Forum Discussion

MJO21's avatar
MJO21
Explorer
Oct 16, 2018

5th wheel measurement vs length

I am curious how manufacturers measure the length of their units? Do the measure the absolute longest tip to tail of the unit including the hitch nose or do they just count the floor length?

We are getting ready to build a new garage and I want to make sure it is either wide enough or deep enough to get an entire 5th wheel camper in there and close the door. I am wanting 40x40, with the back 10-12feet being about 4 feet lower that the front so I can back in the camper across the back of the garage and not need to have super high walls and a 14' door in the front. Where I am building has a natural slope away from the existing driveway so with the back 10-12' being lower the camper can be backed in across the back without digging it out...
  • Ours is a 36 ft model but exterior dimension is 37 ft pin to rear cap. I call it 38 ft to cover for the ladder.
  • And remember you want to add enough room so you can move things around the trailer, work on the rear of the trailer without hitting the back wall, etc.
  • From what I found, manufacturers don't have a standard way of measuring. Some measure a trailer by the box, some from bumper to hitch, some the box plus bumper...

    I would suggest visiting a dealer, finding the longest 5er you can and measuring it from tip to tip for your guide.