Maneuverability question

[atom ant]

I don't think you would actually even notice the difference in length between the 31SL and 36RL when towing or backing. It will however, be a bit of an adjustment from your Keystone.


Just watch the back swing. That seems to be the first issue for somebody used to pulling a shorter unit. Both my buddy and I went to 39 ft Montanas one year from 34', and both of us clipped the rear pulling out of our storage garages because we were accustomed to specific turning spot in the drive.

[Dave&Ginny]

As someone had posted earlier......find a big parking lot and get a couple of cones or garbage cans. Learn to turn around and back around these items in tight turns. The main thing to remember is the overhang on the back (space between the rear axle and the rear bumper). This is the "lever" that can do the most damaged in a tight turn. Have fun with the trailer and get comfortable with it. Don't be intimidated with the height because whether your old trailer was 11 ft or this new one at 13.4 tall, both trailers take some watching.

Over the years I've taught a whole bunch of people how to drive big trucks and those that I got to relax and understand the reaction the truck had to their controls did the best in emergency situation. Remember a 5th wheel trailer turns sharper than a bumper pull trailer and you have less sway.

[Rick and Mindy]

We chose the 31SL because of overall length. There are many places that cannot accommodate you with longer fifth wheels. Could we use more space, yes, but even with the longer fifth wheels we could always use more space. It boils down to choice. I don't think you will have much more difficulty pulling the 36RL over the 31SL. I do agree with others, no matter which one you choose, order the disc brakes. Also, if you order the 31SL I would definitely eliminate the oven and opt for the drawers under the stove for additional pots and pan storage. Good luck with whatever you choose!

[Foxfire]

We came from a 28TT, we bought the 31Sl. I actually thought it was 31 feet and no big deal jump. After looking at all the spec I never looked at the overall length. Well the first tow was a breeze, easy to get around except I still duck down everytime I go under low hanging branches.
We made one or two campsites and all was well. May 1st we get to the place we keep a seasonal site at and I back in like a pro. I was so proud. My wife looks around and decides I'm a foot and a half to far over into her campsite and wants the rig moved over. Well it took an hour and a half to move it where she wanted it and im surprise we still talk to each other. If it wasn't a Wedneday and the campground wasn't empty we would have been thrown out for screeming yelling and foul language. LOL But a season has gone by and were pros now.

[Rick and Mindy]

Trust me, you cannot take for granted that the model number reflects the actual length of the fifth wheel. I was told years ago by an RV dealer that at one time the model actually was the length but many of the state parks and federal parks would not let you enter if the model number reflected 35 ft or more so the manufacturers started using model numbers that would look like the RV was shorter than it actually was. I don't know if this is fact but it is just as good of an explanation as anything else. Gotta love the RV industry!

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by Foxfire

We came from a 28TT, we bought the 31Sl. I actually thought it was 31 feet and no big deal jump. After looking at all the spec I never looked at the overall length. Well the first tow was a breeze, easy to get around except I still duck down everytime I go under low hanging branches.
We made one or two campsites and all was well. May 1st we get to the place we keep a seasonal site at and I back in like a pro. I was so proud. My wife looks around and decides I'm a foot and a half to far over into her campsite and wants the rig moved over. Well it took an hour and a half to move it where she wanted it and im surprise we still talk to each other. If it wasn't a Wedneday and the campground wasn't empty we would have been thrown out for screeming yelling and foul language. LOL But a season has gone by and were pros now.

The fond memories....... Remember....things are only memorable when there are obstacles to overcome.

[Peggy C]

What GPS do you use? We were told Garmin is good, but I don't know what model.
Peggy and Richard
2012 36 RL