Breadth, Tallness, Encumbrance, and More

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By Car Brand Experts


Your motorhome proportions are a key piece of knowledge to possess when embarking on your journey! Understanding your motorhome burden, elevation, breadth, and length is essential for various reasons. In certain instances, you may require these details to ensure you can fit into a campground location. Confirming these measurements is important to guarantee you can navigate specific routes. Knowing your elevation may be necessary when entering an indoor parking facility. There are numerous scenarios where being aware of your motorhome proportions is not only beneficial but could be critical.

Let’s explore prevalent dimensions and how to establish your own measurements.

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Traversable Motorhome Dimensions

When individuals discuss motorhomes, they are actually referring to a variety of vehicles, including some that you may not have contemplated! Class A motorhomes represent the most sizable RVs available. They are the large bus-style motorhomes capable of accommodating up to ten individuals. Generally, they include at least one complete bathroom (sometimes two!), comprising a shower, a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, sink, stove, oven, and microwave, an entertainment section with seating and a television, a sleeping area, and additional seating that transforms into beds during the evening.

Average Class A Dimensions

Class A motorhomes exhibit varying heights, masses, and breadths. On average, their heights range from 11 feet to 13 feet 6 inches. However, air conditioning units are typically excluded from this measurement. If your unit includes an air conditioner, a rooftop satellite dish, or any other rooftop equipment, these items must be factored into your height computations.

Prior to commencing your journey, it is imperative to ascertain this figure! Ensuring your motorhome can pass beneath overhangs, bridges, and other obstructions without incurring damage is vital.

In terms of breadth, most Class A vehicles measure between 8 to 8 1/2 feet wide. Nevertheless, this estimation does not incorporate slideouts. Several recreational vehicles nearly double in width when their slideouts are extended. Knowing the expanded breadth of your motorhome with the slideouts extended is crucial when visiting certain campgrounds.

Class A motorhomes also vary in length, stretching from 26 to 45 feet. This measurement is essential for determining if you can traverse specific winding routes or passes. Such routes frequently impose limitations on length or weight for larger vehicles.

The weight of Class A motorhomes varies significantly as well. Smaller Class A units may weigh 13,000 pounds, while larger ones can reach 30,000 pounds. Discovering the weight of your RV is essential, and it may be prudent to conduct a weight assessment when your RV is fully loaded.

Average Class B Dimensions

Class B motorhomes are categorized as campervans. They rank as the smallest and lightest among motorhome classifications. Campervans sometimes offer minimal amenities beyond a bed, although the more elaborate models may feature a small kitchen, a toilet, and a wet bath. Typically accommodating 1-2 occupants, certain campervans can host up to four individuals. Most campervans range in height from 8 1/2 to 11 feet and weigh between 6,000 to 11,000 pounds. Their breadth generally ranges from 6 to 7 1/2 feet. Class B campers typically span 18 to 24 feet in length.

Average Class C Dimensions

Class C campers represent a delightful compromise between Class As and Bs – they epitomize the “just right” camper! Striking a balance between size, Class C campers are frequently constructed atop a truck chassis. They feature a sizable rear section and an over-cab section that often provides additional sleeping space. Class Cs commonly include a kitchen, a bathroom and shower, a bedroom, the over-cab sleeping area, and seating or entertainment regions that convert into additional sleeping arrangements. Height-wise, Class Cs range from 10 to 11 feet, weigh between 10,000 to 20,000 pounds, and measure in width from 8 to 8 1/2 feet.

Class C campers may come equipped with slideouts, necessitating consideration of the augmented width when setting up for camping. Additionally, similar to Class A motorhomes, Class C units might feature air conditioning units, fixed satellites, and other roof fixtures. These elements should be accounted for when determining the height of your rig.

Most Class C campers measure between 25 to 35 feet in length. Though they may necessitate a bit of practice to operate, they do not evoke the same level of intimidation as lengthier Class A motorhomes.

Towable Trailer Dimensions

Trailers represent the other primary RV category – they are units that you tow behind your vehicle. Understanding the height, width, and weight of any trailer you might tow is crucial for various reasons. One significant consideration is ensuring you possess an appropriate vehicle for towing your trailer. A heavy trailer demands a significantly larger towing vehicle compared to a lighter teardrop trailer.

Bear in mind that roads with vehicle length restrictions often encompass the combined length of both your towing vehicle and your trailer. Determining the total length of both vehicles is imperative. Furthermore, if you are towing with a tall truck, knowledge of your truck’s height is essential. For instances of height limitations, the tallest vehicle in your setup, whether the towing vehicle or the trailer itself, must be considered.

Average Travel Trailer Dimensions

Travel trailers encompass a broad array of models, ranging from teardrop campers to considerably larger trailers. Teardrop campers may be towed by a compact SUV and sometimes even by a standard car. Larger trailers necessitate a robust SUV or truck capable of managing the size and weight.

Travel trailers stand between 7 to 12 feet in height and weigh between 500 pounds for small teardrops to 10,000 pounds for sizable models. Width can vary from 7 to 8 1/2 feet.

Average Fifth Wheel Dimensions

Fifth wheel trailers feature a specialized hitch that connects to the truck bed towning them. Offering enhanced stability, fifth wheel trailers can exceed the size of travel trailers. In fact, fifth wheel trailers may rival or surpass the living space offered by Class A motorhomes.

Fifth wheel trailers measure between 11 1/2 to 13 1/2 feet in height. Their weight ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 pounds, while their width spans from 8 to 8 1/2 feet. Length-wise, they can vary from 25 to 45 feet. Given their slideouts, accommodating these features is essential when measuring for a camping location.

Average Pop-Up Camper Dimensions

Pop-up campers lie flat during transportation and are set up once you reach your campsite. There are A-frame configurations as well as more boxy-looking pop-up campers. These campers can host anywhere from two to eight individuals, typically comfortable accommodating around four occupants. Some pop-up campers provide basic amenities, including 1,400 to 4,000 pounds. The length of these campers can range from 8 to 16 feet.

Parking Regulations and Restrictions

National Parks: Campgrounds in national parks may have restrictions on the length of RVs allowed due to the accessibility of the roads leading to the campgrounds. It is advisable to check with the specific campground you wish to visit for their restrictions and accommodations.

When exploring the park without a tow car or shuttle bus, it is important to be aware of designated parking areas for RVs and campers.

State parks: Similar to national parks, state parks may have size restrictions for RVs. It’s essential to know and adhere to these guidelines before your stay. Acquiring any necessary permits for oversized vehicles is also recommended.

Campgrounds: Private campgrounds may impose restrictions on the size and dimensions of RVs due to physical obstacles on the grounds. Ensure your RV fits within the campground’s regulations before booking.

Storage: If storing your RV, understanding its dimensions is crucial to ensure proper accommodation. Consider both covered storage and fitted covers when determining space requirements.

Considerations While Driving

As you plan your RV journey, consider your vehicle’s dimensions when navigating roads. Check for any height restrictions, weight limits, or length restrictions on your planned route to avoid any obstacles.

Measuring Your RV

Measuring your RV accurately is key to successfully preparing for your trip. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height of your RV, and ensure to record the measurements.
  • Attach all additional components like storage racks and tanks before measuring.
  • Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy.
  • Determine the weight of your vehicle by following a guide on weighing your RV.

Understanding the measurements of your RV is essential for trip planning. When renting from RVshare, consider requesting dimensions from the owner for route planning and campground reservations.

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