We are in the process of purchasing our first travel trailer, and being first-timers, we have really only been looking at TTs shorter than 28', which has limited our choices somewhat. We have seen quite a few that we really like that are 30'. Therefore, my question is, how much of a difference does 2 extra feet of a TT make in driving? Would is cause considerably more sway on the highway? Is it much more difficult to maneuver into a campground space? Or, as newbies, should we stick with the shorter TT until we can build up some experience with towing?

It all depends on what you are towing it with?

With your 2014 Toyota Tundra 4x4, 5.6 liter you will have the ability to tow either of those. There is a learning curve for sure, and going to the limit is never a good idea until you research it yourself, get the right hitch and mirrors, and really think about it. Many have done just fine, but it really helps if you are familiar with how a trailer tows, and how to back it up. Buy a good used unit first at a smaller size, and try that. If you choose wisely, and still want to go bigger, you could. You have the power, but do you have the experience?

Weight is your first consideration. Wheel base on your truck is another. The shorter the wheel base, the more sway. One of the biggest differences I noticed was when I went for 26ft to 32 ft was tracking. My 26 followed me where ever I went. With the 32, I had to swing wider. This was more obvious on narrow mtn roads. I found myself staying on highways more and hesitant to go to the campgrounds we loved up in NC. I downsized back for a more comfortable driving experience.

It all depends on what you are towing it with?A 30' is not difficult to handle or maneuver. As for sway, your tow vehicle makes all the difference. Once you get over 30' the extra 2ft makes a big difference unless you have a 3/4 or 1 ton. I learned this the hard way!

If you have a more than adequate tow vehicle with a good WD hitch with anti sway, pulling it down the road doesn't make a difference if it's 28 or 30'. The added length may have an impact when maneuvering in tiqht quarters, such as some campgrounds and gas stations. I pulled a Sunline that was almost 30', but with a 1 ton truck and Hensley hitch, I never had any sway at all...period! But I can tell you that going from almost 30' to almost 27' (Minnie Trailer), it is a little easier, at times, to navigate around gas pumps, tight campground turns etc. If you need and want the 30' trailer, just make sure you have the truck to tow it and a good hitch! Then, take your time and learn how much room you need for turns, and be careful not to get yourself boxed in at a gas station. More than once, I've had to skip a station and find a different one. I also keep an extra empty gas can in the truck bed in case I absolutely have to get some gas in the tank and need to use the can.

How much does the length of a TT affect driving?

25 Replies

colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 17, 2016
The shorter the more maneuverable it will be. I would much rather pull my 24' trailer over my 35'.

I like the 35' for the space when set up.
6_7_tow_rig
Explorer
Feb 17, 2016
We are close to 60ft when hooked up. I've never had an issue anywhere. I fuel up at regular gas stations because I don't like truck stops. I work in a city in which I patrol two truck stops and the issues we have there aren't what I would like to expose my family too while traveling. Get the Floorplan you like and don't worry about length. It's not a problem
aclay
Explorer
Feb 17, 2016
The length will matter most for what sites you can go to. We went from a 30' to 35' and have to choose our sites much more carefully. In some ways my 35' is easier to maneuver, it's arc is different. We will likely downsize when kids get older. I'd worry more about weight than length, make sure your tow vehicle is up to whatever weight your target RV is, with margin. Difference between 28 to 30' will be negligible.
Community Alumni
Feb 16, 2016
When it comes to comfort level with the natural movements that the trailer likes to do back there, the type of vehicle makes a difference. Things like the trailer dancing around on the pavement, wiggles from the windy, or being passed by a semi might be barely noticed by a 1 ton. It may be a white knuckle moment in a short wheelbase vehicle. A 2ft difference would be nothing for most of your larger vehicles like pickups and full size vans.

Sway on the other hand is a problem that needs to be corrected. Every vehicle out there can be affected by sway, even a 1 ton dually. You shouldn't experience sway at all, even as you go up in length. If you have problems with sway then you need to figure out why and get it corrected.

When it comes to maneuverability, I find that longer trailers are easier to back than shorter trailers. Short trailers react and get out of line very quickly. In your case the difference in length is relatively small so the trailers will behave similarly. My trailer is 35.5ft overall and I haven't met a gas station I couldn't get out of. I've been in some pretty tight stations.

