25' vs. 27' and Campground Sites

[rodsterinfl]

I have traveled more heavily in my home state of Florida more than anywhere else but I have actually studied Florida parks site availability and posted on it a few times. My conclusions were that 28 feet is about a big as you want to go for the most opportunity in a spot. After that, the percentage of sites becomes quickly limited and reservations obviously more difficult.

I have stayed in parks that I was the big kahuna in a 25! I went to a county park where they said that 30' was about the limit but when I got there it was unbelievable. No room to maneuver with a trailer- perhaps a 30' motorhome. I got in with people standing in front of their campers and my truck within inches of their bodies directing me. Some streamers say they book 25-foot spaces for their 28 foot and are OK. I have been in places that would not be possible with a tow vehicle- even unhitched without blocking the drive.

Basically, you are talking 2 feet. On model, IMHO as an Airstream nerd The bathrooms are the same in the 25 and 27 for the most part. Space goes into- 1 foot bedroom to move that bed around and another foot for cabinet and counter if I remember correctly with my tape measure. The twin provides the most room and several advantages. Even if you do not buy a twin, to compare space differential is most noticeable if you see it in the 25 twin to the 27 twin. As I would choose twin, I would consider the kitchen counter area space and what the extra foot gain provides on the other side of that. I met the nicest people a few years back with a 34'. They told me that they had a 25 but it was too small but when they visited my 25 twin they both said they could have lived with it having the extra walk room in the bedroom to use many different ways- change clothes, second sitting area, access to lockers, etc. Get what you like and what fits you. I do not find too much difference in the 25, 27 or 28. The 30 differences are much more noticeable and that gorgeous 33.

[ras.robshort]

In my experience you rule out very few parks with a 25 ft and there Is a tipping point above this level with the state and national parks where you narrow choices.

[Rich Jenkins]

Originally Posted by CRH

If a site is too tight for a 27, I don't want to put my 25 in it.

This. Not a nickels difference in length to where it makes any difference in Campground selection.

I'd buy based on budget, layout and features, whatever length it is.

[gypsydad]

We just spent 3 days in Mt. Rainier Park with our 28. It was the tightest spot we have camped in a long time, as I far as I can remember...those spots in there are very tight! Say 28' max for TT, but should say 25'. What made it difficult was the 1 way loops; we had t go in the wrong way to get in our spot as it faced the wrong way, but we were able to do it. Hooking up was the big challenge since we had the BO hitch, and the angle caused the bars to be too difficult to install at our campsite. We simply hooked up without the bars, pulled onto level area, dropped the hitch again, and reconnected--maybe 5 minuets. Point is, we did not let the "challenge" of finding a great spot keep us from enjoying our visit. Over the years, there have been similar instances where we just move on to another location...life is short; don't worry about the length of your AS....get out there and start enjoying!

[Pat Pierce]

This was our first trailer, and I wondered if the 27 was more of an issue towing, backing and so on than the 25. But we took the plunge.

After a little more than a year, and 9,000 miles of towing we are so glad on the 27 because I don't for a moment think towing and handling is any more difficult. Plus, the twins are great for no issues of access, the interior appears longer, making the beds are easy, and I think the exterior storage is greater. It also seems like another sitting place with sitting on each side. We love the twins!

The 27 offers a larger counter, a microwave, a larger pantry and closet. We feel so fortunate to have gone the bigger size, and it is just the two of us with no pets.

[John Oliver]

We have 31-0 Soverign and camp, mostly boon docking 2-3 months a year. Just returned from 14 week journey West from Annapolis, MD to Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Canada, South Dakota and various "fly over" states , a total of 13200 miles.

Rarely camped in anything other than BLM and USFS and "open range" in Montana and Wyoming. We camped along the Missouri, Madison and Green Rivers and never camped in a "developed campground". No problems accessing camping areas, except one night 1130 pm trying to back in to spot with a "invisible stump". Oh well, dent in rear bumper adds character and proves that you have actually been somewhere!!!

Almost never had any issues with length of site. Occasionally - mostly in NPs - sites were not long enough to park TV unless unhooked and parked along side AS. No big deal and in some of the NP campgrounds the TV actually provides a " privacy screen" from the driveway traffic. Tightest spots seem to be in Yellowstone. Without exception these are the most challenging for larger TTs. Maybe because the campgrounds were designed so long ago and with mostly tents in mind! Glacier NP is also a challenge, especially Two Medicine CG on the East Glacier side. Still, all in all, we never had a time that we could not find a spot which would accommodate a 31 footer!

I am 6'2" and a bit over 200lbs. I travel with wife and 90 lb Lab - Remington. Regardless of other considerations, I like having the extra interior space and "elbow room". Unless you are planning on spending large blocks of time in USFS or BLM land at high elevations - above 7000' - accessible only by FS service roads, I would not let the length of AS influence my decision. Comfort and elbow room are the keys !!!!

Whichever you choose - ENJOY the ride---

[dmbecke]

Sounds like a fun trip

[Countryboy59]

If I'm reserving sites and type in 27' and it says the site won't work, I type in 25'. If that works I reserve the spot. Simple. Hardest part is hooking and unhooking the Hensley in a tight or non level spot.