How Wide Are Travel Trailers? Understanding Dimensions and Regulations

When planning a camping trip or considering the purchase of a recreational vehicle, one of the fundamental aspects to understand is the dimensions of the trailer you intend to use or buy. Among the key measurements, the width of a travel trailer is particularly important. Knowing how wide are travel trailers affects everything from towing stability and maneuverability to finding suitable campsites and complying with road regulations.

Travel trailers, a popular type of towable RV, come in a variety of sizes designed to meet diverse needs and preferences. While there’s no single answer to “How Wide Are Travel Trailers,” most models fall within a standard range. This guide delves into the typical widths, legal considerations, and why this dimension is crucial for a smooth and safe travel experience.

Understanding Travel Trailer Widths

The width of a travel trailer is typically measured from the widest point of the main body, excluding temporary extensions like awnings but often including permanent fixtures like fender flares or steps. While some smaller, lightweight trailers might be narrower, the majority of travel trailers adhere to widths that are practical for manufacturing, road travel, and campsite compatibility.

The average width for most travel trailers is around 8 feet. However, this can vary. Smaller or “lite” models designed for easier towing by smaller vehicles might be closer to 7 or 7.5 feet wide. On the larger end, some luxury or full-sized travel trailers can reach widths of 8.5 feet. This 8.5-foot mark is particularly significant as it often represents a common legal limit for standard vehicle width on public roads in many regions.

Knowing the precise width of your specific model is essential. This information is usually listed in the trailer’s specifications from the manufacturer or on the vehicle’s information sticker.

Common Dimensions and How Width Impacts Them

Beyond just width, travel trailers have other key dimensions: length and height. These dimensions are interconnected with width in determining the overall size class and handling characteristics of the trailer.

• Length: Travel trailers vary significantly in length, from compact models around 10-15 feet (like some teardrop trailers) to large units exceeding 40 feet. Longer trailers often tend to be wider as well, to maintain proportional living space and stability.
• Height: Most travel trailers stand between 9 and 12 feet tall from the ground to the highest point (including air conditioners or vents). While height primarily affects clearance under bridges or in tunnels, wider trailers can sometimes feel taller or bulkier from a towing perspective.
• Slide-Outs: Many modern travel trailers feature slide-outs – sections of the wall that extend outwards when parked to increase interior living space. It’s crucial to remember that the stated “width” of the trailer refers to its dimension without the slide-outs extended. When slide-outs are deployed, the effective width of the trailer on the campsite can easily double, or more, depending on the number and size of the slide-outs. This expanded width is critical for site selection.

Measuring accurately is key. When determining width for travel, measure the main body’s widest point. For campsite planning, understand the expanded width with slide-outs active.

Legal Restrictions and Permits for Trailer Width

This is perhaps the most critical reason to know how wide are travel trailers. In the United States and Canada, the standard maximum legal width for a vehicle, including a towed trailer, without requiring a special permit is typically 8.5 feet (102 inches).

A wide travel trailer being towed on a highway

While 8.5 feet is a common limit, it’s not universal. Regulations can vary slightly by state or province, and specific routes (like tunnels, bridges, or certain highways) might have additional restrictions. Trailers exceeding this width are generally classified as “oversize loads” and require special permits to transport. Obtaining these permits involves application processes, fees, and potentially adherence to specific rules regarding travel times, escort vehicles, or designated routes.

Ignoring these regulations can lead to significant fines, legal issues, and safety hazards. Always verify the specific rules for your trailer’s width in the states or regions you plan to travel through.

Towing and Parking Considerations Related to Width

The width of a travel trailer significantly impacts the towing experience and the ease of parking.

• Towing Vehicle: A wider trailer often means more wind resistance and weight, requiring a capable towing vehicle with adequate horsepower, torque, and towing capacity.
• Visibility: Wider trailers obscure more of the view behind and to the sides of the tow vehicle. Proper towing mirrors that extend out are essential to see past the edges of the trailer and safely change lanes or maneuver.
• Maneuverability: A wider trailer requires more space for turns, especially tight ones. Drivers need to be constantly aware of the trailer’s width and swing radius to avoid hitting obstacles, other vehicles, or road features.
• Parking and Backing Up: Backing up any trailer takes practice, but a wider trailer can add complexity, requiring more space to line up correctly.
• Campsite Selection: Not all campsites are created equal in terms of width. Many older or more rustic campgrounds might have narrow sites or access roads. Even in larger campgrounds, sites might have trees, posts, or utility hookups positioned in ways that make parking a wider trailer, especially one with slide-outs, challenging or impossible. Always check campsite dimensions and restrictions when booking.

