Why understate the length

[jodiesel2]

I bought a new 28' toyhauler. When I measured the outside of the box for a cover, I was shocked that it was 33' long (not including hitch). Why do manufacturers do that?

[jodiesel2]

JAC1982 wrote:
Yeah we had to learn with our first bumper pull toyhauler that the "27FS" model number didn't mean it was 27' long. We were more like 33'. Thankfully, it didn't cause any issues for us with parking it or anything. That, along with a bunch of other stuff, was part of the learning process in our first trailer. After that we learned to read all the specs 🙂 Our current 351 5er is actually a bit over 38'.

Several years ago I had a Alfa Gold 27RK that was a couple inches over 27' on the inside. My first toy hauler was an old Sandpiper. The model number had 23 in it. It measured 24' inside. The axles were too close to the back, and as such had way to much tongue weight. Ended up bending a hitch not knowing what I was doing back then. But it sure did haul lots of beer out to Glamis......

[JAC1982]

Yeah we had to learn with our first bumper pull toyhauler that the "27FS" model number didn't mean it was 27' long. We were more like 33'. Thankfully, it didn't cause any issues for us with parking it or anything. That, along with a bunch of other stuff, was part of the learning process in our first trailer. After that we learned to read all the specs 🙂 Our current 351 5er is actually a bit over 38'.

[dedmiston]

What's with all the snark? Jodiesel is a new member. Cut him some slack and show him some respect and hospitality.

Welcome to the forum. Hopefully you find answers to your questions and maybe even have a good time.

Apologies for all the piling on. It's not always like this.

[jodiesel2]

time2roll wrote:

jodiesel2 wrote:
I bought a new 28' toyhauler. When I measured the outside of the box for a cover, I was shocked that it was 33' long (not including hitch). Why do manufacturers do that?

2019 Eclipse Attitude 28IBG

Manufacturer's website clearly says model 28IBG is 34'4"

http://attitudetoyhaulers.com/attitude/attitude-widelite/

Oh ok......so you're saying that, CLEARLY, the hitch is only 1' 4" long then, right?

[time2roll]

jodiesel2 wrote:
I bought a new 28' toyhauler. When I measured the outside of the box for a cover, I was shocked that it was 33' long (not including hitch). Why do manufacturers do that?

2019 Eclipse Attitude 28IBG

Manufacturer's website clearly says model 28IBG is 34'4"

http://attitudetoyhaulers.com/attitude/attitude-widelite/

[bigorange]

It’s all marketing. Sort of like pricing at $19.99 instead of $20.

[eDUBz]

I measured my neighbors 25’ trailer too get an idea of our maximum length that will fit in our drive way. What he thought was 25’ all along ended being 31’. Lol

[FunnyCamper]

No idea why they never make the model number even close to the OA Length of the camper one is buying LOL They just do.

I saw on Eclipse site specs are overall length as 34.4 but when I checked it out on a few rv sites it is listed as 33.4 overall....go figure 🙂

we've had a few trailers in our time and on the last few purchases hubby now brings a very long small tape measure.

[lamopar]

Surprised to look at the spec sheet for our toy hauler to see it is a 36' unit. I have believed the entire time, 6 years, it was a 32'. What is even more crazy is the spec sheet states it is a double axle but ours is a triple axle. It is the exact same model number as is pasted on the side and matches the book. Everything else is correct including tongue weight and gross weight.

[deltabravo]

jodiesel2 wrote:
I bought a new 28' toyhauler. When I measured the outside of the box for a cover, I was shocked that it was 33' long

LOL

Sounds like you bought a 33' toy hauler, not a 28 footer... and it had "28" in the model name.

[joebedford]

Mine is understated by inches.

[FireGuard]

Jayco-noslide wrote:
Many people like to think they are going "small" and the manufacturers know that. Sort of like getting a 32 waist size that's labled 30. Also a question of exactly what is measured. Learned to take along a tape measure when looking.

I agree. It’s a marketing strategy.
Everyone wants the most size but wants to tow something small or at least they think it is.
For a new RV shopper the model number is a little deceiving. IMHO.
Sure, when buying you should do your homework and we all know not to depend on a salesman.
Example. A buddy and I were looking at a large truck camper with a dry weight well into the 4000 lb range and closer to 6000 lbs wet/loaded. Salesman said he could carrying it on his 01 Ford 250 diesel. Truck has a payload around 2000 lbs.
When I called him on it, it pointed to the camper weight on the data plate showing mid 2000 range. First I had to explain that was KGs not pounds and the increase with options, fluids and personal items. A little frustrating when they should be professional and know their product.
Must do your homework.

[Sprink-Fitter]

I don’t think the model number is the length.

[coolmom42]

No correlation between the model number and actual length. Look at the actual specs.