Community Forums

10-95 · 02-19-2014, 08:02 PM

Hoping someone here could explain the difference between an RV tongue and a regular tongue on a trailer. I figure the rv tongue would be a bit longer but how much longer? Also, would this be necessary?

I'd be purchasing a enclosed trailer about 12' long (interior) to tow 2 motorcycles, tools, compressor, etc. The trailer would be pulled mostly behind my pickup but would occasionally be pulled by our DP.

I grew up pulling cattle trailers, even before I was legal to drive on the road, and have had 2 TT and a 43' 5th wheel so I know the basics of towing. This is my 1st motor home.

Thanks in advance.

jesilvas · 02-19-2014, 08:10 PM

Same type of coupler, the A frame usually is just longer on an RV to accommodate LP cylinders and battery storage. There's no standard RV tongue length; my mother has an MVP trailer and it has a short tongue, because the battery is not up there.
Why would tongue length matter?

10-95 · 02-20-2014, 04:44 AM

I can see the confusion.

Not the tongue on an RV. It was called an "RV tongue".

I've heard it twice in discussions when people had trailers custom made. Supposedly the length of the tongue on the box/enclosed trailer was extended to aid in towing and prevent the box from colliding with the corner of your coach during sharp turns.

No one seems to know the exact length they are extended.

I had never heard of it before. Sounded like BS but I've been wrong before so I thought I would ask.

jesilvas · 02-20-2014, 05:52 AM

A longer tongue helps for that reason, yes. But AFAIK, there's no standard.

1ciderdog · 02-20-2014, 11:02 AM

I bought an enclosed car carrier that had a tongue that was either 32 or 36 inches long. I could not turn the RV more than about 30 degrees before the rear corner of the RV would contact the forward edge of the trailer. I had the tongue extended to 52 inches and I can now safely turn 45 or more degrees. I had posted the tongue problem I think on this site and most suggestions were the tongue should be five to six feet to avoid contacting the corner of the trailer. I had no problem towing the trailer with the short tongue when using my Ford pick up. It's the overall width of the RV that creates the problem. You might not have the problem if you purchase a trailer with the V nose.