How Do You Measure A Travel Trailer Length? Avoid Mistakes!

How do you measure a travel trailer length? The most accurate way to measure a travel trailer length is to measure the total trailer length from the tip of the trailer’s tongue (or hitch) to the rearmost part of the bumper. This travel trailer length measurement is crucial for campsite reservations, storage, and even knowing if your tow vehicle can handle the RV length dimensions. This comprehensive RV measuring guide will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure you get the right measurement.

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The Importance of Accurate Travel Trailer Length Measurement

Why is accurate travel trailer length measurement so critical? Several reasons stand out:

• Campsite Reservations: Most campgrounds require you to provide your trailer’s RV length dimensions when booking a site. If your measurement is off, you could end up with a site that’s too small.
• Storage: Whether you’re storing your trailer at home or in a storage facility, knowing the travel trailer overall length is essential to ensure it fits.
• Towing Capacity: Matching your tow vehicle to your trailer is vital for safety. The hitch to bumper length of your trailer plays a role in determining the overall weight and towing requirements.
• Regulations: Some states have regulations regarding the maximum exterior length of travel trailer allowed on certain roads or bridges.
• General Maneuverability: Knowing your total trailer length will help you make informed decisions about navigating tight spaces, parking, and making turns.

Step-by-Step Guide: Measuring Your Travel Trailer

Here’s a detailed RV measuring guide to help you get an accurate measurement of your travel trailer length including tongue:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need the following items:

• A measuring tape (preferably a long one, at least 30 feet)
• A helper (optional, but recommended)
• A notepad and pen (or your phone) to record the measurement

Step 2: Prepare Your Trailer

• Park your trailer on a level surface. This will give you the most accurate travel trailer size calculation.
• Ensure the trailer is in its normal towing configuration. Don’t extend awnings or ladders, as these are not included in the total trailer length.

Step 3: Locate the Measuring Points

• Front: Find the furthest point forward on the trailer’s tongue or hitch. This is usually the front of the coupler.
• Rear: Locate the furthest point back on the trailer, including the bumper, spare tire (if mounted on the bumper), ladder, or anything else permanently attached to the rear.

Step 4: Take the Measurement

• Extend the measuring tape from the front measuring point to the rear measuring point.
• Make sure the measuring tape is straight and taut. It’s best to have your helper hold one end while you hold the other.
• Read the measurement on the tape. This is your hitch to bumper length, and it represents the travel trailer overall length.

Step 5: Record the Measurement

• Write down the measurement carefully. Double-check that you’ve recorded it correctly.

Important Considerations for Accurate Measurement

• Include Everything: Ensure you include everything permanently attached to the trailer when measuring the exterior length of travel trailer. This includes bumpers, spare tire carriers, ladders, and anything else that extends beyond the main body of the trailer.
• Exclude Temporary Items: Don’t include items like awnings, bike racks (unless permanently mounted), or anything else that can be easily removed.
• Level Surface: As mentioned, measuring on a level surface is crucial. Uneven ground can skew your results and lead to an inaccurate travel trailer size calculation.
• Double-Check: It’s always a good idea to measure twice (or even three times) to ensure accuracy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Travel Trailer Length Measurement

Many people make mistakes when measuring their travel trailer, which can lead to problems down the road. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Relying on Manufacturer Specifications: While manufacturer specifications can be a good starting point, they aren’t always accurate. Always measure your trailer yourself to confirm the RV length dimensions.
• Not Including the Tongue: The tongue (or hitch) is a significant part of the total trailer length and must be included in the measurement.
• Forgetting the Bumper: Similarly, the rear bumper often extends beyond the body of the trailer and should be included in the travel trailer length measurement.
• Ignoring Add-Ons: Don’t forget to account for any add-ons, such as spare tire carriers or ladders, that extend the exterior length of travel trailer.
• Measuring on Uneven Ground: As previously noted, measuring on uneven ground can result in an inaccurate travel trailer size calculation.

The Impact of Travel Trailer Length on Campsite Selection

The travel trailer length measurement plays a significant role in campsite selection. Most campgrounds have site length restrictions, and exceeding these limits can lead to problems.

