flfs


Posted By: dblr on 04/20/17 04:39am

I would ask this question over on the Escapees forum in either the 5th wheel thread or the HDT section, you will probably get more replies there as I know some have looked or own a Spacecraft.


2017 River Stone Legacy 38MB
2001 Kenworth T2000
2009 Smart on the deck.


Posted By: RoyB on 04/20/17 04:57am

You will probably only be living at a truck stop and smell of diesel fuel haha... Your only roads will be the Interstates...
[image]

Your tow vehicle will be one of these...
[image]

The 24/7 Truck driving world is a very rough and demanding experience. Alot to be concerned with to be safe... would not be my idea of CAMPING...

You may have more money than good sense but what the heck - go for it...

I think I am going to stick with what I have... I love waking up in the mornings to a nice bon-fire on a creekside spot somewhere and watching the fish jump in the water... My OFF-ROAD trailer is basically only for sleeping in... Uhhh I can still make it through a McDonalds drive-thru...
[image]

Roy Ken


My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - Words in CAPS does not mean I am shouting
Roy - Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS



Posted By: bucky on 04/20/17 05:35am

That's funny, a $250K camper with $5 chairs to stage the pic.


Puma 30RKSS



Posted By: tinner12002 on 04/20/17 06:26am

bucky wrote:

That's funny, a $250K camper with $5 chairs to stage the pic.


X2...yes they are VERY expensive, the camper that is!!


2015 Ram 3500/DRW/Aisin/auto/Max tow/4.10s,Cummins, stock Laramie Limited--Silver
Tequila Sunrise 2012 Ultra Classic Limited
2018 Raptor 428SP


Posted By: WNYBob on 04/20/17 07:12am

Those $5 chairs are no $20+


Posted By: DutchmenSport on 04/20/17 07:34am

With a trailer that long, your selection of campsites will be restricted. The best you can do right now, is begin searching State Park web sites, National Park web sites, and go through the steps to reserve a site. Most sites will want you to put in your length and then only available sites within that length or longer will return as available. You don't have to continue with the reservation, just cancel it then and try another park.

Yes, it's a little time consuming, but you will readily see what's available for your length. You can begin to build a list of parks that will accommodate your length. You may want to boom-dock. There again, do some research right now on those spots and places you are considering. Look at Google Map Sat elite views too and compare all this information together.

Considering you are on your 3rd camper, you are not a "greenie" to this life style. You know how to look these things up, research camp sites, and then you can evaluate your own opinion if you REALLY want to go with a camper this long. Only you can decide that.

That's my suggestion, do the research now, before you purchase.

The biggest draw-back I see with a trailer of that length will be your tow vehicle. Yes, you'll need to step up to a semi-truck style tow vehicle. You may also need to get a CDL endorsement on your drivers license as this size of truck is usually used for commercial purposes. This will depend upon your State of residence.

Another thing you need to consider IS the total length. You need to check with the laws in your state how long you can go with a combined vehicle length. Every state has a different limit requirement, but the only one that matters is your own. Other states will not question your length if you are longer than their state requirements. It only matters in the state you license your vehicles and your drivers license. Follow the rules of your state and stay legal.

One more thing you should consider? These longer trailers are designed more for commercial purposes. What kind of electric supply is required? Are they 50 amp, or do they require something even more? I don't know. But something you need to consider.

If you are in a "normal" State Park, lets say, you may only be able to plug into a 30 amp power source. If the entire rig requires 100 amp, well... you'll have to figure that out. So, double check the power requirements for this trailer. I'm just suggesting something you need to consider. It might all be OK with 50 amp, but I don't know. You do need to know before you buy.

And .... where do you store the camper of that length when you are NOT camping? If you have your own property that allows RV parking and you have the space, no problem. But if you don't have the space for something of this length, or you live in town with zoning restrictions, you'll need to consider the cost. You currently have a 5er, so you probably have this already figured out, but still.... the extra length gives you something to think about.

Edit: I see you are from Canada.... still the same... check the driving / license / legal length limit / etc. with your local jurisdiction.


