When choosing a travel trailer, there are many things to consider. One of the most important decisions is figuring out what size trailer you need. The trailer length can vary, and it’s important to know if the hitch is included in that measurement. Keep reading to learn more about the travel trailer lengths and hitches!
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Does Length Of Travel Trailer Include Hitch
Yes, length of a travel trailer includes the hitch. The hitch is the part of the trailer that attaches to the tow vehicle. The tongue is part of the trailer that extends out from the hitch. Overall length is the length of the trailer plus the tongue. The interior length is the length of the inside of the trailer from front to back. The exterior length is the outside length of the trailer from front to back. This excludes the tongue and hitch. Most travel trailers are between twenty and thirty feet long. But, some are as short as 16 feet, and some are as long as 40 feet long. If you include the tongue and hitch, you need to add about three feet to whichever measurement you use. For example, if you’re looking at an exterior measurement and it’s 24 feet long, the overall length would be about 27 feet.
If you’re looking at an interior measurement and it’s 24 feet long, then the overall length would also be about 27 feet long. Knowing all three measurements is important to ensure your travel trailer will fit in your campsite or garage. You don’t want to get all set up only to discover that your trailer is too long or too wide for your space!
Knowing these measurements will also help you know how much storage space you’ll have in your travel trailer. So whether you’re planning on storing lots of gear for a long road trip or just packing light for a weekend getaway, make sure you know all three measurements before you hit the road.
How Is The Length Of A Travel Trailer Determined?
When shopping for a travel trailer, it is important to know how the length is measured. The length of a travel trailer can be measured in two ways – the interior usable floor space length or the campsite length. The interior usable floor space length measures the actual living area inside the trailer.
The campsite length is the entire exterior length of the trailer – from the ball hitch to the rear bumper. When speaking with a salesperson, make sure to clarify which method of measurement is being used. This will ensure that you can compare apples to apples when shopping for a travel trailer. And, ultimately help you choose the right size trailer for your needs.
How Much Length Does A Hitch Add To A Travel Trailer?
Any experienced RV owner knows that the size of your travel trailer can greatly impact your trip. Not only does it affect how easy it is to maneuver, but it also dictates where you can and cannot go. For example, many national and state parks have size restrictions for RVs. This means that if your travel trailer is too long, you may not be able to stay at certain campsites.
So, how much longer does a hitch add to a travel trailer? The answer varies depending on the type of RV, but in general, the rear bumper adds 6 to 12 inches. It adds two to three feet in length to the front tongue and hitch. The bumper-to-hitch length of my 35-foot travel trailer, for example, is 38 feet. It’s even longer when the bike rack is on the back. Knowing the overall length of your RV is essential for planning a successful trip.
How Do Campgrounds Measure Trailer Length?
RV length can be an important factor when planning a camping trip. After all, not all campgrounds are created equal; some may have size restrictions regarding RV trailers. So how do campgrounds measure trailer length? There are two different ways. The first is based on the length of the living space inside the RV. This is measured from the front to the back wall inside the vehicle.
The second way is based on the exterior length of the RV, which is measured from the back bumper to the trailer tongue. Remember that the exterior length will typically be greater than the interior length, so it’s important to know both measurements when planning your trip. Understanding how campgrounds measure trailer length ensures that your RV will fit comfortably at your campsite of choice.
What Is The Best Length For A Travel Trailer?
When choosing the best length for a travel trailer, there are a few factors to consider. One important factor is the size of the campsites you’ll be visiting. If you’re planning on staying predominantly in national parks, it’s worth noting that the average maximum length for RVs in most national parks is 32 feet. Another factor to consider is how much space you need inside the RV.
If you’re planning on spending extended periods in your travel trailer, or if you often travel with guests, you might want to opt for a larger RV. However, a smaller RV might be better if you mostly use your travel trailer for weekend getaways or shorter trips. The best length for a travel trailer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Travel Trailer Length Restrictions
Are you planning a cross-country road trip and wondering if your travel trailer will be able to make it to all the national parks on your list? Well, wonder no more! Here are the restrictions on travel trailer length for some of the most popular national parks in the country:
- In Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, two campgrounds can accommodate trailer setups up to 30 feet (9 meters), and one campground can accommodate setups up to 50 feet (15 meters).
- Acadia National Park in Maine has no length restrictions at any campgrounds, so you can explore this location without fretting about setup length!
- Denali National Park in Alaska: Maximum setup length in this park is forty feet (twelve meters).
- Everglades National Park in Florida: Maximum length is forty five feet (13 meters).
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee: Maximum length is 35 feet (ten meters) for trailers.
Now that you know the restrictions, you can start confidently planning your trip!
Conclusion
Always measure the entirety of your travel trailer setup before hitting the open road. While many manufacturers provide information on the length of their trailers, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t include other necessary components like the hitch and tow vehicle. You can ensure a smooth and safe journey by considering all aspects of your setup. Have you ever had an issue with getting your travel trailer through a tight spot? Let us know in the comments!
