Trailer length

[hprince]

We just bought a new StarCraft Launch 26 RLS, the literature states that the total length is 30'11" bumper to hitch, is this trailer considered a 26 or 31' trailer.

[Houston_Remodel]

Where longer trailers get charged more, taxed more, or aren't let in, your trailer is 26 feet.

When telling fishing stories around the campfire, your trailer is 31 feet.

Besides me, who walks around with a tape measure???

[RavensFan24]

I always refer to my trailer as a 30' even though it's 35' hitch to bumper. The model is a 30RIPR. It makes it easier to find campsites and I've never had an issue fitting a 35' trailer into a spot marked for 30' RVs. I'll be testing that theory in March at Myakka River State Park here in FL. The only spot that opened up in the last few months was for 30' and I jumped on it.

If it was for something more specific or legal regarding the trailer, I would probably use the full length.

[jfkmk]

SoundGuy wrote:

I have to ask - what are these "charges by length or weight" those of you in the US are describing? Is this an annual cost? :h. :B

It varies by state, but here, when you register the trailer, cost is based on the gross weight. The more the gross weight, the higher the registration fees.

[SoundGuy]

carringb wrote:
I registered my trailer as a the model length because my state charges by the foot. The DMV did not come out and measure it, so that's how it's gonna stay.

I also don't use the actual length for campsite reservations, because sites are based on driveway length, and there's nearly always plenty of space to over hang the curb.

jfkmk wrote:
My state charges by gross weight, not length, but I'm with you. Whenever making reservations I use the model length.

I have to ask - what are these "charges by length or weight" those of you in the US are describing? Is this an annual cost? :h. Here in Ontario all we pay when registering a recreational trailer is tax on the retail sale price of the unit or if there's a trade-in, tax on the difference. Lifetime plate is a one time nominal fee and thereafter can be transferred to any subsequent trailer the registrant may own OR can be transferred to a new owner for a nominal fee when the trailer is sold.

I always refer to the length of our trailer by it's model - i.e. our current Freedom Express 192RBS has a box length of 18' 6", it's 22' 6" coupler to bumper, but should anyone ask it's "a 20' trailer". Here in Ontario the CAMIS reservation system designates campsite size as "Trailer or RV up to 18' ", "Trailer or RV up to 25' ", etc, etc, and because I know how generous these campsites are I always select "up to 18' " for the greatest choice in sites and have never had any situation in which I could not easily place the trailer on any site. Recently I asked about storing our trailer during the season at a nearby conservation area and when I was asked about it's size I detailed the various lengths as I thought they'd be concerned about it's overall coupler to bumper length ... interestingly, all they cared about was the "model length", which as far as they were concerned was "20' or less" and therefore qualified for the lowest monthly storage rate. :B

[jfkmk]

carringb wrote:
I registered my trailer as a the model length because my state charges by the foot. The DMV did not come out and measure it, so that's how it's gonna stay.

I also don't use the actual length for campsite reservations, because sites are based on driveway length, and there's nearly always plenty of space to over hang the curb.

My state charges by gross weight, not length, but I'm with you. Whenever making reservations I use the model length.

[carringb]

I registered my trailer as a the model length because my state charges by the foot. The DMV did not come out and measure it, so that's how it's gonna stay.

I also don't use the actual length for campsite reservations, because sites are based on driveway length, and there's nearly always plenty of space to over hang the curb.

[rbpru]

The industry considers the the box size not the hitch or bumper.

[path1]

Several manufactures use model numbers that don't match total length.

[GaryWT]

It is a 31 footer. You have 31 feet behind you and you take up 31 feet of a campsite. Just as mentioned by RVcrazy.

[RVcrazy]

Your total length should be used for making campground reservations. You will be charged for the entire length on ferries also.

[tonymull]

26