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!

[KD4UPL]

In many states the max legal width is 8'.

[dahkota]

We don't tow an 8'6" trailer but we drive a 8'6" wide class A. We have to pay more attention at toll booths, narrow bridges, construction zones, and tight city streets. In some places, the roads are only 9' wide; not a lot of play there. But in three years of fulltiming, we haven't hit anything yet. Oh, and narrow, twisty back roads with no shoulders and a 55 mph speed limit are very testing, especially with speeding on-coming cars.

[Durb]

I had a trailer that was 8'-4" wide. Towing was the same but backing was a little more difficult if your mirrors are not wide enough. My Titan's mirrors weren't as wide set as the Ram's. I doubt you will have problems with sites, roads and campgrounds. The shorter trailer will track your truck better than a longer trailer which will help with narrow curvy roads. That half foot really makes a difference in interior comfort especially with bed walk around room.

[Lwiddis]

WYNBob, tell Txsurfer!

[WNYBob]

Here in New York they limit width to 8', but allow 8.5' on restricted highways. I can not find a description of a restricted highway! That's NY DOT!

And as far as honoring other state laws, I saw a double trailer (with Texas plates). It was pulling a horse trailer and a boat! A state trooper pulled him over at a toll plaza. Later just saw the boat sitting there.

Moral of this story is check DOT's where you travel.

[Lwiddis]

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.

[Bob_Olallawa]

Maybe a bit harder to see to the rear with stock mirrors on the truck.