Travel Trailer Camper Heights: How Tall Are They?

how tall is a travel trailer camper

Travel trailers are a popular option for people who are new to RVing and want an inexpensive and easy-to-tow option. They are recreational vehicles positioned on wheels and used as a dwelling option while travelling. The average height of a travel trailer is 10 feet, and it is rare to find one that is over 11 feet in height. The maximum height limit for any travel trailer in the United States is 13 feet 6 inches. Travel trailers come in various sizes, and the height can range from 9 feet to 12 feet. The height of a travel trailer is important to consider when travelling under low bridges or overpasses and for fitting into a garage.

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Travel trailer height laws vary by state

Some states, such as California, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, North Dakota, and South Dakota, have specific height limits that must be adhered to. In these states, the maximum height for a travel trailer is typically 13 feet and 6 inches. However, if you need to transport an over-height load, you may be able to obtain a special permit that allows you to temporarily remove or lift structures along your route.

Other states, including Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, West Virginia, and Washington DC, may have different height restrictions and permit requirements. It is essential to check the specific laws and regulations of your state before planning your route.

Additionally, keep in mind that the height of your travel trailer includes any roof additions, such as vents, satellite dishes, pop-up sections, and air conditioning units. These additions can sometimes put your vehicle over the legal height limit, so be sure to include them in your measurements.

When measuring the height of your travel trailer, use a standard tape measure and ensure that your camper is level and stationary. Measure from the tallest point of the roof down to where the tires meet the ground. This will give you an accurate idea of the overall height of your vehicle.

Furthermore, each type of camper has a different height average. For example, Class A RVs have an average height of 12 feet and 5 inches, while teardrop trailers typically stand at around 5 feet and 5 inches. Fifth wheels, on the other hand, can reach heights of up to 13 feet, and travel trailers usually fall between 10 and 11 feet.

Knowing the height of your travel trailer is crucial not only for legal reasons but also for your safety and the protection of your vehicle. Always be mindful of height restrictions, especially when passing under bridges or through tunnels, as failing to comply with height limits can result in fines or damage to your trailer's roof.

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Travel trailer height depends on its type

The height of a travel trailer depends on its type, with the average height ranging from 10 to 11 feet. However, some trailers can be as short as 4 feet or as tall as 13 feet.

Teardrop Trailers

Teardrop trailers are small and lightweight, usually measuring around 5 feet in height. They are easy to tow and can be pulled by most vehicles. These trailers typically have just a single room and may not be tall enough to stand in.

Micro or Mini Travel Trailers

Micro or mini travel trailers are designed for cargo, recreation, or mobile spaces. They are often towed by small vehicles like SUVs and typically range from 10 to 12 feet in length. These trailers may include features such as a small kitchenette and bunk beds.

Small Travel Trailers

Small travel trailers are slightly bigger, ranging from 13 to 20 feet in length. They can be towed by small vehicles like trucks or cars and come in various styles, including the teardrop trailer.

Mid-Size Travel Trailers

Mid-size travel trailers offer more space and sleeping accommodations, typically ranging from 21 to 25 feet in length. They are towed by larger vehicles like vans or trucks.

Large Travel Trailers

Large travel trailers are designed for long-term camping and can be as long as 26 to 40 feet. They can only be towed by trucks with high towing capacity.

Standard Travel Trailers

Standard travel trailers, also known as bumper pull travel trailers, range from 10 to 35 feet in length. They can weigh anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 pounds and often include amenities such as a full kitchen and bathroom.

Fifth-Wheel Trailers

Fifth-wheel trailers are large and designed to be towed by a fifth-wheel hitch. They are typically 22 to 45 feet in length and include amenities such as air conditioning, slide-outs, and generators.

A-Frame Trailers

A-frame trailers are small, usually measuring 12 to 18 feet in length. They are lightweight and quick to set up, with insulated walls suitable for different weather conditions.

Toy Haulers

Toy haulers, or sport utility trailers, have a built-in cargo area for recreational equipment. They range from 20 to 40 feet in length and weigh between 5,000 to 15,000 pounds.

Hybrid Trailers

Hybrid trailers, also known as tent or expandable trailers, combine the features of a hard-sided travel trailer and a pop-up trailer. They are typically 16 to 30 feet long and require regular maintenance and setup.

