Measure a travel trailer length refers to calculating the total size of an RV from front to back. This involves accounting for extended areas to determine the maximum dimension while towing.
Knowing the full size of your travel trailer is important for safe and legal towing. But how exactly do you measure up your RV to get the facts? Travel important factors like slides, hitches, and other extending parts can make determining the length seem tricky. In this guide, we’ll break down simple techniques to accurately assess your travel trailer’s dimensions. From interior pacing to exterior tape measures, you’ll have the tools to properly handle the measuring job.
It’s essential to know your travel trailer’s actual length for a few key reasons. Campgrounds often have strict size limits for designated spots. Finding out at check-in that your RV won’t fit is not ideal! Tow vehicle capacity is also based on total length, so oversizing can potentially be unsafe or illegal. Resale value depends on matching the stated specs to reality as well. Cutting it too close could cause issues down the line.
Why An Exact Travel Trailer Measurement Matters
Knowing the precise length of your travel trailer is important for several key reasons. Campgrounds often have strict regulations around the maximum length that can fit in designated campsites. Exceeding these limits means your RV will not fit and you’ll be turned away. Towing an oversized trailer that is longer than what your vehicle can accommodate also poses serious safety hazards.
Insurance and financing documents also require the travel trailer dimensions to be accurate. The resale value is dependent on the stated length matching the actual size. Discrepancies could lead to issues down the line. Courtney, an RV owner, shared, “When trying to sell my travel trailer, the potential buyers wanted the exact specs which I did not have on hand. It almost caused the sale to fall through.” Being able to provide the length of documentation is important for purchases and ownership transfers.
Methods for Measuring Travel Trailer Length
There are a few different techniques for measuring the length of your trailer. The overall goal is to account for all extendable areas to determine the maximum dimension being towed.
Exterior Measurement
One method is measuring the exterior from the extreme front part of the hitch/coupler to the farthest back protrusion when extended, such as a bumper or spare tire mount. When using a tape measure, be sure to follow the contour of the trailer and add in any additional lengths. For irregular surfaces, a flexible measuring tape works best.
Interior Measurement
For the interior length, you’ll want to fully extend any slide-out rooms before pacing or using a measuring wheel to go end to end. Make a note of the length with and without the slide-outs extended. Measuring wheel devices provide an easy rolling measurement solution indoors.
Common Length Measurement Areas
| Area | Notes |
| Hitch/Coupler to Rear Bumper | Includes spare tires, awnings fully extended |
| Interior Floor | With all slide-outs fully extended |
| Hitch/Coupler to Rear Bed | For trailers with rear sleeping areas |
Taking multiple measurements of key areas will give you an overall picture of the travel trailer’s size aspects. Documenting your findings is important.
Factors that Impact Travel Trailer Dimensions
There are a few variables that can influence the overall dimensions:
- Slide-Out Rooms – Fully extended slide-outs add significant length
- Awning/Rear Components – Consider extended awnings and bumper/spare tires
- Decks/Storage Areas – Rear decks or platform extensions need accounting
- Hitch Equipment – The hitch and weight distribution bars can protrude
Understanding how features modify the size profile will lead to an accurate assessment. Measuring with alternate configurations provides useful reference points.
Tips for Measuring Specific Areas
Here are some helpful pointers for measuring different sections:
- Slides – Note the length difference with vs without slide-outs fully extended
- Bumper to Bumper – Use a tape following the trailer’s curves and angles
- Hitch – Measure from the end of hitch receiver to the farthest point
- Leveling Jacks – Retract before measuring to minimize variation
- Awnings – Extend fully side-to-side as well as front/back measurements
- Storage Components – Open compartments and doors fully for measuring
Taking time to meticulously measure distinctive regions will compile a detailed length analysis.
Documenting Your Travel Trailer’s Length Specifications
It is important to record the various measurement findings you collect. Store this key dimension information in multiple places for safekeeping and reference down the line.
- Owners Manual – Note measurements directly within the RV manual
- Spec Sheet – Create an itemized specifications list or fact sheet
- Photos – Take photos substantiating measurements with length indicators
- Electronic File – Scan documents and photos for digital backup
- Insurance Records – Provide specs for coverage needs and resale value
Having the travel trailer dimensions on record eliminates any uncertainty and protects your investment. Updating as upgrades or modifications occur also ensures the files stay current.
Conclusion
As this guide has outlined, accurately measuring a travel trailer’s length demands a methodical approach that accounts for changeable configurations. Taking multiple readings of significant areas is best practice.
Documenting the results avoids potential issues and enables easy verification down the line for uses like towing, camping compliancy, reselling, and more. Properly assessing dimensions supports safe and legal recreational vehicle operation and ownership.