Also make sure you're looking at the overall length of the trailer when you're comparing the length. The number in the model number is normally the measurement for the box or an arbitrary number. The overall length is a few feet longer. I wouldn't shy away from a longer trailer. There's a learning curve with everything. Just take your time with learning and getting comfortable. Think several steps ahead and you'll never run into a situation that you can't get out of.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Feb 16, 2016
eichacsj wrote:
shenandoahvalley wrote:
eichacsj wrote:
The length I think is an issue is fueling up, not sure what a v10 has to do with it, I think all vehicles need fuel. When you are that long many gas stations are out of the question, you have to pick and choose. I even stopped at a Pilot Truck stop this weekend and barely got out, it was tight I was within 6" of the pump post front and back, if it had been busy I would not have made it out.

I do carry 20 gals of extra fuel in case I have to skip stations and go to the next fuel exit. I can't wait until I can afford a fuel tank in my bed.

The V10 has to do with being gas...diesels can fuel at truck fueling stations but frequently I have to use the automobile pumps in order to get gas. They usually aren't as open and accessible.

Where i am coming from is even diesel TV have to use the regular pump lanes unless you invade the semi truck pumps which most will not let you do. But even still all gas motors need gas so the v10 still has nothing to do with it. I know it is symantec’s.

I pull into any station I want. If they want my $130 (back when gas was $4 a gallon) they have nothing to say. Again, I've pulled into stations where most would have to think twice with just a truck alone! I pulled into one that had the "gas at next exit sign" on the hwy. when I got there there was barely enough room for a truck let alone 55feet of truck and trailer. If they advertise gas on the hwy they better be ready for me!
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Feb 16, 2016
For me I see no issues, of course this is dependent on how comfortable you are and your towing skills! I went from a 25ft To a 28ft with a conv van. Then the 28ft to a 32ft with my Excursion. One of the biggest factors is hitch setup and tongue weight. No matter what you tow you want a minimum of 12% tongue weight for the loaded ready to travel weight.

For me I have no issues towing, turning or backing with any length trailer. I've put my 35 foot trailer in spots where a lot of people have an issue with a 25 footer! And that includes driving through the campground. It all depends on your comfort level!
eichacsj
Explorer
Feb 15, 2016
shenandoahvalley wrote:
eichacsj wrote:
The length I think is an issue is fueling up, not sure what a v10 has to do with it, I think all vehicles need fuel. When you are that long many gas stations are out of the question, you have to pick and choose. I even stopped at a Pilot Truck stop this weekend and barely got out, it was tight I was within 6" of the pump post front and back, if it had been busy I would not have made it out.

I do carry 20 gals of extra fuel in case I have to skip stations and go to the next fuel exit. I can't wait until I can afford a fuel tank in my bed.

The V10 has to do with being gas...diesels can fuel at truck fueling stations but frequently I have to use the automobile pumps in order to get gas. They usually aren't as open and accessible.

Where i am coming from is even diesel TV have to use the regular pump lanes unless you invade the semi truck pumps which most will not let you do. But even still all gas motors need gas so the v10 still has nothing to do with it. I know it is symantec’s.
Walaby
Explorer II
Feb 15, 2016
Yeah, gas stops can be challenging. With my previous trailer (30 ft tip to tail), it was a challenge getting in and out of some pumps. My new trailer is 36ft tip to tail, and I upgraded the TV to diesel, so now I'll just follow the big rigs and fill up. No way I would have wanted to try to maneuver regular pumps.

Mike
shenandoahvalle
Explorer
Feb 15, 2016
eichacsj wrote:
The length I think is an issue is fueling up, not sure what a v10 has to do with it, I think all vehicles need fuel. When you are that long many gas stations are out of the question, you have to pick and choose. I even stopped at a Pilot Truck stop this weekend and barely got out, it was tight I was within 6" of the pump post front and back, if it had been busy I would not have made it out.

I do carry 20 gals of extra fuel in case I have to skip stations and go to the next fuel exit. I can't wait until I can afford a fuel tank in my bed.

The V10 has to do with being gas...diesels can fuel at truck fueling stations but frequently I have to use the automobile pumps in order to get gas. They usually aren't as open and accessible.
Sarah8
Explorer
Feb 15, 2016
We bought a trailer that is 31' 2" from tongue to back. We tow with a Nissan Armada. We were surprised how nicely it tows down the road. We do use a blue ox system. However we really do not like the length maneuvering around campsites or gas stations. We will go back to a smaller trailer in the near future.