Truck Campers

Truck campers are designed to be loaded into the bed of a truck and are usually 8 to 20 feet long. They can be used for transportation and living space and are more affordable than larger RVs.

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Travel trailer height is important for safety

Bridge clearance is a critical factor in maximum height, especially in urban areas. If your trailer exceeds the maximum height allowed by your state, you risk damaging your trailer and the vehicle towing it. You could also cause significant damage to the bridge or overpass, or even start a deadly chain reaction involving multiple cars.

In addition to bridges and overpasses, parking garages and spaces may not have high enough clearance for your travel trailer. When parking, especially at campsites, try to park as close as possible to cabins, trees, or other objects that will protect your travel trailer from overhangs. If you plan to store your travel trailer when it isn't in use, knowing its height and the height of your garage space will help you determine if your trailer will fit.

The height of your travel trailer also matters when it comes to towing. Travel trailers can be towed by regular full-size pickups, SUVs, and even smaller SUVs or cars, depending on their size. However, it's important to know the exact height of your trailer and ensure you pay attention when going under low bridges and overpasses.

Finally, don't forget to include any roof additions, such as vents, satellite dishes, or pop-up sections, in your measurements. These can sometimes put your vehicle over the legal height limit, so it's important to measure from the tallest point of the roof down to where the tires meet the ground.

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Travel trailer height affects its functionality

Secondly, the height of a travel trailer impacts its ability to clear low bridges, overpasses, and tunnels, particularly in urban areas. An excessively tall trailer can cause damage to both the trailer and the towing vehicle if it collides with a low-hanging structure. Therefore, it is crucial to know the exact height of your trailer to ensure safe passage under bridges and similar structures.

Additionally, the height of a travel trailer determines whether it can be parked in certain spaces or stored in a garage. Parking garages, especially in urban areas, may not have sufficient clearance for taller trailers. Campsites may also have height restrictions that require trailers to be parked in specific areas to avoid overhangs.

Moreover, the height of a travel trailer influences its interior space and comfort. Taller trailers offer more headroom and a more spacious living area, which is particularly important for taller individuals. However, it is worth noting that slide-outs or extensions in travel trailers may have lower ceilings, impacting the overall sense of space.

Finally, the height of a travel trailer can affect its legality. Each US state has regulations regarding the legal height limits for trailers, and exceeding these limits can result in fines. Therefore, it is essential to measure the height of your trailer accurately, including any roof additions or attachments, to ensure compliance with state laws.

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Travel trailer height is measured in a specific way

To get an accurate measurement, locate the highest point of the trailer and place your measuring tool straight and perpendicular to the ground. Measure from the highest point of the trailer to the ground. This will give you the height of the trailer. It's important to note that the height of a travel trailer can vary depending on the model and type. The average height of a travel trailer is between 10 and 11 feet, but they can range from 8 to 13 feet in height.

In addition to measuring the exterior height of the trailer, it's also important to consider the interior height. The interior height of a travel trailer will determine how much headroom you have inside. Travel trailers typically have lower ceiling heights than other RV types, with an average interior height of around 6 and a half feet. However, some manufacturers make travel trailers with higher ceilings, ranging from 7 feet to over 8 feet in height.

When measuring the height of your travel trailer, it's also important to consider any weight or cargo capacity restrictions. The weight of the trailer and its cargo can affect the overall height, especially when towing. It's crucial to stay within the legal height limits to avoid fines or damage to your vehicle.

Overall, measuring the height of a travel trailer is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow these specific steps to ensure accuracy and compliance with any regulations.

Frequently asked questions

The average height of a travel trailer camper is around 10 to 11 feet, but they can range from 9 to 12 feet or more.

The height of a travel trailer camper is measured from the highest point, which can include antennas, vents, satellite dishes, air conditioning units, or other roof additions.

Yes, while the maximum height for a travel trailer camper in most states is 13 feet 6 inches, some states like Georgia have a lower maximum height of 13 feet 5 inches.

Travel trailer campers are typically shorter than Class A and Class C motorhomes, which average around 13 feet in height, but taller than Class B motorhomes, which average 7 to 9 feet.

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