What is the most pervasive definition of Fifth-Wheeler RV length?

[PaulAllen]

I get the impression that length measurement conventions have changed over the decades. And I see a lot of model numbers where the "coded" length is two feet off from the measurement shown in the comparison tables and/or descriptions.

What should I expect in terms of "length conventions" for fifth-wheels built since the year 2000?

[TXiceman]

As best I can tell, there is not convention. The best thing is to measure from the pin to the rear bumper. We looked at one that was a 32XX ABC model and when you looked at the brochure, it was 36'9".

Ken

[Superslif]

It would be so easy for RV shoppers who knew they wanted a RV in the 36' range to shop for that length between different manufactures. One might have a 36-kn2, yet another a 36sb3...You would know that the first number would be the length.

I think they do that to confuse ya. You might be looking at a unit and say "Wow there is so much room in here compared to that other unit". It's model # 36sb3, but really it's 38.5' long

[tuffr2]

I guess I use the conversion of knowing you need to look at overall length from the brochure and not really the model number.

I have a 3510 RE - it is 36' 11" Rear Entertainment. Go figure. I know a Redwood 36RE is 39' 11" in length.

The only thing a model number tells me is within a manufacturer a 32xx is shorter than their 34xx is shorter than their 36xx.

I would guess the model number (length) for some manufacturers is the length of the frame before they add front and rear caps.

[hone eagle]

My 34 rsks is 36' 7" overall,inside floor length is 34' humm ?,convention varies by company.

[road dogs]

There's no convention. Some states charge registration fees according to length and I've often wondered if the model numbers are tweaked to reduce the fees for RV owners?

[TXiceman]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

.

The only thing a model number tells me is within a manufacturer a 32xx is shorter than their 34xx is shorter than their 36xx.
.

Not necessarily true. I have seen some with a 37XYZ that is shorter than their 36ABC model.

Ken

[JohnBoyToo]

The model number USED to mean length - but after so long and so many names, they ran out of numbers - so there is not rule...

some use square footage, some use length, some just use anything

[Muddypaws]

I always thought they did it so the folks at the registration kiosk would look at the model number and assume that the RV was shorter than it actually is. They would allow a 34 foot rig but not 35 1/2 (using my Bounder as an example)

It's probably one of those 'it is what it is' things. I found the same to be true of wiper blades. The box says 24", actual measured length is 22 1/2".

[mwells4654]

I researched this a while back and found there is no rules that deal with fifth wheel lengths. Some manufacturers measure the entire length, some from pin to rear bumper and some just floor length. The aritcle did not say why they do it, they just do.

[wendysue59]

mine is 31rets-6...36'er

[TXiceman]

We had a 1995 Avion 36.5M 5th wheel...it measured 36.5 feet.

Ken

[Ray,IN]

Our 2005 Grand Junction 35TMS listed actual length on the advertising literature as 39'9".

[jpharley]

Ours is a 355CK but the measurement is the inside dimensions. It is closer to 37 feet.