This is my first post as we are in the process of ordering our first TT - a Timber Ridge 270DBHS. We have only tent camped in the past so knowing how long the pad was didn't really matter at the poin...
In Texas, (especially State Parks) it is best to use the total length unless specifically asked to do otherwise. For years we used a tent or small trailer so it never mattered but since graduating to larger trailers I've found that reserving a 30 foot site is often just that 30 feet long by 8 foot wide with no room for the TV. So now I reserve a 55-60 foot spot whenever possible and unless someone squats on the site without permission, we always have room for the pickup.