How to Measure a Travel Trailer for Size and Weight

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How Is A Travel Trailer Measured?

If you’re in the market for a travel trailer, you’ve probably come across the terms “dry weight” and “gross vehicle weight rating” (GVWR). But what do these terms mean, and how do they affect your purchase decision?

In this article, we’ll explain what these terms mean and how they’re used to measure travel trailers. We’ll also discuss how to choose the right travel trailer for your needs based on its weight.

So if you’re ready to learn more about travel trailer measurements, read on!

How Is A Travel Trailer Measured?

| Measurement | Description | Unit |
|—|—|—|
| Length | The overall length of the trailer, including the hitch | Feet |
| Width | The widest point of the trailer, including the fenders | Feet |
| Height | The tallest point of the trailer, including the A-frame | Feet |

Length

When shopping for a travel trailer, one of the most important factors to consider is length. The length of a travel trailer will determine how much space you have inside, as well as how easy it is to tow.

There are four main measurements to consider when it comes to the length of a travel trailer:

  • Overall length: This is the total length of the travel trailer, including the hitch and tongue.
  • Drawbar length: This is the distance from the front of the trailer to the hitch.
  • Bunkhouse length: This is the length of the bunkhouse, which is the area at the back of the trailer where the beds are located.
  • Slide-out length: This is the length of the slide-outs, which are the sections of the trailer that can extend out to provide additional living space.

The overall length of a travel trailer can range from around 10 feet to over 40 feet. The drawbar length typically ranges from around 3 feet to 6 feet. The bunkhouse length can range from around 4 feet to 10 feet. And the slide-out length can range from around 2 feet to 6 feet.

When choosing a travel trailer, it’s important to consider how much space you need and how easy it will be to tow. If you’re planning on towing the trailer yourself, you’ll need to make sure that your vehicle is capable of towing the trailer’s weight and length.

Overall Length

The overall length of a travel trailer is the most important measurement to consider when choosing a trailer. This measurement includes the length of the trailer itself, as well as the hitch and tongue.

The overall length of a travel trailer will determine how much space you have inside the trailer, as well as how easy it is to tow. If you’re planning on towing the trailer yourself, you’ll need to make sure that your vehicle is capable of towing the trailer’s weight and length.

When choosing a travel trailer, it’s important to consider how much space you need. If you’re planning on using the trailer for weekend trips or camping with a small group of people, a smaller trailer will likely be sufficient. However, if you’re planning on using the trailer for extended trips or camping with a large group of people, you’ll need a larger trailer.

In addition to the amount of space you need, you’ll also need to consider how easy it will be to tow the trailer. If you’re planning on towing the trailer yourself, you’ll need to make sure that your vehicle is capable of towing the trailer’s weight and length.

The overall length of a travel trailer can range from around 10 feet to over 40 feet. The most common overall lengths for travel trailers are around 20 feet to 30 feet.

Drawbar Length

The drawbar length of a travel trailer is the distance from the front of the trailer to the hitch. This measurement is important to consider when choosing a travel trailer because it will affect how easy it is to tow.

The drawbar length of a travel trailer typically ranges from around 3 feet to 6 feet. The shorter the drawbar length, the easier it will be to tow the trailer. However, a shorter drawbar length will also reduce the amount of space you have inside the trailer.

When choosing a travel trailer, it’s important to consider how easy it will be to tow. If you’re planning on towing the trailer yourself, you’ll need to make sure that your vehicle is capable of towing the trailer’s weight and length. You’ll also need to make sure that you have enough space to park the trailer.

Bunkhouse Length

The bunkhouse length of a travel trailer is the length of the area at the back of the trailer where the beds are located. This measurement is important to consider if you’re planning on using the trailer for camping with a large group of people.

The bunkhouse length of a travel trailer can range from around 4 feet to 10 feet. The most common bunkhouse lengths for travel trailers are around 6 feet to 8 feet.

When choosing a travel trailer, it’s important to consider how many people you’ll be camping with. If you’re planning on camping with a large group of people, you’ll need a travel trailer with a longer bunkhouse length.

Slide-out Length

The slide-out length of a travel trailer is the length of the sections of the trailer that can extend out to provide additional living space. This measurement is important to consider if you

3. Height

The height of a travel trailer is measured in three ways: exterior height, interior height, and roof height.

  • Exterior height is the overall height of the trailer, including the roof and any other exterior features. This is the measurement that you need to be aware of when considering clearances, such as under bridges or in campgrounds.
  • Interior height is the height from the floor to the ceiling in the main living area of the trailer. This is the measurement that is most important for determining how much headroom you will have inside the trailer.
  • Roof height is the height from the top of the roof to the ground. This is the measurement that is most important for determining how much storage space you will have in the roof vents.

Exterior height

The exterior height of a travel trailer is typically between 10 and 13 feet. However, there are some trailers that are taller than this, such as fifth wheels and toy haulers. The exterior height of a trailer is important to consider when determining if it will fit in your driveway, garage, or campground.

Interior height

The interior height of a travel trailer is typically between 7 and 8 feet. However, there are some trailers that have a higher interior height, such as fifth wheels and toy haulers. The interior height of a trailer is important to consider when determining how much headroom you will have inside the trailer.