Posted By: Oasisbob on 04/20/17 09:38am

Just my take here. Seems what you need is less stuff. I look at this rig and cannot imagine getting it into many of the places I camp. Just too big. Not to poop on your parade. Just my thoughts regarding the size limiting your choice of camping locations. Happy Trails


Oasis Bob
Wonderful wife 3 of 4 kids at home. 1 proudly serving in USAF
2018 Ford Explorer
2001 Bantam Trail Lite B-19

HAPPY TRAILS">


Posted By: Lwiddis on 04/20/17 09:44am

Fifty-three feet for the 5th wheel? With the TV 70 or so? Tip to tail (TV front bumper to TT rear bumper) is 43 for me. Such a length would limit where I could go, stop, refuel so much I wouldn't consider it. I don't think any California State Park would accept you and most federal campgrounds too...but to each his/her own.


Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad



Posted By: F-TROUP on 04/20/17 10:41am

This day and age I wouldn't think a high dollar rig would have $50 stabilizing jacks. Makes one wonder what else they went cheap on you can't see. In the lower 48 some states may require a permit to be on the highways, oversize load isn't always width.


Posted By: fj12ryder on 04/20/17 11:28am

^^^^There's no telling if the photo posted is similar to the rig the OP is looking at. I believe it was posted just as an example of what a loooong trailer looks like.

Personally I believe a 53' 5th wheel and the truck to pull it with would curtail stopping at quite a few older, or state, county, and/or city campgrounds, even some private campgrounds may have trouble with that length. I guess it just depends on what your personal plans are.


Howard and Peggy

"Don't Panic"


Posted By: work2much on 04/20/17 12:31pm

Yes, with a monster set up like that campgrounds will be hard to find. RV parks selection may be limited as well. Definitely do your homework before pulling in somewhere you may have a hard time getting out of.


2022 Ram 3500 Laramie CTD DRW Crew 4x4 Aisin 4:10 Air ride.

2020 Grand Design Solitude 2930RL 2520 watts solar. 600ah lithium. Magnum 4000 watt inverter.


Posted By: B.O. Plenty on 04/20/17 12:45pm

That whole rig would be no worse than a standard semi in size. Can't see where it would require any special permits. many of the private campgrounds could accomodate it. I haven't been in a State park in 7-8 years. Most of them are too old and a larger RV of any kind won't fit. Besides I'm not too interested in camping alongside a bunch of weekend warriors..That's just me.

B.O.


Former Ram/Cummins owner
2015 Silverado 3500 D/A DRW
Yup I'm a fanboy!
2016 Cedar Creek 36CKTS


Posted By: Supercharged on 04/20/17 06:26pm

On the road with Sly wrote:

Hi All we are on our 3rd fifth wheel, and love the living space it offers, however lacks the storage of a Class A bus.
We have been in discussion Spacecraft and they make (I think the best of both worlds). With a 53' trailer offering 10' of garage we would get all that we want. Issue is i can't seem to find anyone who has a similar setup.
Are campgrounds hard to find for such setups? What else should I consider?
Thanks,
Sly
I'm not going back to a 5th wheel unless I can get a 70 ft. one, with 8 slide outs.


So big a world, so little time to see.


Posted By: Bmach on 04/20/17 09:47pm

I have seen rigs like this at campgrounds we have stayed at. We prefer full service and not state or federal campsites so maybe I hat is why. As stated no bigger than commercial rigs that are on the road everyday. Looks like a nice setup.






Posted By: Me Again on 04/20/17 09:52pm

Call Wil Smith, he can fill you in on places to stop. He had his in NYC on the street.

[image]

[image]
Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

* This post was edited 04/25/17 07:36pm by an administrator/moderator *


2021 F150 2.7 Ecoboost - Summer Home 2017 Bighorn 3575el. Can Am Spyder RT-L Chrome, Kawasaki KRX1000. Retired and enjoying it! RIP DW 07-05-2021



Posted By: bucky on 04/21/17 05:51am

But he's famous and can get away with it. I'm also sure that the permit was rather pricey.
Show us a pic of that in a campsite, anybody could park it in a mall parking lot.


