Stupid question?--Max trailer length

We're totally new to the rv thing. When a campground says max length is X' (20,21,24 etc) is that the length of the camper folded and tv together, length of the camper folded alone or length of the camper set-up? Or something else??

[ripp1202]

The trailer length set up!!!!!!!!

sinjin,

Only "stupid" questions are the ones you don't ask!

Ripp said it, trailer length when opened.

Adendum SQ: The TM site lists specs for the 2720sl as follows:

Equivalent Travel Trailer Size - Open 27'
Towing Length - Closed 20'3"
Body Length - Open 23'11

So can I stay at sites with a max of 24' or 27'?

Thanks for asking the "stupid" question! (Although the teacher in me reminds you there is no such thing!) You asked a question I didn't know I needed the answer to...until you asked it! This forum provides the answers to a book titled - TMing for Dummies!

Actually, trailers are measured differently than most things. In the case of a travel trailer (not a TM) you measure from the very back to the very front. In other words from the spare tire (if there is one) to the tip of the hitch coupler. This makes a 17ft TT about 13 feet of useable, habitable, space. When TM says the 2619 is the same as a 26 foot TT, they are taking into consideration that the TT would have about 23 ft of useable space - which coincidentally is about what it turns out to be w/o the tongue since part of the TM extends over the tongue. The 2619 isn't 19 ft when it's down either, more like 19'6" so the whole thing is confusing, but it all stems from how trailers are measured for the state license. Surprisingly the states all agreed on this "stupid" (IMHO) way of measuring trailers. I guess it becomes less stupid when you think of a utility trailer or boat trailer. The RV industry took advantage of this confusion and tell you you're getting a lot more living space than you actually are. The only ones that come out very close are 5th wheels because they don't have the tongue sticking out the front.

[B_and_D]

It also matters that the TM body hangs way out over the rear tires. We've found that if the campsite is described as "clear" in the back (as in Yosemite), it means that the RV can be parked with the rear wheels at the end of the parking area and then there's extra room behind that for overhang. It also matters how wide the driveway is, because sometimes the TV can be parked at an angle or alongside the TM, allowing for occupancy of a shorter driveway. Our 2720 measures 24' long overall when opened, but sometimes we can park in a spot shorter than that.

We try to get a bigger campsite if we can, when reserving ahead of time, but we've rarely had a problem fitting into a spot unless there are obstacles to avoid when parking. Our favorite summertime campground has these awful stumps that set right along the very edges of the road (that is narrow enough as it is) that make it almost impossible to get into some of the sites. You also have to look at where the campsite is located as relative to wide/narrow spots in the road and also where the crossroads are located, because you will have more maneuvering space in those sites.

The best thing to do is call ahead and find out what the setup is before you reserve.

Thanks for all the responses. It's simpler and more complicated than I thought.

[Virginia Deacon]

We got into a discussion with the registration staff, when we arrived at our first destination with our new TrailManor 2720SL - even though we had reservations!

They looked and said, "That's a popup camper, and only 27' full-size RVs are allowed on the site we were going to put you on." Incidentally, the site had a beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay! Since it was still the early in the season, they decided to let us set up there, but said, "We won't be able to do that during the regular season."

We enjoyed our stay so much, we decided to make advance reservations for the Fall. More discussion took place. Finally, they decided, "Well, maybe we can call it a 27' Hi-Lo." That's what we settled on and made the reservations.

Our dealer has provided the best and most authoritative answer so far: Look at your DMV registration. It says, "Travel Trailer" and it's 27' when fully set up. Also, it says "Travel Trailer" on the side of the unit.

The fact seems to be that the TrailManor is so unique, registration folks don't know how to deal with it. Now, maybe it will be a lot easier - and quicker - at the RV Parks!

Virginia Deacon
2006 TrailManor 2720SL
2000 Ford Explorer XLT w/SOHC V6