Introduction
If you’re considering buying a travel trailer, understanding its size is essential. Accurately measuring a trailer will help you determine if it will fit in your driveway or campsite, as well as how much gear and cargo it can hold. Measuring a travel trailer also allows you to estimate its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and towing capacity.
A travel trailer is a type of recreational vehicle (RV) that is towed by a vehicle and often includes living space, kitchen facilities, a bathroom, and sleeping areas. Travel trailers vary widely in size, shape, and features.
Measuring the Exterior of the Trailer
Before you begin taking measurements, it helps to familiarize yourself with the different parts of a travel trailer. The exterior of a trailer typically consists of the body, hitch, and tongue.
Identifying Key Measurements: When measuring the exterior of a trailer, there are several key measurements to consider. These include the overall length, width, height, and wheelbase.
Taking Accurate Measurements: To take accurate measurements of a travel trailer, use a tape measure and start from the ground up. Begin by measuring the wheelbase, which is the distance between the wheels. Then measure the length of the entire trailer, starting from the front bumper and ending at the back bumper. Next, measure the width of the trailer, including any protrusions such as storage compartments or awnings. Finally, measure the height of the trailer, starting from the ground and going up to the highest point of the trailer.
Assessing the Interior Measurements
In addition to measuring the exterior of a travel trailer, it’s important to assess the interior measurements. This will help you determine how much space is available for passengers, cargo, and other items.
Gauging Height, Width, and Length: Start by measuring the height, width, and length of the interior space. If possible, try to measure the ceilings, walls, and floors separately. It’s also helpful to measure any built-in furniture, such as beds, couches, and tables, as this will give you an idea of how much space is available for occupants.
Estimating Capacity: Once you’ve taken all the measurements, you can estimate the capacity of the trailer. Consider how many people will be travelling in the trailer and what kind of gear and cargo they’ll be bringing. This will help you determine if the trailer is suitable for your needs.
Estimating the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Another important measurement to consider when buying a travel trailer is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). GVWR is the maximum amount of weight the trailer can safely carry, including the weight of the trailer itself, passengers, cargo, fuel, and any other items.
Understanding How to Calculate GVWR: To calculate the GVWR, add together the weight of the trailer, passengers, cargo, and any other items that will be carried in the trailer. The total should not exceed the GVWR of the trailer.
Determining Your Trailer’s GVWR: You can find out the GVWR of your trailer by looking at the manufacturer’s specifications. This information is usually printed on a label located on the inside of the door or near the hitch.
Gauging the Trailer’s Towing Capacity
In addition to the GVWR, it’s important to consider the trailer’s towing capacity. Towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight the trailer can safely tow. This is determined by the type and size of the hitch, as well as the size and power of the towing vehicle.
Understanding Towing Capacity: To determine the towing capacity of a travel trailer, you’ll need to know both the trailer’s GVWR and the towing vehicle’s towing capacity. The trailer’s towing capacity should not exceed either the GVWR or the towing vehicle’s towing capacity.
Finding Your Trailer’s Towing Capacity: The towing capacity of a trailer can be found in the manufacturer’s specifications. This information is usually printed on a label located on the inside of the door or near the hitch.
Determining the Length of the Trailer Hitch
Finally, it’s important to consider the length of the trailer hitch. This measurement is important as it will determine how far away from the towing vehicle the trailer will be.
Identifying the Type of Hitch: There are two main types of trailer hitches: ball mounts and gooseneck hitches. Ball mounts are the most common type of hitch and are usually attached to the rear of the towing vehicle. Gooseneck hitches are typically used for larger trailers and are mounted in the bed of the towing vehicle.
Calculating the Length of the Hitch: To calculate the length of the hitch, measure from the center of the ball mount or gooseneck hitch to the center of the trailer’s hitch receiver. This measurement should be included in the manufacturer’s specifications.
Conclusion
Accurately measuring a travel trailer is essential for ensuring a successful camping trip. By understanding the exterior, interior, GVWR, and towing capacity measurements, you can ensure that your trailer is safe and suitable for your needs. Additionally, knowing the length of the trailer hitch is important for determining the distance between the trailer and the towing vehicle.
Measuring a travel trailer can seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done quickly and accurately. With a few simple steps, you can be sure that your trailer is the perfect size for your next adventure.
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