Posted By: TankerDude on 04/21/17 07:44am

For those interested, there are a few videos on YouTube of the Spacecraft rigs. Walk-through inside and out. Just search "spacecraft RV" on YouTube.


Posted By: jims1 on 04/21/17 08:24pm

Space Craft builds CUSTOM.... if you want 35 feet of all Lippert failure components then stick with Thor and Forest river.
If you want quality custom whatever you desire with nothing but the best then they are only 1 of 2 Custom Builders left.
The pic that is above is of their 40ft show model. The pic looks stretched from that angel. It is heavy, I think 21k EMPTY and has a 4k load capacity. After you hit the 40 foot mark and a crew cab long bed pickup, most older northern, eastern state and federal are out anyway. Look how many 5th wheels are in the 40-45' range now.... Montana's, Big Horn, Jayco's, DRV, Oen Range, all have lines extending to the 43-44 foot mark. Most toyhaulers are in the 44-45' range. I have seen several 47-48' haulers that are custom as well. And while the trucks are tall, they are no wider than a dually at the wide fenders, and not much longer. Mine is 23' overall, has a 55 degree wheel cut, and will back into sites that most dually's can't.


Volvo dually Pickup
DRV Memphis
Me, Alie, and Salie
Fulltiming


Posted By: pawatt on 04/21/17 08:49pm

From my experience you would eliminate about 99 per cent of the campgrounds due to your size.


Posted By: bucky on 04/22/17 05:19am

Hey Supercharged, how ya been? Your're crazy man but that's the charm.


Posted By: tinner12002 on 04/22/17 06:17am

As Bob O had stated, I'll think the OP will need a bigger truck to pull it with because when I talked to them they stated that they had a very heavy pin weight, as in more than a 1 ton could handle.


Posted By: SabreCanuck on 04/22/17 08:47am

Some of you guys are funny. Every tractor trailer out there is a 53 feet. Not sure what would make you think a camper of same length would be oversize. That said, there are a few HIGHWAYS that do not allow anything longer than 60' total so you will be restricted on not only campgrounds but highways as well.

Someone said you will be limited to interstates and private campgrounds and I tend to agree.

Mega frickin cool though. Especially when you drop the tailgate and back the mustang cobra out. [emoticon]


2011 GMC 2500 D-Max Denali
2015 Palomino Columbus 325RL
Our kids have 4 legs. ">


Posted By: jims1 on 04/22/17 08:57am

If someone wants to pm me their e-mail address that can post pics, I'll send pics of a 52' that was built.


Posted By: ol Bombero-JC on 04/22/17 10:45am

dblr wrote:

I would ask this question over on the Escapees forum in either the 5th wheel thread or the HDT section, you will probably get more replies there as I know some have looked or own a Spacecraft.


What he said.

And look into New Horizons (see Jack Mayer's posts on SKPs HDT forum).

[emoticon]


Posted By: hone eagle on 04/22/17 10:47am

SabreCanuck wrote:

Some of you guys are funny. Every tractor trailer out there is a 53 feet. Not sure what would make you think a camper of same length would be oversize. That said, there are a few HIGHWAYS that do not allow anything longer than 60' total so you will be restricted on not only campgrounds but highways as well.

Someone said you will be limited to interstates and private campgrounds and I tend to agree.

Mega frickin cool though. Especially when you drop the tailgate and back the mustang cobra out. [emoticon]


because max length for RV's are much shorter then commercial.


2005 Volvo 670 singled freedomline 12 speed
Newmar 34rsks 2008
Hensley trailersaver TSLB2H
directlink brake controller

-when overkill is cheaper-


Posted By: Supercharged on 04/24/17 07:53pm

bucky wrote:

Hey Supercharged, how ya been? Your're crazy man but that's the charm.
Hit the road next Sunday, first to cabin, then Colo. Springs, that Holland, Mi. to see the tulips, told the wife just go to Safeway, they have them, she put me back in the corner for a week, and went to Hawaii with our daughter. See you there.


Posted By: DynoDragn on 04/24/17 09:17pm

I had a custom 53' toyhauler and pulled it with a F550. Post pics when you get it.
It was a pain in the balls to maneuver but it can be done. Better get some big rollers in the rear so when you drag across railroads tracks you don't pull your rear end off.
The F550 did a good job because like was said earlier it has the same extreme steering angles and can maneuver way better than a regular one ton.


