How to Measure Your Travel Trailer for Length: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByDale Richard Traveling Information

How to Measure a Travel Trailer Length

Are you in the market for a new travel trailer? If so, you’ll need to know how to measure its length. This is an important measurement, as it will determine how much space you have to store your belongings and how easy it will be to tow.

In this article, we will discuss how to measure a travel trailer length. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you get the most accurate measurement possible.

So whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’re just looking to upgrade your current trailer, read on for all the information you need to know about measuring a travel trailer length.

Step Description Image
1 Park your travel trailer in a level spot.
2 Measure from the front of the trailer to the back of the trailer.
3 Add 12 inches (30 cm) to the measurement for the hitch.

Tools Needed

To measure the length of your travel trailer, you will need the following tools:

  • A tape measure
  • A level
  • A pencil
  • A piece of paper

Measuring the A-Frame

The first step is to measure the A-frame of your travel trailer. The A-frame is the triangular structure at the front of the trailer that supports the roof.

To measure the A-frame, start by placing the tape measure at the bottom of the A-frame, on the ground. Then, extend the tape measure up to the top of the A-frame. This will give you the overall length of the A-frame.

Measuring the Tongue

The next step is to measure the tongue of your travel trailer. The tongue is the part of the trailer that extends beyond the A-frame.

To measure the tongue, start by placing the tape measure at the front of the tongue, on the ground. Then, extend the tape measure back to the A-frame. This will give you the length of the tongue.

Measuring the Cargo Area

The final step is to measure the cargo area of your travel trailer. The cargo area is the space inside the trailer that is not taken up by the living area or the kitchen.

To measure the cargo area, start by opening the doors of the trailer. Then, place the tape measure at the front of the cargo area, on the ground. Extend the tape measure to the back of the cargo area. This will give you the length of the cargo area.

By following these steps, you can easily measure the length of your travel trailer. This information is important to have when you are shopping for a new travel trailer or when you are trying to determine how much space you have in your current trailer.

Measuring the Dry Length

The dry length of a travel trailer is the distance from the front of the trailer to the back of the trailer, not including the tongue. This is the most important measurement to know when you’re trying to figure out if a travel trailer will fit in your driveway or garage.

To measure the dry length of a travel trailer, you’ll need a tape measure. Start by measuring from the front of the trailer to the back of the trailer, just behind the axles. Be sure to include the length of any overhangs, such as the front bumper or the rear bumper.

Here are some tips for measuring the dry length of a travel trailer:

  • Make sure the trailer is level. If the trailer is not level, the measurement will be inaccurate.
  • Be sure to measure from the same point on each side of the trailer.
  • If the trailer has any overhangs, be sure to include them in the measurement.

Once you’ve measured the dry length of the trailer, you can use that measurement to compare to the dimensions of your driveway or garage. If the trailer is too long, you may need to find a different parking spot.

Measuring the Tongue

The tongue of a travel trailer is the part that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle. The tongue length is the distance from the front of the trailer to the center of the hitch.

To measure the tongue length of a travel trailer, you’ll need a tape measure. Start by measuring from the front of the trailer to the center of the hitch. Be sure to include the length of any overhangs, such as the front bumper or the rear bumper.

Here are some tips for measuring the tongue length of a travel trailer:

  • Make sure the trailer is level. If the trailer is not level, the measurement will be inaccurate.
  • Be sure to measure from the same point on each side of the trailer.
  • If the trailer has any overhangs, be sure to include them in the measurement.

Once you’ve measured the tongue length of the trailer, you can use that measurement to choose the right hitch for your tow vehicle.

Calculating the Overall Length

The overall length of a travel trailer is the distance from the front of the trailer to the back of the trailer, including the tongue. This is the measurement that you’ll need to know when you’re trying to figure out if a travel trailer will fit in your driveway or garage.

To calculate the overall length of a travel trailer, you’ll need to know the dry length and the tongue length. Add the two measurements together to get the overall length.

Here’s an example:

  • Dry length: 20 feet
  • Tongue length: 5 feet
  • Overall length: 25 feet

Once you’ve calculated the overall length of the trailer, you can use that measurement to compare to the dimensions of your driveway or garage. If the trailer is too long, you may need to find a different parking spot.

Measuring the length of a travel trailer is an important step in determining if it will fit in your driveway or garage. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily measure the dry length, tongue length, and overall length of your trailer.

How do I measure a travel trailer length?

There are two ways to measure a travel trailer length:

1. Outside measurement

To measure the outside length of your travel trailer, you will need a tape measure. Start by measuring from the front of the trailer to the back of the trailer at the outermost point of each side. This will give you the overall length of your trailer.

2. Inside measurement

To measure the inside length of your travel trailer, you will need a tape measure and a door. Start by measuring from the inside of the front door to the inside of the back door. This will give you the usable length of your trailer.

What is the difference between outside length and inside length?

The outside length of a travel trailer is the total length of the trailer, including the hitch and the tongue. The inside length of a travel trailer is the usable length of the trailer, from the front door to the back door.

What do I need to know about measuring a travel trailer length?

When measuring a travel trailer length, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

  • Make sure you are measuring the trailer on a level surface.
  • Be sure to measure from the outermost point of each side.
  • If you are measuring the inside length, make sure you are measuring from the inside of the front door to the inside of the back door.

What are the benefits of knowing your travel trailer length?

Knowing your travel trailer length is important for a number of reasons, including:

  • Choosing the right size travel trailer for your needs.
  • Parking your travel trailer in a tight spot.
  • Planning your travel route.
  • Purchasing the right size travel trailer cover.

How can I measure a travel trailer length without a tape measure?

If you don’t have a tape measure, you can still measure the length of your travel trailer using a few household items.

1. Use a yardstick or ruler.

To measure the outside length of your travel trailer, you can use a yardstick or ruler. Start by placing the yardstick or ruler at the front of the trailer and extending it to the back of the trailer. This will give you the overall length of your trailer.

2. Use a string and a stick.

To measure the inside length of your travel trailer, you can use a string and a stick. Start by tying one end of the string to the front door of the trailer. Then, extend the string to the back door of the trailer and tie it to the stick. This will give you the usable length of your trailer.

I measured my travel trailer length and it’s different than the manufacturer’s listed length. What’s wrong?

There are a few reasons why your travel trailer length might be different than the manufacturer’s listed length.

  • You measured the trailer incorrectly. Make sure you are measuring the trailer on a level surface and from the outermost point of each side.
  • The manufacturer’s listed length is incorrect. Sometimes, the manufacturer’s listed length is not accurate. This could be due to a number of factors, such as rounding errors or production variances.
  • Your travel trailer has been modified. If your travel trailer has been modified, such as by adding a slide-out or a roof rack, the overall length of the trailer will be different than the manufacturer’s listed length.

If you are unsure of the correct length of your travel trailer, you can contact the manufacturer for more information.

there are a few different ways to measure the length of a travel trailer. The most accurate way is to use a tape measure, but you can also use a laser measure or a measuring wheel. Be sure to measure from the front of the trailer to the back, including the hitch. Keep in mind that the length of your travel trailer will affect the size of the campsite you need, so it’s important to get an accurate measurement.

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.