Trailer Length:

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by smurfsofwar

See, to me thats weird. They put countless resources into designing these things- you would *think* a lightbulb would have come on to let them know that would be like swinging a sock with a grapefruit in it.

Well it looks like it did. Ours had the tongue running thru the front framing. The 14 has the tongue welded on under the front framing. Not sure if they moved the axle placement though.
Ours in the brochure was UVW of 5899lbs and TW of 542lbs.
The 14 UVW is 5695lbs and TW of 572lbs. Pretty much 10%

[lmcleister]

The original question/discussion was on trailer length. I wasn't aware of how important that was until I read this writeup published over a decade ago - I think physics hasn't changed since then, so this should still be applicable.
http://www.slaga.net/RV/How%20to%20Tow-version%202.pdf
In there, the recomended safe trailer length is related mainly to TV wheelbase and the distance to the trailer hitch. Based on proper setup, there are tables giving maximum recomended lengths. There aren't many calculations and not much design data - but it is full of historical data; and that is more important than any prediction. He does point out that 5th Wheels are allowed 10% more length (due to hitch location). And he stated Hensley setup may allow a similar relaxation based on it's projected pivot point.

It is well organized and nicely written - very informative. And it takes the guess work out and gives us comfort ... or not depending on where you are.