Hi Dave,
What is the proper way to measure the height of your trailer/5th wheel? I’ve tried to measure mine from the top of the A/C (the highest point) to the ground when hooked up to my ’23 F-350 SD in my driveway. I come up shorter than the specifications listed. Thanks. —John B., 2022 Reflection 280RS 5th Wheel
Hi John,
This has been an age-old debate and source of confusion for owners. What is listed in the brochure is not always the actual height, width, length, and weight of the unit. In my towing seminars, I always recommend measuring your coach, as there are several variables that can affect these specifications. It is great that you actually did the measurement of the top; now you also need to do the width and length.
Height
Most manufacturers will list the “average” height of the unit, as not every rig that comes out of the factory will be the exact same height. Also, some are measured without the roof air conditioner, if they are optional.
It also does not take into effect any options or aftermarket items that are installed by the dealership or owner. Those items can include roof vent covers, satellite antenna/dome, or even a back ladder that extends up over the roof.
Plus, the unit is measured at the factory “dry”. That means no water or cargo. Most fifth wheels have a cargo carrying capacity (CCC) of almost 3.000 lbs. This weight will make the unit “squat” and become lower than it was empty.
Width
The measurement for the width of all rigs is sidewall to sidewall. Typically a fifth wheel will be 102.5” wide. However, that does not include anything attached to the sidewall, such as an awning. It also does not take into account the width of the truck with mirrors. If you are driving through a tight fit, you want to know the widest point.
Length
This was covered in an earlier post, with some manufacturers measuring the length of the unit from the front cap to the back cap. This does not take into account the length of the tongue/hitch in the front and the bumper or ladder in the back. Plus, if you have a weight distribution hitch, the ball mount will add additional length to the overall specification.
Your fifth wheel should be measured from the front cap to the farthest point in the back, which could be the bumper or ladder. And if you install a carrying pod or platform for e-bikes, you need to add that.
Weight
Once you get the unit loaded, you will want to take it to a CAT Scale and get the overall vehicle weight and compare it to the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), individual weight on the axles/gross axle weight rating (GAWR), weight of the truck and trailer combined/gross combined weight rating (GCWR), and the weight of the pin at the hitch/hitch weight.
Also keep in mind: Just because you have all those compartments along the sides and front of the RV doesn’t mean you can fill them up.
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The first thing I did after bringing my trailer home was to measure the height. It was exactly as stated in the manual. When I bought new tires, I remeasured and still no change.
Thank you for sharing the question and answer, Dave. We measured RV #1 and found it an inch, or so, taller than the manufacturer listed. Upon measuring RV #2, we were surprised to find it spot-on the manufacturer’s listed height. We will measure RV #3’s height, too, once we get around to buying it. Have a great week and safe travels!
Re: weights I went a step furrther. The Mfg weight ratings are confusing so I did the following, I took the empty MH (except for some gas & propane in their tanks) as it was delivered us to a certified scale and got individual axle weights. I filled the gas, propane and fresh water tanks and re-weighed it. I now had an acccurate ‘wet weight’. We loaded up the MH with stuff we kept in it year round..non-perishible food, clothes, bedding, supplies, etc and then re-weighed. That gave us our ‘rolling weight’ on each axle. The difference between that weight and the GAWRs was how much more stuff we could add.