Understanding these challenges is key to safe and stress-free RV travel. Practicing in an empty lot before hitting the road is highly recommended for new owners.

Variety in Travel Trailer Types and Widths

The “How Wide Are Travel Trailers” question also depends heavily on the type of towable RV:

• Conventional Travel Trailers: These are the most common type, towed by a bumper hitch. Their widths typically fall in the 7 to 8.5-foot range.
• Fifth-Wheel Trailers: These larger, more luxurious trailers are towed by a hitch installed in the bed of a pickup truck. They often maximize interior space and frequently reach the 8.5-foot maximum width. Some specialized or custom fifth wheels might even exceed this width, requiring permits.
• Pop-Up Campers: These lightweight trailers have collapsible walls, usually made of canvas. Their towing width is generally narrower, often in the 6 to 7-foot range, making them very easy to tow. When set up, their living area expands significantly, but the base chassis width remains narrow for travel.
• Teardrop Trailers: Small, aerodynamic trailers, often just large enough for a bed and perhaps a small galley kitchen. Their widths are typically between 5 and 7 feet, designed for minimal towing impact.
• Toy Haulers: Available as both travel trailers and fifth wheels, these include a garage area for transporting ATVs, motorcycles, or other gear. The main body widths align with conventional travel trailers or fifth wheels, usually 8 to 8.5 feet, dictated by the need to fit vehicles in the garage.

Understanding these types helps set expectations for width. While the focus here is towable trailers, it’s worth noting that motorhomes (Class A, B, C), which are self-propelled RVs, also have width specifications governed by similar legal limits, usually also maxing out at 8.5 feet for standard models.

Tips for Managing Travel Trailer Width

Here are some practical tips for navigating the world with a travel trailer, keeping its width in mind:

• Know Your Trailer’s Specs: Always have your trailer’s exact width, length, and height handy. Keep a sticker on your dashboard if needed.
• Plan Your Route: Use RV-specific GPS apps or maps that account for vehicle dimensions, helping you avoid roads with width (or height/weight) restrictions.
• Utilize Proper Mirrors: Invest in and correctly adjust towing mirrors that extend your line of sight past the trailer’s widest point. A backup camera can also be invaluable.
• Practice Maneuvering: Spend time in large, empty parking lots practicing turns, backing up, and getting a feel for the trailer’s width and length.
• Be Mindful of Surroundings: Constantly observe road signs for restrictions, be aware of narrow shoulders, construction zones, and the position of other vehicles, especially in congested areas.
• Confirm Campsite Dimensions: When making reservations, ask about site width and length, and inquire about potential obstacles or restrictions, particularly if you have slide-outs. Check reviews or satellite images if possible.
• Are Mallard travel trailers any good? Are Mallard travel trailers any good is a question many potential buyers ask. Researching specific brands and models will give you details on their typical widths and suitability for your needs.

By being prepared and aware, managing travel trailer width becomes second nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average width of a typical travel trailer?

The average width of most conventional travel trailers is around 8 feet (approximately 96 inches).

What is the maximum legal width for a travel trailer?

In most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, the standard maximum legal width without a special permit is 8.5 feet (102 inches). Regulations can vary by location.

Does the legal width include mirrors or awnings?

Legal width measurements typically include the widest part of the permanent structure of the trailer, such as fender flares. Temporary or retractable items like awnings are usually excluded when retracted. Extended towing mirrors on the tow vehicle are also separate.

How does travel trailer width affect campsite selection?

Wider travel trailers, especially those with slide-outs, require larger and more open campsites. It’s essential to check campsite dimensions and potential obstacles (trees, posts) before booking to ensure your trailer will fit comfortably and safely.

Is an 8.5-foot wide travel trailer considered an oversized load?

An 8.5-foot wide travel trailer is typically not considered an oversized load in states where the legal limit is 8.5 feet. However, if the trailer exceeds this limit, it is then classified as oversized and requires specific permits.

Conclusion

The question “how wide are travel trailers” is fundamental for anyone involved in RV travel. While a common width is around 8 feet, understanding the variations across different types and the critical 8.5-foot legal threshold is vital for safety, compliance, and overall enjoyment of the camping experience. By knowing your trailer’s dimensions, planning your routes and campsites accordingly, and practicing safe towing techniques, you can confidently navigate the roads and enjoy the freedom that travel trailer ownership offers.