So I've noticed that a lot of manufacturers use their model number as an indication of length which is normally different than what's in the TT specifications of "length". Example: The Jayco Jay FLight 287bhsw shows a length of 33.5 ft. If you were asked "How long is your travel trailer?" or you were to state that "My travel trailer is ___ft" would you say 33 ft or 28 ft?https://www.jayco.com/products/travel-trailers/2017-jay-flight-slx/287bhsw/And then you have dealers that list the same model at 28 feet:https://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Pan-Pacific-RV-Centers-Morgan-Hill-3030202/listing/2017-Jayco-Jay-Flight-287BHSW-120357364https://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Valley-RV-Supercenter-2919884/listing/2017-Jayco-Jay-Flight-287BHSW-121428721https://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Richardson%27s-RV-2930748/listing/2017-Jayco-Jay-Flight-287BHSW-120114788

I use 35 ft - the length of my trailer from bumper to hitch. Though, admittedly, I do sometimes claim the 32 ft from the model size :-)

The length would be 33 1/2 and the model would be 287bhsw. Maybe the model has something to do with something (inside maybe) but it has nothing to do with the overall length.

Trailer lists as 33ft6inches. That I what I go with. Our trailer model is 316RLS which is the square footage so basically of no use.

I'd go with the longer dimension since campgrounds tend to stuff RV's into too small a site anyway. The longer dimension at least gives you a chance to fit in your trailer and tow vehicle.

When I started looking at trailers, I thought that the number in the model might have some correlation to the length. But now, I think that the manufacturers just pull a few numbers out of a bucket, slap a couple of letters on that might correspond to the type of trailer and then wing the rest.

What do you use as the "length of your travel trailer"?

fx2tom
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
I use 35 ft - the length of my trailer from bumper to hitch. Though, admittedly, I do sometimes claim the 32 ft from the model size :-)
K_Charles
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
The length would be 33 1/2 and the model would be 287bhsw. Maybe the model has something to do with something (inside maybe) but it has nothing to do with the overall length.
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
Trailer lists as 33ft6inches. That I what I go with. Our trailer model is 316RLS which is the square footage so basically of no use.
Dick_B
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
I'd go with the longer dimension since campgrounds tend to stuff RV's into too small a site anyway. The longer dimension at least gives you a chance to fit in your trailer and tow vehicle.
BadgerMcAdams
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
When I started looking at trailers, I thought that the number in the model might have some correlation to the length. But now, I think that the manufacturers just pull a few numbers out of a bucket, slap a couple of letters on that might correspond to the type of trailer and then wing the rest.
skiles
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
I always use tip to tail when booking a site just to make sure we'll fit. The "box" of our camper actually is the length of the model. 26'8".
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Apr 26, 2017
Depends on whether you are bragging or complaining..
Pine_Barren
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
I always use the overall length of my trailer from bumper to hitch which is 32' for mine. The model number is 28se which is a actually the length of the box. Go with the longer length as others have said to give yourself room in the site
RAMwoodworks
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017
So Hybrid owners should include the length from tent to tent?
naturist
Nomad
Apr 26, 2017
It always appeared to me that the model number is the length of the "box," and the length of the trailer from ball to back bumper is about 4 feet longer, give or take. And when asked the length of my 17QB TT, which is 21 feet long, I always say it's 21 feet. As others have said, I want to be able to actually get my TT into my assigned site. And sometimes when they say "fits 21 feet" they really mean 21 feet and not an inch more.