Visit our Popular Forums

cru-in · 08-08-2019, 01:58 PM

Hi Team,

Assuming one has the correct tow vehicle, does the extra 5 feet of a 30 versus a 25 make much difference in towing?

Looking to make a decision in the near-term so we would appreciate any inputs.

Thanks
Dan

P

sb55 · 08-08-2019, 02:26 PM

I did. We went from a 2004 25' Safari to a 2018 30' FC. No changes in towing down the road. They look the same in the mirrors and the 30 has less sway when passed by a speeding semi. The only thing to watch for is the approach angle to gas stations. I did drag the rear once. No damage, just a little paint off of the bumper protectors.

majorairhead · 08-08-2019, 03:06 PM

Went from a 25' to a 30' and am here to report that the extra length is not issue in any way, shape, or form.

Those 5 feet inside though.....WOW!

Alumaholic · 08-08-2019, 03:11 PM

Much easier to tow for the reason already stated.
Also easier to back up.
Not as easy to get in and out of some state parks here in NM.
Not as easy to back in to some back-in-only spots in the urban RV Resorts of Mesa, AZ if you have a long tow vehicle.

Alumaholic · 08-08-2019, 03:13 PM

Much easier to tow for the reason already stated.
Also easier to back up.
Not as easy to get in and out of some state parks here in NM.
Not as easy to back in to some back-in-only spots in the urban RV Resorts of Mesa, AZ if you have a long tow vehicle.

**wulfraat** · 08-08-2019, 03:15 PM

We went from a 25 to a 30. With the same tow vehicle not much of a difference outside of giving yourself a little extra space turning and backing up. Depending on the tow vehicle you may or may not notice the extra 1,000 lbs or so.

I concur with the comment above regarding ground clearance on the 30’. It’s rear end drags on small changes in surfaces. The good news is that the bolt-on dexter 3” lift kit solves for this! Highly recommend having one installed... no more dragging the rear end and no change in towing dynamics.

We love the additional space afforded by the 30’.

cru-in · 08-08-2019, 04:21 PM

Thanks Team,

We were strongly leaning toward the 30 and needed a little reassurance.

I

Alumaholic · 08-08-2019, 06:10 PM

Having had:
23' Safari
27' Safari
31' Sovereign
30' Classic Ltd (Really 31')
24' Tradewind
We are thinking this 27 FB Twin is the nicest, most spacious floor plan ever.
The 27 FB is really 28' and really suits the way we camp better than the 30.
So, there is something in between that may be the Goldilocks "just right" length for you as well.

SteveSueMac · 08-08-2019, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alumaholic

Having had:

23' Safari

27' Safari

31' Sovereign

30' Classic Ltd (Really 31')

24' Tradewind

We are thinking this 27 FB Twin is the nicest, most spacious floor plan ever.

The 27 FB is really 28' and really suits the way we camp better than the 30.

So, there is something in between that may be the Goldilocks "just right" length for you as well.

Interesting. I have a 27FB Queen and having visited a friend’s 34 with twins (whose hallway looked like a bowling alley) it dawned on me a 27 with Twins must feel twice as big as the queen bed version. Were any of yours queen and if so do you find the view with twins to feel much more spacious?

cptdzl · 08-08-2019, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

Interesting. I have a 27FB Queen and having visited a friend’s 34 with twins (whose hallway looked like a bowling alley) it dawned on me a 27 with Twins must feel twice as big as the queen bed version. Were any of yours queen and if so do you find the view with twins to feel much more spacious?

We just purchased a FC27FB Queen, "I" was interested in the 25 twin because of the floor space (did not like the queen in the 25) Well the boss said "Queen" so we found a 2018 that the dealer couldn't move because of the queen bed and interior color. In my search I'm told that the twin 25 is the best selling floor plan and the 27 sells 3 twins to each queen. Advantage of the twin being more exterior storage access and the aisle/hallway gives you that extra floor space in the bedroom for dressing and moving about. I guess its all about compromise. The 2018 was at my budget price and I do like the bigger pantry and wardrobe vs the 25.

Now to answer your question, for us its just as spacious, we just walk around the sides, plus we each have our own night stand. The under bed storage is more than the twins which has some of that space dedicated to exterior access.

As for the OP I'm glad to hear the 30 tows similar. I was nervous going with the 27 over the 25. It comes down to where do you want to go and how do you plan to use the trailer.