Posted By: timmac on 04/24/17 11:32pm

RoyB wrote:

You will probably only be living at a truck stop and smell of diesel fuel haha... Your only roads will be the Interstates...
[image]

Roy Ken


Went to Spacecraft website and this 5th wheel is 57 foot long and still no King bed..

[emoticon]


Posted By: colliehauler on 04/25/17 09:13am

timmac wrote:

RoyB wrote:

You will probably only be living at a truck stop and smell of diesel fuel haha... Your only roads will be the Interstates...
[image]

Roy Ken


Went to Spacecraft website and this 5th wheel is 57 foot long and still no King bed..

[emoticon]
Spacecraft is a custom mfg and you can get any size bed you want.

I can tell by a lot of posts that a lot of people don't understand a custom made rig.[emoticon]

One of the first steps is sitting down with a designer to pick layout, furniture, flooring, fabrics, colors or any custom features you would like.


Posted By: fj12ryder on 04/25/17 09:37am

And the next step is opening your billfold, very very very wide. [emoticon]


Posted By: timmac on 04/25/17 06:11pm

colliehauler wrote:

Spacecraft is a custom mfg and you can get any size bed you want.

I can tell by a lot of posts that a lot of people don't understand a custom made rig.[emoticon]

One of the first steps is sitting down with a designer to pick layout, furniture, flooring, fabrics, colors or any custom features you would like.


Yes I know what a custom made is but 57 foot long it better have a king bed and a Jacuzzi

[emoticon]

* This post was edited 04/25/17 06:36pm by an administrator/moderator *


Posted By: jims1 on 04/25/17 06:50pm

timmac wrote:

RoyB wrote:

You will probably only be living at a truck stop and smell of diesel fuel haha... Your only roads will be the Interstates...
[image]

Roy Ken


Went to Spacecraft website and this 5th wheel is 57 foot long and still no King bed..

[emoticon]


That's not a 53 foot. That's their 40' show model. Go to the website yourself and look.
Everything is custom based on what YOU want.
Them- How long do you want?- Me- 41ft 2-3/4 inches overall....OK we can do that....
Them- How wide? Me- 100-5/16 inches..... Them- OK
Me- I want 3 bunk beds and 2 twins in the front with access to a dog kennel in the belly....
Them-What color do you want the dog kennel...
Them- What type of wall covering- Painted? Vinyl wallboard- Soft wall- like LuX
What type floor- heated? Wood? Vinyl? Granite?
Do you want a tub or shower? Me- Tub? Them- Yes, we can do a residential 60" tub in any unit.... or custom Marble 10 shower head steam shower....


Little exaggerated but that is the conversation I had with them in person last fall.
I have a unit spec'd out... 45ft, wide body, set up as a toy hauler in the back that converts to an office when parked. Weight will be 26000lb, pin around 7000lb. 125 fresh, 75 black, 2-75 gray, heated floors, basement AC and heat. Price is CUSTOM and reflects what we want in the unit.
If you do a search online, there are ZERO used units available other than the show unit, The owners personal unit, and a custom 52' unit based on a semi style with full basement.
Please get your facts straight before "Quoting" websites....


Posted By: Wild Card on 04/25/17 07:04pm

No offense there OP...but you did state a 53'. Now you quote a 45'...big difference. I agree most on here dont read and def. Dont understand custom, but the posts on here about length are dead on. Personally I think anything over 40-42ft is to big for my use...but thats me and my use. 45' or 53' is a honkin big rig

Wish I had the money for custom. I went to Becker with what I wanted. $120k. If I was retired it would be a done deal...


2015 Ram 3500 Dually
Sundowner 2286GM Pro-Grade Toyhauler


Posted By: fj12ryder on 04/25/17 07:16pm

Wild Card wrote:

No offense there OP...but you did state a 53'. Now you quote a 45'...big difference. I agree most on here dont read and def. Dont understand custom, but the posts on here about length are dead on. Personally I think anything over 40-42ft is to big for my use...but thats me and my use. 45' or 53' is a honkin big rig

Wish I had the money for custom. I went to Becker with what I wanted. $120k. If I was retired it would be a done deal...
Where did the OP come back with a length change? Or did I miss that one?


