TXiceman
(Near) Houston,TX
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Joined: 11/17/2000
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Provided you have enough truck, there is no real difference other than a few feet longer and a bit heavier. I would not pull a 34 or 35' with a SRW truck.
Ken
Amateur Radio Operator.
Vintage 1989 Avion Silver, 34V, toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with one miniature Schnauzers, one standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
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rconkin
Jonesborough, TN
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Joined: 05/09/2007
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We traded our 32' Jayco for our 35' Cruiser in January and I would say that the 35' is no harder pulling than the 32'. The axles on our Cruiser are farther back so I just swing a little wider, no big deal.
04 Dodge 3500 CTD, DRW, 4X4, Quad Cab, B&W Turnover and Companion hitch, Prodigy
O8 Crossroads Cruiser CF31QB
"For those that fought for it, Freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know!" Semper Fi
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IWally
flyover
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Joined: 07/01/2010
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Thank you for your responses!
Being a rank newbie, I wonder:
Suppose you are in a typical in-town 4-way intersection ..
To make a right turn do you need to pull the nose of the truck into the opposing lane of traffic (on the street you're turning onto) in order to make the turn? When I hear folks say you need to "swing a bit wider" this is what I envision.
Ken - why do you specify a drw and not a srw for a 34' trailer if both are within weight / wheel base limits?
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johnrbd
San Joaquin Valley
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Joined: 09/12/2005
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If situation on right turn is such that you do not have sufficient room to complete the turn, go down another block and make 3 left turns.
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rconkin
Jonesborough, TN
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To get to our neighborhood from the interstate, I have a right turn as you mention. Before they repaved the road, the white line showing cars where to stop was far enough back that I had room to turn as long as people stopped where they were supposed to. If someone didn't, like johnrbd said, I just went on and came in a different direction. When they repaved, they moved the line so now I just go a different way. You may even find yourself in a situation in a strange place where you may have to just go past where you want to go, find a parking lot to turn around and come back from the other direction.
Weights cannot be determined by length alone as someone previously said. Our Jayco at 32' foot weighed as much as our Cruiser at 35'. The Jayco had wood framing in the walls and roof, the Cruiser has aluminum framing.
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Sealyn
Northern California
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On the same vacation, over the same 70 miles of hilly high way, I towed my 12,650# 5er and an approx. 15,000# 5er (tow vehicle breakdown). The weight difference was felt pulling hills and stopping. But I proved a badly overloaded 3/4 ton truck will do the job.
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IWally
flyover
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So it seems that what rconkin is saying is:
Yes you do cross (the truck) into the other lane when making a 90 degree right turn.
Was this also the case with the 32' Jayco?
Maybe I should have titled this thread "towing longer vs shorter".
If anyone knows of a past thread (or online video) showing/exploring this question pls let me know, I have searched and have not found.
thx
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ChucknKay
St Marys County MD
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Pulling a 34' Eagle with an F350 dually. A bit wider right hand turn swing required. Maybe 2,000 lbs more, so you will notice longer times between shifts. Does'nt take long to learn your new limits. 
Chuck USN Ret, Navy Flight Test Engr
Kay, The Bride (43 yrs) Ret Nurse, High School Media Specialist
Christopher, Our Velcro Child
08 F350 Lariat 4X4, 6.4, 5spd auto, DRW 4.30 rear, Tow Boss, CC, LB, Linux
08 Jayco Eagle 341 RLQS, Moryde pin box, shocks
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Dave H M
IL
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Joined: 08/11/2006
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Walley
On making those 90 degree turns at intersections with a long trailer - you just have to do like the 18 wheelers. Relax and idle out there in the oncoming lane when it is safe and make your calculated turn right or left while keeping track in the riear view mirror.
My biggest challege is keeping relxed, but I seem to be doing better at tht since I am closer to 70 than 60 now.
Relax and don't get in a hurry! my 34 footer seems to pull about as good as the 30 footer did.
Oh and just remember, if someone gives your the finger, it means that you are number one.
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40 Acres
York, PA
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If it's any consolation to you I was quite intent on staying around 33'-34' when we bought our fiver. Thanks to my wife we ended up at 38'6". I have a 1 ton truck so weight wasn't as much of a concern mentally as length. I made certain of my weight capacities mind you, but length was my "fear". I really had it in my mind that 34' was all the longer I wanted to deal with. Up until then a 5,000 lb. 23' TT was the heaviest/longest I'd pulled. At this point I am amazed at how easy a 39', 11,000 lb. fifth wheel tows. It does take more route planning and a little more attention at intersections/tight locations, but I've adapted quickly and find more confidence each time I pull. I certainly can't toss it around like the 23' travel trailer, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks IMO. I was going to settle for one slide at 34'. Looking back now and knowing what I know, I'd be VERY disappointed if I'd have chosen that over our 3 slide unit at 39'. hate to say my wife was right, but in our case....darn her! The extra space is fantastic and I love our unit now that we've lived in it a bit and I've gotten to tow it.
In trying to decide between a difference of 4/5 feet, I'd pay more attention to the weight and floor plan than overall length (As long as it fits in the intended storage spot, LOL). I don't know if the number of slides comes into play for you, but that could make a huge difference in the livability as well. Use common sense, make sure your TV is well matched and be confident in yourself!
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