How long is your rig...really?

[tomthyme]

Hello Folks,
I have heard and seen various comments out there that some folks choose to fudge a bit on the size of their rig when making reservations. Generally, I understand the fudging has something to do with shortening the size of the rig when making reservations. So if the rig is 37.5', you never say 40', and generally should say it is 36' so you take off for the pin box.

My simple question is this...why? My rig is a manufacturer model 37' rig, but I always book as a 40' so I have space.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Happy travels!

Tom

[time2roll]

tomthyme wrote:
My simple question is this...why? My rig is a manufacturer model 37' rig, but I always book as a 40' so I have space.

If the largest space available in Yosemite is 24' then I am 24' even if the tape says 26.5'.

Commercial campground? Give me 60' so the truck and trailer can each have 30' and some leg room.

[goducks10]

I always add my truck int the equation for a total of 42'. I won't reserve any spot under 40'. I though the site length was as is. If it says 35' then you can fit a 35' MH in or a shorter TT and tow vehicle.

[stickdog]

Our previous 5er was 35ft pin to rear cap I always called it 36. Our new 5er is 37ft pin to rear cap I'll call it 38. We often stay at ReserveAmerica locations and I'll adjust length as necessary by looking at the site pictures but we seldom travel during busy season so have never had a problem.

[Lexx]

The Reflection we ordered is supposed to be 33'10".

I've made reservations for 10 weeks this summer. For the Canadian Provincial Parks, I got spaces that will accommodate a 40' trailer. In the private parks I out down our rig is 35' and made a note our truck is 22 ft. I got pull through spots in 90% of the sites and the fee that are back in are big enough to accommodate a bigger trailer.

I doubt we will be able to get into California parks since their requirements are for much shorter trailers. Buy with 3 kids, this is as small a trailer as we could be comfortable in.

[SugarHillCTD]

Just brought home a very lightly used '16 Cougar 25RKS.

Actual measurement is 27'-11"

[greende]

When making reservations at a private CG or a place that I've never been, I always give the exact length (Tip to Tip 35'). In the New York State Parks, I have to often shorten the length for the Reserve America Website to allow me into spots that I know we fit in. We keep a paper log of all the parks we go to and the preferred sites. If a site is listed at 30', Reserve America will not let me book our 5er even though I know it will fit.

[4x4ord]

I usually say my 36.5 foot fiver is 36 feet. If they say they haven't got room I am willing to shrink it down to 29'.

[Super_Dave]

I read the dimensions of the individual sites and pick the one I want.

[Ivylog]

In Yellowstone my previous 42' DP became a 40'. Doubt my current 45' will be able to shrink that much. :B

[parkmanaa]

Simple question, somewhat complex answer.
Answer given to me several years ago by a Texas Highway Patrolman:

For any bumper-pull the LEGAL length is "tip-to-tip", or as some people put it, "it's shadow at high noon".
More complicated for 5th wheel. LEGALLY, only the length of trailer from back of tow rig bumper to outside tip of 5th wheel. However, since the rig is longer when unhooked, I find campgrounds like to know the length from tip of 5th wheel overhang to back tip of bumper.

Have never measured an actual RV measurement to length stated in manufacturer's specs. Might be interesting.

[ford_truck_guy]

My 2016 38RL actually measures 41'5".. I say 42' when booking.. I do not want to get a site that I will not fit in..

[ependydad]

Some campgrounds, I need to shorten my camper to fit into certain sites. I generally find that a couple foot discrepancy hasn't been an impact to my ability to park either truck or camper.

[fj12ryder]

Never done that. Ours measures what it measures. Why would I lie about the length, get into the campground and find out I can't fit because they took me at my word?