Campsite Length Restrictions

Campgrounds often categorize campsites based on their length. Here’s a typical example:

Campsite Type	Maximum RV Length
Small	20 feet
Medium	30 feet
Large	40 feet
Extra Large	45+ feet

If your travel trailer overall length is 32 feet, you’ll need to book a “Large” or “Extra Large” campsite. Trying to squeeze into a “Medium” site could result in your trailer sticking out into the road or not fitting at all.

Consequences of Exceeding Length Restrictions

• Refusal of Entry: The campground may refuse to let you stay if your trailer is too long for the available sites.
• Difficulty Maneuvering: A site that’s too small will be difficult to maneuver into, potentially causing damage to your trailer or surrounding vegetation.
• Inconvenience: Having to repack and find another campsite can be a major inconvenience, especially if you’ve traveled a long distance.
• Safety Issues: Overhanging into the road can create safety hazards for other campers and vehicles.

Factors Affecting RV Length Dimensions

Several factors can influence the RV length dimensions of your travel trailer:

• Model Year: Even within the same brand and model, the exterior length of travel trailer can vary slightly from year to year.
• Floor Plan: Different floor plans within the same model often have different total trailer lengths.
• Options and Accessories: As mentioned, certain options and accessories, such as spare tire carriers or ladders, can increase the travel trailer overall length.
• Modifications: Any modifications you make to your trailer, such as adding a storage box to the bumper, can affect the hitch to bumper length.

Using Your Travel Trailer Length Measurement

Once you have an accurate travel trailer length measurement, you can use it for various purposes:

• Campsite Reservations: Book campsites that are appropriately sized for your trailer.
• Storage Planning: Find a storage facility that can accommodate your total trailer length.
• Towing Calculations: Ensure your tow vehicle has sufficient capacity to handle your trailer’s RV length dimensions.
• Route Planning: Check for any length restrictions on roads or bridges along your route.
• Insurance Purposes: Providing accurate dimensions to your insurance company can help ensure you have adequate coverage.

Table of Common Travel Trailer Lengths by Type

Trailer Type	Typical Length Range
Teardrop Trailer	8-16 feet
Pop-Up Camper	12-20 feet
Small Travel Trailer	18-25 feet
Mid-Size Travel Trailer	25-35 feet
Large Travel Trailer	35-40 feet
Fifth Wheel Trailer	25-45 feet

Note: These are just typical ranges. Always measure your own trailer to get an accurate travel trailer length measurement.

Fathoming RV Length and Turning Radius

The travel trailer length measurement directly influences the turning radius required to maneuver your RV. Longer trailers need more space to turn, making them more challenging to navigate in tight areas. Consider the following:

• Turning Radius: The longer your trailer, the wider the turns you’ll need to make.
• Campsite Layout: Pay attention to the layout of campsites, especially if they have tight turns or obstacles.
• Driving Skills: Practice maneuvering your trailer in an open area before attempting to navigate challenging campsites or roads.

Legal Considerations Related to Travel Trailer Length

Several legal considerations are tied to the exterior length of travel trailer:

• State Regulations: Many states have regulations regarding the maximum length of RVs allowed on certain roads or bridges.
• Permits: You may need to obtain a special permit if your trailer exceeds the maximum length allowed in a particular state.
• Commercial Vehicle Regulations: If you’re using your RV for commercial purposes, you may be subject to additional regulations.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the travel trailer length measurement?
  The travel trailer length measurement includes everything permanently attached to the trailer, from the tip of the tongue or hitch to the rearmost part of the bumper, spare tire carrier, or ladder.
  

• Can I rely on the manufacturer’s stated length?
  It’s best to verify the length yourself, as manufacturer specifications may not always be accurate. Measuring your travel trailer overall length is the safest bet.
  

• Who is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the length measurement?
  The owner of the travel trailer is ultimately responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the length measurement.

• What is the best way to measure a travel trailer by myself?
  If you’re measuring alone, secure one end of the measuring tape to the front of the tongue and then carefully extend it to the rear of the trailer, ensuring the tape remains straight and taut.

• How to measure camper length if it’s a pop-up camper?
  Measure from the hitch to the furthest point at the rear of the trailer when it’s fully closed in travel configuration.

By following this RV measuring guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure you have an accurate travel trailer length measurement. This will help you book the right campsites, store your trailer safely, and tow it with confidence.