How Big is Too Big?

Follow these steps when you’re considering upgrading to a larger trailer or motorhome.

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Words by Perry Mack

Many of us started RVing either by camping with a car, van or 4x4 before upgrading to a tent trailer or small travel trailer. Many of us become afflicted with ‘two-foot-itis,’ the condition that results in wanting just a slightly larger RV, annually. It begs an answer to the question, how big is too big?

Cost can be a limiting factor but RVs can often be reasonably financed over 15 years, making even a large RV affordable. If cost isn’t a factor, then what is?

If you’re thinking seriously about upgrading to a larger unit, ask yourself where you’re planning to go RVing. A lot of provincial and state parks have limits on how large an RV they can accept. Make a list of a dozen or so places you want to visit in the next few years and then look into nearby parks and any size restrictions they may have. 

We chose our 9 m (28 ft) Black Rock travel trailer since it’s comfortably large enough for up to three-week getaways yet small enough to fit into most federal and provincial parks, as well as the many front country rec sites we enjoy. British Columbia’s rec sites are smaller campgrounds with a limited number of sites. There are often no services and somewhat more challenging to access but it made our decision a little easier.

If this doesn’t slay your ‘two-foot-itis’ dragon, consider your tow vehicle. Every towable RV has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and every tow vehicle has a towing limit. Your current vehicle may affect the size of the RV you want depending on the RV’s GVWR. This is the weight of the vehicle when it is fully loaded with full fresh, grey and black tanks, propane tanks and all your gear. 

Even getting close to your vehicle’s maximum weight capacity (80 percent) can cause grief on the road, especially if you need to climb hills and accelerate to merge into traffic. It will also handle poorly.

A good rule of thumb is to purchase your tow vehicle after you decide on an RV. In our case, the Black Rock travel trailer has a GVWR of 3,583 kg (7,900 lbs), technically making it half-ton towable. 

However, after suffering through an anemically-powered Coachmen 34’ Class A, we vowed never to be underpowered again. So we chose a gently used Chevy Silverado 3500 HD diesel to tow the Black Rock. 

The other advantage to this choice was that it could tow a comfortably-sized fifth wheel. Although it was more expensive to purchase than a similarly aged and equipped half-ton truck, it left our options open without suffering the losses involved in selling an inadequate truck (costs of depreciation, sales tax and time).

Most of us have a comfort threshold regarding towing or the size of the motorhome we’re willing to drive. This level of confidence may also be the limiting factor in your decision, but it really shouldn’t be. Your confidence will increase with practice and experience. Taking the RV out for practice drives on familiar roads is a great idea. 

You can also start your new (or new to you) RV experience by reserving pull-through sites to avoid backing up until you become comfortable with the process. The best way is by using a backup camera, two-way radios to communicate with your spotter and practice in an empty parking lot with orange pylons. 

Accept that you will both make mistakes and have some fun. Low- or no-stress practice with your rig listening to verbal and visual cues from a spotter will make the first trip comfortable and rewarding. We also suggest that you start RVing early in the season (and leaving midweek if possible) as traffic is lighter and RV parks or rec sites are less busy.

You should be aware that in many states and provinces, a recreational trailer endorsement is required if your RV weighs more than 4,600 kg (10,000 lbs). You will also need an endorsement if your truck or RV is equipped with air brakes. If you tow without these specific endorsements, your insurance may be invalid, which can potentially be financially disastrous or worse.

In British Columbia, you can take a written test to obtain your learners (good for a year) and a subsequent road test using your truck and trailer. We also recommend taking a recreational trailer endorsement driving course where your ability and confidence increases under competent instruction. Check your local regulations to see what is required. If you don’t want to get this endorsement, limit the size (weight) of your RV to less than 4,600 kg (10,000 lbs.).

The best RV for our family has changed over the decades and it may change for yours as well. We suggest choosing an RV size that best meets your needs for the next five years or more to keep your options open. You will also gain the RV experience and knowledge should you want to upgrade to an even larger model.