Travel Trailer Length

parcany wrote:
We have a Jayco 33rlds. The box is 33 feet and the total length from ball to back bumper is 35 feet 5 inches

Must be the shortest tongue in history!

We have a Jayco 33rlds. The box is 33 feet and the total length from ball to back bumper is 35 feet 5 inches

I have never had any instance where a foot or so made any difference. Certainly not something to fret about.

If for some reason it should be necessary to know the exact length, height, height plus AC, tire track width or a host of other dimensions; they can be easily measured at the time.

My 25FB Airstream is 25" 11" from the ball to the end of the bumper. I call it 26 feet because that is what I am pulling.

rbpru wrote:
Physically the length of the TT is bumper to ball socket. Functionally the length of the TT is the length of the box. Practically it make no difference which you choose to use.

Sure it does, depending on who's asking and for what reason. :R

Physically the length of the TT is bumper to ball socket. Functionally the length of the TT is the length of the box. Practically it make no difference which you choose to use.

If you are storing, hauling or going to enclose the TT, then the physical length would be used.

Campgrounds do not seem to have any set rules. They accept what you say. Typically 25 ft., 30 ft., 35 ft. and etc. is detailed enough.

The manufacturer's Model numbers seem to bear little resemblance to the real world dimensions. They are just the maker's convenient numerical descriptions.

I always add 3-4 feet to the model number to allow for the bumper and coupler. For example, my Aliner is a Ranger 15, but it's 18 feet in total length.

DLHarrison wrote:
- is a travel trailer length determined by the length from the bumber to the hitch or from the bumper to the end of the trailer box/cabin?

I'd say the best answer is - it depends. :W If someone asks casually about our 192RBS I'll say it's a 19' couple's model, if I'm wanting to buy a winter cover for it I want to know it's box length at it's longest dimension (18' 6") so the cover will fit properly, if I'm interested in winter storage the lot owner will usually want to know it's coupler to bumper length (22' 6") so I can be charged accordingly, if I'm using an online reservation system I'll pick the shortest trailer category available (often 18' or less) as that will offer me the greatest number of choices in available sites and I know from experience that a few feet here or there fitting onto a campsite rarely if ever makes any difference at all.

So "it depends". :W

mikefos wrote:
Reserving a site = tip to tail
Paying somebody to wash/wax = box size

This is the correct answer.

Reserving a site = tip to tail
Paying somebody to wash/wax = box size