If you’re planning to buy your first travel trailer or upgrade your current one, a key question you’ll need to answer is: how wide are camping trailers? Knowing the width is crucial for towing safely, fitting into campsites, and ensuring you can store it when not in use. This guide will walk you through all the standard and special sizes, explain why width matters so much, and help you pick the perfect model for your adventures.
You’ll find that most trailers fall within a common range, but there are important exceptions. We’ll cover everything from compact teardrops to expansive fifth wheels, giving you the clear information you need to make a smart choice.
How Wide Are Camping Trailers
The typical width of most camping trailers is 8 feet. This is the standard because it matches the maximum legal width for road vehicles in most U.S. states without needing special permits. You’ll see this 8-foot width across many types, from lightweight pop-ups to large travel trailers.
However, it’s not a universal rule. Some models are narrower for better maneuverability, while others are wider for more interior living space. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact measurements of any model you’re considering.
Standard Travel Trailer Widths
Most conventional travel trailers you see on dealership lots are designed to be 8 feet wide. This includes bunkhouse models, couples coaches, and family-sized units. This standardization makes towing predictable, as the trailer will stay within your tow vehicle’s track width, improving stability.
- 8 Feet (96 inches): The industry standard. It provides a good balance of interior space and road legality.
- 7 to 7.5 Feet: Often found in smaller, lightweight trailers and some vintage or retro-style models. They’re easier to tow down narrow forest roads.
- 8.5 Feet (102 inches): Requires a special “wide load” permit in many states. More common in high-end or residential-style fifth wheels.
Pop-Up and Expandable Trailer Widths
Pop-up campers, also known as tent trailers, are usually narrower when closed for towing. Their bodies often range from 6 to 7 feet wide. The magic happens when you set up camp, as the expandable ends or sides create a much wider living area.
- Towing Width: Typically between 6.5 and 7.5 feet, making them very easy to handle on the road.
- Deployed Width: Once the bunks are popped out, the total living space can extend to 10 feet or more wide. Always check how much space you’ll need at a campsite for setup.
Teardrop and Tiny Trailer Widths
The tiny trailer movement has popularized ultra-compact models. Teardrop trailers are famous for their narrow, aerodynamic profiles. Their width is a major selling point for folks with smaller vehicles or who love remote boondocking spots.
- Most teardrops range from 5 feet to 6.5 feet wide.
- This slim size reduces wind resistance while towing and allows you to navigate tight, overgrown trails that bigger RVs couldn’t dream of accessing.
Fifth Wheel Trailer Widths
Fifth wheels are the giants of the towable world. While many still adhere to the 8-foot standard, it’s increasingly common to find models with wider bodies. This is because they are often towed by large trucks and are designed for full-time living or extended trips.
- Standard: 8 feet wide.
- Residential Style: Often 8.5 feet (102 inches) wide to accommodate things like residential-sized refrigerators and sofas.
- Always, without exception, verify permit requirements for widths over 8 feet in the states you plan to travel through. The rules can vary a lot.
Why Trailer Width is a Critical Measurement
You might think a few extra inches don’t matter, but when your on the road, they absolutely do. Width impacts almost every part of the RVing experience.
Towing Safety and Stability
A trailer that is wider than your tow vehicle’s track width can catch more wind, feel less stable, and is more suseptible to sway. Ideally, your trailer’s wheels should follow inside the tracks made by your tow vehicle’s wheels. An 8-foot-wide trailer is usually a good match for a standard pickup truck or full-size SUV.
Campsite and Storage Fit
Not all campsites are created equal. Older parks, especially in national forests or state parks, can have narrow, tree-lined pads. A wider trailer might not fit, or you might not be able to open your slides or awnings. Similarly, your home storage spot or a rented RV storage facility will have width limitations you need to know before you buy.
Legal Requirements and Permits
As mentioned, exceeding 8 feet in width (96 inches) often triggers the need for special travel permits. These permits cost money, may restrict the days or times you can travel, and sometimes require you to use a pilot car. It’s a significant logistical hassle for a recreational trip.
How to Measure the True Width of a Camping Trailer
Don’t just rely on the model name or a sales brochure. If you can, get out a tape measure. Here’s what to measure:
- Body Width: Measure the actual living space wall-to-wall at its widest permanent point. Ignore awnings and handles for this measurement.