Posted By: Wild Card on 04/25/17 07:55pm

fj12ryder wrote:

Wild Card wrote:

No offense there OP...but you did state a 53'. Now you quote a 45'...big difference. I agree most on here dont read and def. Dont understand custom, but the posts on here about length are dead on. Personally I think anything over 40-42ft is to big for my use...but thats me and my use. 45' or 53' is a honkin big rig

Wish I had the money for custom. I went to Becker with what I wanted. $120k. If I was retired it would be a done deal...
Where did the OP come back with a length change? Or did I miss that one?


Post right above. He said he speced a 45'.


Posted By: rosspulliam on 04/25/17 07:59pm

Wild Card wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:

Wild Card wrote:

No offense there OP...but you did state a 53'. Now you quote a 45'...big difference. I agree most on here dont read and def. Dont understand custom, but the posts on here about length are dead on. Personally I think anything over 40-42ft is to big for my use...but thats me and my use. 45' or 53' is a honkin big rig

Wish I had the money for custom. I went to Becker with what I wanted. $120k. If I was retired it would be a done deal...
Where did the OP come back with a length change? Or did I miss that one?


Post right above. He said he speced a 45'.


Different people.


Posted By: dedmiston on 04/26/17 08:36am

Ours is 44.5'. The factory designed it at that length because at 45' you're required to upgrade to Commercial Drivers License.


2014 RAM 3500 Diesel 4x4 Dually long bed. AISIN trans & 4.10 rear. B&W RVK3600 hitch • 2015 Crossroads Elevation Homestead Toy Hauler ("The Taj Mahauler") • Hooligan #3

Toys:
  • 18 Can Am Maverick x3
  • 05 Yamaha WR450
  • 07 Honda CRF250X
  • 05 Honda CRF230
  • 06 Honda CRF230



Posted By: timmac on 04/26/17 01:22pm

jims1 wrote:


If you do a search online, there are ZERO used units available other than the show unit, The owners personal unit, and a custom 52' unit based on a semi style with full basement.
Please get your facts straight before "Quoting" websites....


Yep that size above was not the 57 footer, the pic below is the 57 footer and still no King bed, if one was to go custom and that big why not a king bed and a Jacuzzi.

">][image]


Posted By: avvidclif1 on 04/26/17 02:30pm

dedmiston wrote:

Ours is 44.5'. The factory designed it at that length because at 45' you're required to upgrade to Commercial Drivers License.


I can understand having to upgrade to a Class A license but not a CDL. Big difference in rules between the 2.


Clif & Millie
2009 Ford F350 SRW CC Lariat 6.4 Diesel
2015 Heartland Cyclone HD CY3418 Toy Hauler


Posted By: Wild Card on 04/26/17 04:30pm

dedmiston wrote:

Ours is 44.5'. The factory designed it at that length because at 45' you're required to upgrade to Commercial Drivers License.


Your not running for money no CDL needed. Higher weight than standard license requires a class a or b license but not CDL. Come on man. COMMERCIAL Driver License...were not commercial.


Posted By: dedmiston on 04/26/17 05:02pm

It's California. Don't confuse common sense with reality.

Here's a link to the summary of DL classes at the CA DMV. Noncommercial Class A stops at 45 feet.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/cdl_htm/lic_chart

It has nothing to do with whether you're using the vehicle for business or not. All pickup trucks (regardless of size) are required to pay for commercial plates. That's why I feel free to park at the yellow curbs (commercial only).


Posted By: avvidclif1 on 04/26/17 06:33pm

What is the definition of "housecar"?? That would be a motor home to me not a 5th wheel...


Posted By: dedmiston on 04/26/17 06:41pm

avvidclif1 wrote:

What is the definition of "housecar"?? That would be a motor home to me not a 5th wheel...


See the pictures in the third column. Just because it seems insane doesn't mean it isn't true.