Alumaholic · 08-08-2019, 07:55 PM

23' Safari Mid Twins
27' Safari Rear Twins
31' Sovereign Mid Twins
30' Classic Ltd (Really 31') Rear Queen
24' Tradewind Mid Twins

We were always sorry that the 2007 Classic 30 did not have twins. I agree that would have seemed much more spacious.
We feel like we have more living space in this 27 FB twin than we had in the Classic 30.
We just spent an hour with another couple lounging at the dining table and attached "chaise", a very spacious, comfortable and enjoyable conversation space.

tojimmiller · 08-09-2019, 09:25 AM

I’m still in love with my bride of 50+years, we love a queen bed. And it’s easier to make because we can get around it. Most 30 ft have that option and ours is older 2004. But I love the floor plan. Towing it doesn’t seem any different than a smaller one. I do use a 3/4 ton truck for towing. Question many folks never ask. Is not if I can tow it but rather can I STOP 🛑 it. Their is nothing more scary than coming down a mountain being pushed by a trailer. Even if that trailer has brakes. Sometimes the control doesn’t work correctly and it’s the wrong time to find that out

mpsgolf · 08-09-2019, 09:43 AM

We went from 25’ to 28’. There was a difference but slight.

7000 to 7500 gw, tv rated for 9000. No real diff in feel rolling down the highway. I would not want to go any heavier as I prefer some margin below tv rating mostly for up and down mountains.

Backing into tight spots about the same - 3’ not noticeable.

Maybe a NP or SP or really windy road here and there where 30’ might limit you. But I would guess rare.

More space inside and a better layout worth it for us. Still wish for mote outside access storage so maybe 30’ would have it.

Have fun and be SAFE!

drbrick · 08-09-2019, 09:48 AM

IMHO it depend on what you do and where you go

We travel once a year - however, we boondock several time during the summer and the campsites would be a challange with a 30. We have no problem with our 25 CCD

cru-in · 08-09-2019, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tojimmiller

I’m still in love with my bride of 50+years, we love a queen bed. And it’s easier to make because we can get around it. Most 30 ft have that option and ours is older 2004. But I love the floor plan. Towing it doesn’t seem any different than a smaller one. I do use a 3/4 ton truck for towing. Question many folks never ask. Is not if I can tow it but rather can I STOP 🛑 it. Their is nothing more scary than coming down a mountain being pushed by a trailer. Even if that trailer has brakes. Sometimes the control doesn’t work correctly and it’s the wrong time to find that out

Per your comment on stopping.

Have you upgraded the trailer brakes to Hydraulic disc? Makes a world of difference in stopping power...

John&Vicki · 08-09-2019, 10:28 AM

One of the biggest differences is that you are limited in the number of campgrounds/parks that you can access. For example, here in Oregon we have a lot of USFS parks that were built long ago and are often very limited in access. I camped last week at a spectacular park, USFS Union Creek Campground along the Rogue River, in my 25 footer and I barely was able to do it. Also, National Parks can have their limits. If you camp mainly in RV parks you shouldn't have any problems.

guskmg · 08-09-2019, 10:48 AM

For all the reasons listed I notice very little difference between towing my former 23 footer and the 35 Classic. I have only found a couple of campgrounds I could not access in Vermont and they were old State Parks. Usually, if you can get a 25-27 footer in you can get the 35 in especially if the rear over hang is clear. Disc brakes and rear view cameras are a big help. If you are experiencing sway and are satisfied the TV/TT are set up right. I would consider a ProPride or Hensley. Absolutely no sway. And the have lifetime warranties.
guskmg

wvann · 08-09-2019, 11:52 AM

With bigger size comes more restrictions on where you can camp, especially in national parks.

lsbrodsky · 08-09-2019, 11:58 AM

I thought he wanted to know about towing, not parking......
Larry

Beaubill · 08-09-2019, 12:05 PM

We moved from a 28ft Classic which is over 29 ft to a 25ft Classic twin. Why, traffic, it’s easier changing lanes, traveling on the interstates. In the past traveling was a lot easier as the traffic was light and people were more courteous. Now there is road rage , cars cutting you off, I could go on and on, but you’ll know the problems driving and towing a trailer on the roads now.The better half couldn’t get over letting the 28 go because it had more than twice the storage space, more like 4 times. She finally saw the problems of traffic, and now is glad we made the change in downsizing to the 25. With Airstreams it about the journey not the destination.