How to Measure a 5th Wheel
A fifth wheel is a type of recreational vehicle that is pulled by a truck. A portion of the fifth wheel extends over the truck bed to allow more interior room, as opposed to a travel trailer where the entire unit is towed behind with the truck bed exposed. Knowing the height and length of your fifth wheel is important when fitting covers, going under low bridges and pulling into an RV camp. In addition, each state has regulations regarding trailer length and height. So get out the tape measure before you take your next road trip.
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Instructions
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Measure Trailer Length and Full Length
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1
Measure the length of your fifth wheel from the rear bumper to the fifth wheel's edge, where it meets the rear of your truck. This is the length that matters for complying with state trailer length regulations.
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2
Measure from the front edge of your fifth wheel to the edge where the fifth wheel meets the rear of your truck - this is the same point you measured to in step one. Because of the height difference, a fifth wheel's overhang, and the point at which it meets the edge of the truck, measure these two areas in two steps to keep the measuring tape level.
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3
Add the length from both steps above. This gives you the overall length of your fifth wheel. It is the length to use when buying a cover.
Measure Height and Overall Height
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4
Measure your fifth wheel from the top of a side wall to the bottom of the side wall. If your fifth wheel has a curved profile, measure from the highest point of the curve. This is the measurement needed when shopping for a cover.
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5
Measure your fifth wheel from the top of a sidewall to the ground. If your fifth wheel has a curved profile, measure from the highest point of the curve
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6
Measure the height of the air-conditioning unit on top of your fifth wheel. Add this measurement to the height from step two immediately above. This is your overall height and is the measurement to remember when driving under low bridges and complying with state trailer regulations.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Have a friend help you hold the tape measure. Hold the tape measure level for the most accurate measurement.
If you have your fifth wheel's paperwork, this will include its height and length. These measurements will usually not correspond to the measurements needed for a cover. It's best to take a few moments and measure your fifth wheel yourself.
References
- Photo Credit lake mead national recreation area 14 image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