We're California. We're a hot-chick. We can do whatever we want, whether it makes sense or not and whether everyone hates it or not. We even giggle while we do it.

By the way, if you drive a diesel, get a load of our new fuel taxes before you plan your trip here. Yes, we're nuts, and we're ready to charge everyone a premium to prove it.


Posted By: Wild Card on 04/26/17 06:45pm

dedmiston wrote:

It's California. Don't confuse common sense with reality.

Here's a link to the summary of DL classes at the CA DMV. Noncommercial Class A stops at 45 feet.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/cdl_htm/lic_chart

It has nothing to do with whether you're using the vehicle for business or not. All pickup trucks (regardless of size) are required to pay for commercial plates. That's why I feel free to park at the yellow curbs (commercial only).


Why do people want to live in that state? Nothing yall do makes sense.


Posted By: RAS43 on 04/26/17 06:48pm

Besides raising the fuel taxes on diesel fuel didn't the state also raise the sales tax rate? A double whammy!


Posted By: avvidclif1 on 04/26/17 06:52pm

Hi, trying again...

Housecar is defined in the Recreational Vehicle and Trailers Handbook.

Housecar:
-Motor vehicle originally designed, or permanently altered, and equipped for human habitation, or to which a camper has been permanetly attached. (CVC 362)


NOTE: Motor Vehicle


Posted By: dedmiston on 04/26/17 07:24pm

avvidclif1 wrote:

Hi, trying again...

Housecar is defined in the Recreational Vehicle and Trailers Handbook.

Housecar:
-Motor vehicle originally designed, or permanently altered, and equipped for human habitation, or to which a camper has been permanetly attached. (CVC 362)


NOTE: Motor Vehicle

The folks I've talked to at the DMV and CHP preach from a different page in the hymnal. I've reviewed the Class A guide with the lovlies at the DMV and also with a CHP trooper (neighbor) and their message was consistent: keep your fifth wheel under 45' or upgrade your license to full Class A.

Don't forget, we're nuts.


Posted By: avvidclif1 on 04/26/17 09:41pm

Ask them for chapter and verse where it defines "housecar" Their search engine on their website can't find one. The definition in the RV Handbook is the only thing I found. You might get their book off their shelf and point out the definition to them.

But you're right, Gov Moonbeam is on a different planet...


Posted By: Veebyes on 04/27/17 05:55am

Having already owned 5ers you should be very well aware of size restrictions. Bottom line is, at that length you are not going many places. Certainly not lots of very nice SPs & NPs. Life will be restricted to private parks after having to call around to find one able to handle that size. The La-Ti-Da Class A only resorts won't want you. Can't have a towable polluting their real estate.

What are you carrying that needs such a monsterous unit?


Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter

2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel

Ham Radio: VP9KL, IRLP node 7995


Posted By: fj12ryder on 04/27/17 08:08am

^^^Who says he needs it, maybe he just wants it. His money, his life, his choice.


Posted By: laknox on 04/27/17 11:09am

dedmiston wrote:

avvidclif1 wrote:

Hi, trying again...

Housecar is defined in the Recreational Vehicle and Trailers Handbook.

Housecar:
-Motor vehicle originally designed, or permanently altered, and equipped for human habitation, or to which a camper has been permanetly attached. (CVC 362)


NOTE: Motor Vehicle

The folks I've talked to at the DMV and CHP preach from a different page in the hymnal. I've reviewed the Class A guide with the lovlies at the DMV and also with a CHP trooper (neighbor) and their message was consistent: keep your fifth wheel under 45' or upgrade your license to full Class A.

Don't forget, we're nuts.


Don't forget the "fruits" to go along with the nuts. :-)

Lyle (an actual citrus grower in Tulare Co.)


2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
B&W OEM Companion & Gooseneck Kit
2017 KZ Durango 1500 D277RLT
1936 John Deere Model A
International Flying Farmers 64 Year Member


Posted By: colliehauler on 04/27/17 11:23am

Wild Card wrote:

dedmiston wrote:

It's California. Don't confuse common sense with reality.

