Any towing difference between 8' or 8.5' width?

[aclay]

I'm looking at getting an overall shorter trailer, but perhaps wider. Currently we have a Sprinter 311BHS that is 8' wide (before they went wide body) and am looking at an AF 25W that is 8.5'. Overall I want a shorter unit to get into more places, like US Parks. We mostly go to state parks, but I really have to watch how long the pad is to get my unit parked.

Did anyone notice any real towing differences with the wider units? Any concerns on narrow roads, parking in sites, etc?

Thanks!

[aclay]

Thanks for all the responses!

[Mike_Up]

aclay wrote:
I'm looking at getting an overall shorter trailer, but perhaps wider. Currently we have a Sprinter 311BHS that is 8' wide (before they went wide body) and am looking at an AF 25W that is 8.5'. Overall I want a shorter unit to get into more places, like US Parks. We mostly go to state parks, but I really have to watch how long the pad is to get my unit parked.

Did anyone notice any real towing differences with the wider units? Any concerns on narrow roads, parking in sites, etc?

Thanks!

I hear you on campsite size. I have been thinking about going to a pop up again to get into the more nature oriented campsites instead of the grass covered parking lots. I just can't push myself back into these under featured, over priced pop ups though.

[mrw8i]

Biggest difference between 8.5, 8.0, and 7.5 - how easy it is to see behind the rig when pulling on the highway. On winding roads it's a combination of width and height, I'd rather have a shorter, skinnier trailer on winding mountain roads.

[Lynnmor]

Most snowmobile trailers are now 102". I have an enclosed trailer that I drag into remote areas and no big problem.

One thing not yet brought up is aerodynamic drag, the wider the trailer, the more fuel consumed.

[gmw_photos]

If you can successfully drag around an 8' wide trailer, then a 102" won't be a problem either. I have four trailers I regularly pull, three of them are 102" and the fourth is about 86". The only time I notice the wider trailers are for instance on a narrow two lane county road, of which we have a lot of around here, when meeting oncoming. I generally have to put the right side trailer wheels right at the edge of the pavement until traffic has passed.

[carringb]

Only big difference is seeing straight behind the trailer with stock tow mirrors. But wireless cameras are cheap enough now it's not as big of a deal. Or just do the wiggle to peak behind the trailer.

There's few major highways with lanes under 10'. And even on narrow roads, the road crown usually keeps the slide toppers away from other big rigs.

[myredracer]

Don't know how you find your current TT, but if you're in WA, there's a few narrow places in WA & OR. There's a really narrow bridge in Grays Harbor, one or two narrow bridges on 101 on east side of Olympic peninsula and the Deception Pass Bridge that come to mind.

We're currently in Newport, OR and it's pretty tight along some sections of the 101 here especially with people who park too far out from the curb. All you can do is point your TV down what *seems* to be the centerline of the road and pray you don't hit anything on either side. Then there's the occasional RV-er coming in the opposite direction that moves too close to the centerline or slightly over to avoid a parked vehicle on their side. Haven't hit anything yet... :E

If intending to do a lot of travelling all over, you might want to stick with 8'? Even with a standard 8' wide TT, I can't see very well on the right side as the awning tubes block the view. A trip on a WA state ferry could be "interesting" too with a wider TT.

[goducks10]

I would do it in a heartbeat just for the extra room on the sides of the bed for walking around. 6" more width in the living area is nice also.

[Bird_Freak]

I think its all in your heads that 6 inches makes a difference. Thats only 3 on each side. If you towed two trailers and didn't know one was wider than the other I doubt you would ever know any difference.

[goducks10]

I can't imagine that 3" on either side would make that much difference. Aren't most motorhomes 8'6"? Northwood MFG has a model line thats 8'5"w. Been reading on the http://www.nroa2003.com/forum/forum for 4 years and I can't remember reading a post concerning the 8'6"W.

[boosTT]

My trailer is a 102" / 8.5'. Its difficult in construction zones where the road is extra bumpy and concrete side walls and not aligned construction barrels are everywhere. Its also bad when you are in the center lane with semi trailers on either side.

Typically the narrow questionable spots only last for 30-60 seconds at a time though. I'd buy a 102" trailer again no questions.

[pira114]

Lwiddis wrote:
I like my 7.5 foot Winnie better than 8 footers. Backing into a tight campsite is easier, and I wouldn't try CA 9 from Santa Cruz to Big Basin RSP at all in an 8. With awning you'll be 8'9". Depends on where you camp.

Depends on the driver too. I used to drive CA9 all the time with a much wider horse trailer. I wouldn't think twice about an 8.5, let alone anything less.

[Passin_Thru]

108 inch is common width. No difference it tow. You can run them in NY. Just made 2 trips up there in the last month. Lots of 2 lane, no remarks. Stay on Numbered US and NY routes. My B
IL lives S of Massena in the North part and has 102s he hauls all over the state.
NY State Law Total length: 65 feet (includes bumpers); trailer length: 48 feet (includes bumpers); width: 96 inches (102 inches allowed on certain designated roads); height: 13 feet 6 inches. Bunch of ballyhoo. They allow double 53 ft trailers on all toll roads. 70 ft max on the Interstate for Tractor Trailer Comb. I am 70 ft with a 5 ft.

[CavemanCharlie]

I didn't know that there was anything over 8 foot. On the rural roads I travel even an 8 foot ; if you meet another 8 foot vehicle ; is getting a bit sketchy on bridges and such.