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Matters of Size:
A Bigger RV Isn't Always Better
"Going big" has always been the American way. We want bigger homes, bigger cars (as evidenced by the popularity of the SUV) and, of course, bigger RVs. Every year manufacturers introduce new brands and models that are longer and wider (either in terms of slideouts or actual width) than the previous year's. With class C's approaching 40 feet in length and some manufacturers now building class A's and large trailers with four or more slideouts, where will it all end?
Although we'd all like our home-on-wheels to be roomy enough for all our needs and provide us with the amenities of a permanent home, what many RVers overlook is the weight added to an RV every time inches and feet are added to its length. It's all about safety. The larger and heavier the RV, the longer it will take to stop when you apply the brakes. This is especially true of motorhomes that have accumulated more than 30,000 miles and the brakes have lost their stopping power.
The most dangerous aspect of large RVs is that they may not be built lo structural soundness. When the manufacturer adds a foot or two, his interest in reaching a wider market may take precedence over reinforcing the walls to support the extra weight. This problem of adding footage without proportionate increase of structural support has produced vehicles whose walls have completely disintegrated in rollover accidents — sometimes with fatal results for the occupants, and, at the very least, serious injury. (See RV Reporter article "Motorhome Accident Under Microscope"). Because federal law does not require it, these RVs are not tested for crashworthiness before they reach the marketplace.
Laws regarding size limitations for RVs traveling the highways vary from state to state and can cause RVers driving vehicles over 40 feet long or wider than 96 inches to incur fines and inconvenience. You'll need to check the legalities for every state in which you intend to travel.
Statistics, accident reports, and consumer feedback have shown that safe and worry-free travel in a large RV — particularly a class A motor home — takes greater preparedness than for an automobile, a scaled-down motor home, or a trailer. You'll need to know your limitations when it comes to driving or pulling a large vehicle. RV driving and handling courses are widely available and highly recommended. You'll need to study weight and balance issues carefully. You'll need to give extra scrutiny to the design, workmanship, and materials used in your RV. And you'll need to know the right questions to ask the dealer or manufacturer.
When you're planning to buy a motor home or trailer, RV Consumer Group makes it easy to compare brands and models based on their handling characteristics, durability, and how well they hold their value, (as well as other factors). Those who have used the RV Ratings Guide CD have found it to be an indispensable guide when
searching for their dream RV. Many of our members have literally
saved thousands of dollars. The information in our publications
will show you when it's safer and more comfortable to go smaller and
when those who have the budget can safely go bigger.
For more information on the effects of size on your RV choice, see How to Select, Inspect, and
Buy an RV. For those interested
in towing, see How to Tow Safely Guide.
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Independent 
