Real 5th Wheel lengths? Need 31'

Jrork wrote:
Wow, thanks so much guys. I never knew that the measurements were the inside measurements and am glad to see that we're not the only ones that have struggled with what the model numbers meant.

Due to the layout of the shop and surrounding structures, we can't do much modifying of the shop or add additional options so we're pretty stuck with what we have. We used to have a longish Jayco tongue pull trailer (31' and total 34')in there but were hoping we could come in under that due to overhang.

We'll for sure keep a tape measure with us as we progress. Thanks again

When you go to dealers, take a plumb bob, marker and tape measure. Do a drop from the extreme front of the pin box and the extreme rear (bumper, ladder or spare tire) and measure it. A lot of FWs are measured with a standard pin box; extended boxes can add 1-1.5' of OAL.

Lyle

Our Northwood AF M27-5L measures 29' 6" in the 2014 build. Good luck in your search.

We were in a similar situation when we were shopping for a new 5er. We did ok on length, but the height cost us $2500 for a door modification. Design changes in air condition units have more of the air conditioner above the roof line. Plus any grade change outside the door can impact the height. For example if the truck wheels are in a lower elevation relative to the garage floor, that tends to raise the rear of the coach up a little. Not much, but we only clear by 1/2".
Second air conditioners are higher also.

Wow, thanks so much guys. I never knew that the measurements were the inside measurements and am glad to see that we're not the only ones that have struggled with what the model numbers meant.

Due to the layout of the shop and surrounding structures, we can't do much modifying of the shop or add additional options so we're pretty stuck with what we have. We used to have a longish Jayco tongue pull trailer (31' and total 34')in there but were hoping we could come in under that due to overhang.

We'll for sure keep a tape measure with us as we progress. Thanks again

I don't know what your layout is but seems to me an 8X12x12 bump on the storage building wouldn't be a very costly thing and your options would be limitless. And like others have said, you have plenty of truck to handle most anything if it's a newer model.

PaulD1 wrote:
Here's a Traler Life review of the Grand Design 27RL

http://www.trailerlife.com/reviews/reflection-27rl/

Says its 30'11" looks like a pretty nice rig considering the same and weight.

PaulD

The 29RS from G.D. is the same length. Since your garage is 31', I'd say measure very carefully.

Here's a Traler Life review of the Grand Design 27RL

http://www.trailerlife.com/reviews/reflection-27rl/

Says its 30'11" looks like a pretty nice rig considering the same and weight.

PaulD

Our Columbus 295RL is right at 29 1/2 feet from front closet to rear wall. Exterior front nose to rear bumper is 35' 7"

Generally assume that the number in the model designation is the INSIDE length front cap wall to rear wall. For actual LOA add at least a foot, 2 feet if it has an extended pinbox & a ladder.

We've been shopping for that last couple of years for a new fiver at or under 32 feet. Anything we've seen with a model # of 30.... will be over 32 feet in actual real world tape rule measuring. Forest River, Keystone and Jayco make a smaller fiver that will come in under 32 feet from what we've seen at shows and dealers lot. Many of the fiver manufacturers out there actually start at 32-33 feet and quickly go to 45'. To be honest, there's not a big selection in the under 32'. However you only need to find just one that you like. As others have said you need to do the actual measuring yourself and not rely on model numbers or even what's in a sales brochure.