Here's a link to the summary of DL classes at the CA DMV. Noncommercial Class A stops at 45 feet.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/cdl_htm/lic_chart

It has nothing to do with whether you're using the vehicle for business or not. All pickup trucks (regardless of size) are required to pay for commercial plates. That's why I feel free to park at the yellow curbs (commercial only).


Why do people want to live in that state? Nothing yall do makes sense.
Location Location Location


Posted By: Rangerman40 on 04/27/17 07:27pm

Veebyes wrote:

Having already owned 5ers you should be very well aware of size restrictions. Bottom line is, at that length you are not going many places. Certainly not lots of very nice SPs & NPs. Life will be restricted to private parks after having to call around to find one able to handle that size. The La-Ti-Da Class A only resorts won't want you. Can't have a towable polluting their real estate.

What are you carrying that needs such a monsterous unit?



It would have to be exclusively in private parks but I haven't been to a KOA yet that couldn't fit that in a pull through.... lots of them are 70-80ft.


Posted By: jims1 on 04/27/17 09:25pm

A 53 foot custom unit is huge, most are for folks that don't travel in normal circles....
Drivers license depends on states.... California is Cali.... other states have other requirements for different styles of rigs.
Our Volvo is titled as a motorhome in South Dakota requires no CDL or other endorsements other than a normal license. Even though our combined weight is over 40k lbs, neither part, trailer or truck, is over 26000lbs.
Custom RV's are planned for carefully. My likes will not be yours, so if I design my rig..... its gonna be mine unless it's sold a step discount.
All the custom builders do small rigs as well. Most make their most popular sizes in the 36-42/3 foot range.


Posted By: Cedarcityman on 05/10/17 10:23pm

A little late to the thread, but if they want and can afford this type of trailer, more power to them. If it was me and using this trailer, I might have someone move the trailer from place to place and follow in my own car. The cost of the tow vehicle and insurance might equal out to the cost of having someone tow the trailer.


Posted By: Veebyes on 05/11/17 06:33am

Yep, a KOA or most any private CG will find a space to cram something that sized into but that is about the same thing as eating at Dennys for every single meal.

If that is what floats your boat, fine, but it sure is restrictive on where it can go.

Something else to think about is when the day comes to sell it. That day WILL come. Maybe sooner than the OP thinks. Who is going to want something that size? A very small potential buyer pool.


Posted By: colliehauler on 05/11/17 11:39am

Veebyes wrote:

Yep, a KOA or most any private CG will find a space to cram something that sized into but that is about the same thing as eating at Dennys for every single meal.

If that is what floats your boat, fine, but it sure is restrictive on where it can go.

Something else to think about is when the day comes to sell it. That day WILL come. Maybe sooner than the OP thinks. Who is going to want something that size? A very small potential buyer pool.
Actually on the used market it would make a good seasonal.


Posted By: jims1 on 05/11/17 06:42pm

The carnival and movie industry snap them up as fast as they can. There are no used units available.


Posted By: bigdon68 on 05/15/17 12:09pm

If storage is an issue I am not sure that 53 ft. is the answer. If money is no problem -- and it appears it is not -- then you should be talking to New Horizon RV or Continental RV about having one custom built.
Custom builders can give you everything you want well within 53 ft.

You also probably need to go to one of the HDT Rallys and look at the rigs these full time people are towing. Not many of them fall into the 50 ft. range.

JMHO but I would do a lot more RESEARCH.

bigdon68


2017 F450 Lariat Shadow Black / Magnetic, LB, 6.7, Chrome Pkg. TS3 Air Hitch, Retrax, 55 Gal.Aux.Tank
2017 DRV Mobile Suites,induction cooktop, solar, f/b paint, MorRyde IS, 17.5" Tires,residential frig, 3" riser, MorRyde Steps

MY PICTURES



Posted By: Veebyes on 05/15/17 07:02pm

I guess it comes down to the desired use of the OP. What are the priorities? Can't have it all no matter how much money is available to throw at it.

A big luxurious unit is not going into SPs NPs or show up unannounced at plenty of private CGs. A unit capable of going to all those places is not big enough to have all of the room & comforts of a 50' rolling house.

OPs choice.


Print  |  Close