Roof height

The roof height of a travel trailer is typically between 5 and 6 feet. However, there are some trailers that have a higher roof height, such as fifth wheels and toy haulers. The roof height of a trailer is important to consider when determining how much storage space you will have in the roof vents.

4. Weight

The weight of a travel trailer is measured in three ways: dry weight, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and hitch weight.

  • Dry weight is the weight of the trailer without any cargo or passengers. This is the weight that the trailer will be when it is first delivered to you.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight that the trailer can safely carry, including the weight of the trailer, cargo, passengers, and any other weight added to the trailer.
  • Hitch weight is the weight that is placed on the hitch of the tow vehicle when the trailer is connected. This weight is important to consider when choosing a tow vehicle that is capable of safely towing the trailer.

Dry weight

The dry weight of a travel trailer typically ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds. However, there are some trailers that are heavier than this, such as fifth wheels and toy haulers. The dry weight of a trailer is important to consider when choosing a tow vehicle that is capable of safely towing the trailer.

Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)

The GVWR of a travel trailer typically ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 pounds. However, there are some trailers that are heavier than this, such as fifth wheels and toy haulers. The GVWR of a trailer is important to consider when choosing a tow vehicle that is capable of safely towing the trailer.

Hitch weight

The hitch weight of a travel trailer typically ranges from 200 to 500 pounds. However, there are some trailers that have a higher hitch weight, such as fifth wheels and toy haulers. The hitch weight of a trailer is important to consider when choosing a tow vehicle that is capable of safely towing the trailer.

When choosing a travel trailer, it is important to consider the measurements of the trailer, including the length, width, height, and weight. These measurements will help you to determine if the trailer will fit in your driveway, garage, or campground, and if it will be compatible with your tow vehicle.

How is a travel trailer measured?

There are three main ways to measure a travel trailer:

  • Overall length (OL): This is the measurement from the front of the trailer to the back, including the hitch.
  • External width (EW): This is the measurement from side to side, at the widest point.
  • Internal height (IH): This is the measurement from the floor to the ceiling, at the highest point.

In addition to these three measurements, you may also need to know the following:

  • Tongue weight: This is the amount of weight that the hitch of the trailer puts on the tow vehicle.
  • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight of the trailer, including the trailer itself, its contents, and the hitch weight.
  • Payload capacity: This is the amount of weight that can be added to the trailer, above and beyond the weight of the trailer itself.

What do the different measurements mean?

The overall length of a travel trailer is important to know when you’re considering where to park it. Make sure you have enough space for the trailer to fit, both in length and width.

The external width of a travel trailer is important to know when you’re passing through narrow roads or bridges. Make sure the trailer will fit through the space without scraping or damaging anything.

The internal height of a travel trailer is important to know when you’re considering how much furniture and other items you can fit inside. Make sure the trailer is tall enough for you to stand up comfortably, and that there’s enough headroom for everyone who will be using the trailer.

How do I measure my travel trailer?

To measure your travel trailer, you will need a tape measure.

  • Overall length: Measure from the front of the trailer to the back, including the hitch.
  • External width: Measure from side to side, at the widest point.
  • Internal height: Measure from the floor to the ceiling, at the highest point.

You can also measure the tongue weight and GVWR of your trailer. This information is usually found on a sticker inside the trailer.

What do I need to know about the different measurements?

The overall length, external width, and internal height of your travel trailer are important to know when you’re considering where to park it, passing through narrow roads or bridges, and how much furniture and other items you can fit inside.

The tongue weight and GVWR of your trailer are important to know when you’re choosing a tow vehicle. Make sure the tow vehicle is capable of handling the weight of the trailer, both when it’s empty and when it’s fully loaded.

How can I use the measurements to choose the right travel trailer for me?

When you’re choosing a travel trailer, it’s important to consider the following:

  • The size of your tow vehicle: The tow vehicle needs to be able to handle the weight of the trailer, both when it’s empty and when it’s fully loaded.
  • The amount of space you need: Consider how many people will be using the trailer, and how much furniture and other items you need to fit inside.
  • Your budget: Travel trailers come in a variety of prices, so you need to decide how much you’re willing to spend.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start looking for travel trailers that meet your needs. Be sure to compare the different models and features before making a decision.

there are a few key things to keep in mind when measuring a travel trailer. First, you need to know the overall length, width, and height of the trailer. You also need to know the distance from the hitch to the front of the trailer and the distance from the hitch to the rear of the trailer. This information will help you determine if the trailer will fit in your driveway, garage, or campsite. Additionally, you need to consider the weight of the trailer and the weight of any cargo you plan to carry. This information will help you determine if your vehicle is capable of towing the trailer. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you choose the right travel trailer for your needs.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The overall length, width, and height of the trailer are important factors to consider when measuring a travel trailer.
  • The distance from the hitch to the front of the trailer and the distance from the hitch to the rear of the trailer are also important measurements.
  • You need to consider the weight of the trailer and the weight of any cargo you plan to carry when choosing a travel trailer.
  • By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that you choose the right travel trailer for your needs.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.