Camp trailer advice.

[doubletall]

So I went to the RV show in the dome and saw a few trailers I like but I'm kind of stuck on size.  I went with the idea that I wanted the smallest trailer with a slide out that would accommodate 3 people with the reasoning being that one could get into places the longer ones couldn't.  Around a 23' is all I really need but of course we looked at a couple of 26-27 footers that we really liked.  The difference in price isn't an issue but I've never really paid attention to campground stalls;  with an overall length of 33-34 ft am I going to be limited in my choice of spots at typical state parks?

[JDHasty]

So I went to the RV show in the dome and saw a few trailers I like but I'm kind of stuck on size.  I went with the idea that I wanted the smallest trailer with a slide out that would accommodate 3 people with the reasoning being that one could get into places the longer ones couldn't.  Around a 23' is all I really need but of course we looked at a couple of 26-27 footers that we really liked.  The difference in price isn't an issue but I've never really paid attention to campground stalls;  with an overall length of 33-34 ft am I going to be limited in my choice of spots at typical state parks?

You are asking the right questions.  If you get much over 25-27 total length you start limiting the State Park facilities that can accommodate you.  Our toyhauler is 22 plus tongue and we can use 85% of them.  I am not really sure how long it is, I forgot, but I was well aware of what I wanted as max when I was shopping and I came up with that figure after looking at all the State Park camp grounds over all length limitations. 

[Widgeondeke]

My 24' fits most sites.  Sometimes the pull vehicle has to park across the entrance or in overflow parking.
Most of the reservation web sites will tell you what size they fit.   
Also, if you have a bike rack or spare tire on the back, it may encroach on size limit. 

[300rum]

You are on the right track.  You will most likely need to take a tape measure with you when looking at trailers because stated length is all over the board.  Some include the tongue but not the bumper extension or spare tire while other's include the living area only (and that can be stretched).  To get an actual idea, take a measurement from tongue to tire/bumper.

A 26' trailer (total length, bumper to tongue) is pushing it as far as getting into many spots in the Forrest although many times you can "hang" the end of the trailer over the footprint of the parking space.  The real problem comes when trying to jackknife the trailer in on the narrow access road to your stall.  Most stated 26'ers are actually over 30' when you include the bumper/spare and the tongue.  For instance, my trailer say that it is 22' but actually pulls at 23.5".  My parents trailer says that it is 26' but pulls at 32' and is very difficult or almost impossible to get into many places other then a select few spots.

Many of the West side camping areas such as Ohanepecosh do have a few spots that you can park the trailer but you have to reserve early and may have to park your truck elsewhere at night as there won't be enough room for the trailer and the truck.  The East side camping areas tend to have a little more room as the is less trees and brush and, as I stated earlier, you can hang the end of the trailer off the back of the parking stall. 

I like to dry camp and get away from people a bit, I don't like "trailer park camping" because of that I too prefer a small trailer.     

[JDHasty]

You are on the right track.  You will most likely need to take a tape measure with you when looking at trailers because stated length is all over the board.  Some include the tongue but not the bumper extension or spare tire while other's include the living area only (and that can be stretched).  To get an actual idea, take a measurement from tongue to tire/bumper.

A 26' trailer (total length, bumper to tongue) is pushing it as far as getting into many spots in the Forrest although many times you can "hang" the end of the trailer over the footprint of the parking space.  The real problem comes when trying to jackknife the trailer in on the narrow access road to your stall.  Most stated 26'ers are actually over 30' when you include the bumper/spare and the tongue.  For instance, my trailer say that it is 22' but actually pulls at 23.5".  My parents trailer says that it is 26' but pulls at 32' and is very difficult or almost impossible to get into many places other then a select few spots.

Many of the West side camping areas such as Ohanepecosh do have a few spots that you can park the trailer but you have to reserve early and may have to park your truck elsewhere at night as there won't be enough room for the trailer and the truck.  The East side camping areas tend to have a little more room as the is less trees and brush and, as I stated earlier, you can hang the end of the trailer off the back of the parking stall. 

I like to dry camp and get away from people a bit, I don't like "trailer park camping" because of that I too prefer a small trailer.   

 

[MHWASH]

We only camp on the dry side, so all my comments are based on that.

Take a tape measure with you. Don't take the sales persons word. Compare the same camper at as many dealers as possible. Start watching Craigslist. I noticed dealers around here will list their camper for a price, then gradually reduce it, only to mark it back up after a certain rotation.

We started with a trailer with an OAL of 24.5, but decided it was too small. 2 adults & 2 kids. We then moved up to a toy hauler that has a OAL of 31. We mostly dry camp, yet I can still get in the same spots where we took the smaller trailer. Just takes a little more time. Keep in mind the length of your tow vehicle will also dictate how easy it is to get your trailer into a spot. We tow with a crew cab long box.

Enjoy your hunt, just take your time, and don't be afraid to walk away.

[JDHasty]

"Compare the same camper at as many dealers as possible" and don't be afraid to go down to Oregon to shop. 

[Rick]

I have a CC long bed truck and tow a 33' fifth wheel.  Its not very often that I can't find a suitable spot in a state park or private campground.

Forest service camprgrounds are a bit harder,but there are still plenty I can use.

My dad has a CC long bed truck and a 34' travel trailer. For the most part,if I can get into a spot so can he.