How is "length" specified?

Loki · 03-05-2015, 07:40 AM

I couldn't find whether the 5th wheel trailer length specified in Keystone publications is measured pin-to bumper or tip-to-bumper. As the difference is easily 1 and 1/2 foot, the difference matters, especially when comparing to other brands. Does anyone know what exactly Keystone means by "length"?

**hankpage** · 03-05-2015, 07:46 AM

When we got our Cougar I measured it and pin to bumper matched the advertised 31'. JM2¢, Hank

**JRTJH** · 03-05-2015, 08:04 AM

It's the same with our 27RKS. From the center of the pin to the rear of the bumper is the advertised "length". The spare tire, mounted on the bumper, extended about 6-8" past that.

Keep in mind that some trailers have "flush rear bumpers" and some have "extended pin boxes" or "Sidewinder Pinbox Extensions" as standard equipment, so even measurments from "centerline of pin to rear bumper" may not be "apples/oranges" depending on trailer features. A trailer with an extended pinbox and a flush rear bumper may actually measure the same as a different configuration and the actual "trailer box" may be a couple feet shorter or longer depending on how those items are configured.

Loki · 03-05-2015, 08:33 AM

Thanks guys. That confirms what I think makes more sense than tip-to-end measurements, because measuring from the pin determines the length of the truck/trailer combo. Nevertheless, I noticed that a number of 5th wheel manufacturers publish the overall length of the units.

PARAPTOR · 03-05-2015, 09:05 AM

We had a previous thread/post on this same subject, I just looked and can not find it. Based on that post I went out and checked the Raptor and as I recall the specified length was more like nose to rear than pin to rear

Length unfortunately has not been a concern of mine, hopefully it will be in the future when someone offers to build a garage for me

If I recall the consensus of the previous thread/post was if you wanted the true length, measure the one in front of you and do not assume that the one you ordered or another from a different lot will be exactly the same.

**hankpage** · 03-05-2015, 11:04 AM

Nose to rear is usually in the model number ... as mine is 290RK + 29' Rear Kitchen. Keystone published it's length as 31' .... extra 2' for bumper and pinbox. JM2¢, Hank

bsmith0404 · 03-05-2015, 05:33 PM

The model numbers used to coincide with length now I don't know where they come from. Ours is a 3500RE, yep rear entertainment is consistent, no idea where 3500 comes from, no way I measure will 35' ever be close.

b.d.keathley · 03-05-2015, 06:12 PM

My 333mks is just under 37ft. I have found that usually the 5ver is a few plus feet longer than the model num.

**hankpage** · 03-05-2015, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

The model numbers used to coincide with length now I don't know where they come from. Ours is a 3500RE, yep rear entertainment is consistent, no idea where 3500 comes from, no way I measure will 35' ever be close.

Keystone lists the total length of the 3500RE at 38'4" so with an extended pinbox + bumper the body just may be close to 35' or just under 36'.

OldCountryBoy · 03-07-2015, 02:36 PM

They seem to grow exponentially as you wax them.

bsmith0404 · 03-08-2015, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hankpage

Keystone lists the total length of the 3500RE at 38'4" so with an extended pinbox + bumper the body just may be close to 35' or just under 36'.

Ours was actually listed as 39'2" (2013), the extended pin box actually sits about flush with the nose and the molded rear cap doesn't really stick out at all. I don't know where an extra 4' could come from. The living space may possibly be 35', but to be honest, I'm not going to go crazy with a tape measure checking it.

I did just pull a 33' Jayco TT that was a model number 28 something. With the hitch it was 33', so I'm assuming the 28 coincided with the length of the TT body at or about 28'.

Pmedic4 · 03-08-2015, 08:30 PM

After measuring mine, I would state the model number is not related closely to the length. Our 291RLS is 31' long, going total measurable length. Probably about 6-9 inches shorter without the spare, and the brochure says it 30'9".
The 296BHS, is listed by Keystone at 33'11".

Yes, the numbers are close enough to be confusing, yet model numbers are, well, model numbers.

Hercules1978 · 03-09-2015, 03:14 AM

My 2015 31SQB is listed at 35' 11" overall.

Ron · 03-09-2015, 05:43 AM

Our Montana 3800RE is advertised as 38.7' but is actually 42' pin to rear cap, when we called the dealer to ask overall length as we put it into a 40' deep building he said no problem, ya right, now it sits sideways and takes up 1.5 bays...guess I will have to build another building if I can convince the wife of it...

Alpine · 03-12-2015, 06:56 PM

Oh what the hey...I'll toss in my numbers too! The Keystone Alpine paperwork states my 3450RL is 39'1". Since we "fulltime" I taped it and - front of king pin hitch to back of ladder it's 40' exactly. So when reserving at an RV Park they always ask length we say 40' as some will try and fit you into a "barely make spot" for your length not leaving enough room for your tow vehicle! If I remember correctly we are about 57' total.

Idahoguy · 03-15-2015, 05:56 PM

Keystone says mine is 34' 2" which maybe real close measured from center of pin to rear bumper. But if measured from front of pin box to back of ladder it is 35' 4". Which barely lets me park my car and 5er in the rv bay. They were lucky all fit or I would have return it. Of course my fault I didn't measure before I brought it home.

CWtheMan · 03-15-2015, 08:50 PM

Our Everest is a 363K. Measured from leading edge of hitch to trailing edge of ladder it's 37'10". When a CG or RV park asks for our length we tell them 38'.

CW

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