- Total Width with Features: Now, measure including anything that sticks out: exterior storage compartments doors, utility hookup covers, and especially the awning roller bar if its mounted on the side.
- Mirror-to-Mirror Width: If your tow vehicle has wide mirrors, remember that your total road width is from the tip of your driver’s side mirror to the tip of your passenger side mirror. This is what you need to judge when squeezing through a gas station or between trees.
Choosing the Right Width for Your Needs
So, how do you decide what width is best for you? It comes down to balancing three things: your travel style, your tow vehicle, and your comfort needs.
For Solo Travelers and Couples
A narrower trailer, like a teardrop or a slim 7-foot travel trailer, offers huge advantages. You’ll spend less time worrying about clearances and more time enjoying secluded spots. Maneuvering is simpler, and towing fuel economy is generally better.
For Families and Group Camping
Space becomes a premium. An 8-foot standard travel trailer or a bunkhouse model is often the best fit. The interior layout is more important than the raw width here. Look for smart floorplans with slide-outs that create more living room when parked, giving you the best of both worlds: towable width and camp living space.
For Full-Time or Long-Term Living
If you’re moving in for months or permanently, the extra space of an 8.5-foot wide fifth wheel can be worth the permitting hassle. The added inches allow for true residential furnishings and make the interior feel much more like an apartment than a cramped vehicle.
Navigating Roads and Obstacles with a Wide Trailer
Towing a wide load demands extra attention. Here are some practical tips:
- Know Your Route: Use RV-specific GPS or mapping apps that consider your vehicle’s dimensions to avoid low bridges, narrow tunnels, or tight roads.
- Practice Spatial Awareness: Get used to judging where your tires are. It’s helpful to have a spotter when you’re in a tight area, but you also need to learn to use your mirrors effectively.
- Take Turns Wide: A wider trailer will cut corners more tightly. Swing your tow vehicle further out before initiating a turn to prevent your trailer’s tires from jumping a curb or hitting a post.
- Watch for Wind: A broad side is a big sail. On very windy days, reduce speed significantly or consider delaying travel. Crosswinds are the most dangerous for causing trailer sway.
FAQ: Common Questions About Camping Trailer Width
What is the most common width for a camping trailer?
The most common width is 8 feet (96 inches). This is the standard legal limit for towing without special permits in most areas, so the vast majority of manufacturers design their models to this specification.
Can I tow a trailer that is wider than my truck?
Yes, you can technically tow a trailer that is wider than your truck’s body, but it’s not always ideal. If the trailer is significantly wider, it can compromise stability in wind and make it harder to judge your clearance on the road. The trailer’s wheel track (where the tires are) is more important than its body width for stability.
Do I need a special permit for a wide RV trailer?
You typically need a special “wide load” permit if your trailer exceeds 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches) in width, though the threshold can be as low as 8 feet (96 inches) in some states. The rules vary by state and sometimes by the road type (interstate vs. state highway). Always check the Department of Transportation regulations for every state on your itinerary.
How does trailer width affect gas mileage?
Width has a direct impact on aerodynamics and, therefore, fuel economy. A wider trailer creates more frontal area and drag, forcing your engine to work harder. A narrow, rounded teardrop will almost always get better towing mileage than a tall, flat-sided 8-foot box, even if they weigh the same. Every little bit of reduced wind resistance helps.
Are there any weight restrictions related to width?
Not directly. Weight restrictions are based on axle ratings, tire ratings, and your tow vehicle’s capabilities. However, wider trailers are often also heavier because they have more interior space and materials. So, while width itself isn’t regulated by weight rules, it often correlates with a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) that you must be prepared to handle.
Final Thoughts on Selecting Your Trailer Width
Choosing the right camping trailer width is a foundational decision. It influences your towing comfort, where you can go, and how you live at the campsite. Start by being honest about your primary use case. Are you a weekend warrior hitting state parks, or a snowbird migrating cross-country for the season?
Remember, the listed width is just the starting point. Always account for mirrors, awnings, and slide-outs when planning. Take your time, measure twice, and imagine yourself navigating your favorite camping road or backing into a tight spot. The right width will give you confidence on the road and relaxation at the camp, which is what this lifestyle is truely all about. Don’t let a few inches of unexpected width turn your dream trip into a stressful journey.