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Old 04-14-2015, 06:17 PM   #1
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How do you measure 5th Wheel wheel base?

We are looking at the spec sheet for a Pinnacle and the wheel base is listed as 303 1/4". Does anyone know how that is measured?

Is there an ideal wheel base, or ratio to total length, or anything like that we should take into consideration?
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Old 04-14-2015, 06:25 PM   #2
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Fifth wheel length is usually advertised from pin to rear bumper. What specifically is your concern?
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Old 04-14-2015, 06:26 PM   #3
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It is my understanding they are measured from the tip of the pinbox to the edge of the rear bumper, complete length from tip to tip. You should consider how much room you need to be comfortable, are you going to have alot of overnight guest, what do you want to use for a tow vehicle, storage space needed, and if course money to spend.
It's basically like buying a mini house.


EDIT : Taken from Jaycos website


36 FBTS - Measurements
Exterior Travel Length (Pin box to bumper)39' 1"
Total Exterior Length 40' 8"
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Old 04-14-2015, 06:39 PM   #4
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I'm guessing but I'd bet wheel base is measured from the pin to the back axle. Probably useful when traveling on very twisty roads. The longer the wheelbase, the harder it is to safely get around those tight turns. Think "truckers" when you see those signs suggesting a limited pin to rear wheel length.
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Old 04-14-2015, 08:36 PM   #5
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Thanks all. We have the RV length figured out in that there are two measurements, with the bumper to pin being the stated length and the total exterior length being longer.


We hadn't given much thought to wheel base until we did some research and saw that it could impact travel on some roads. We are also guessing it is pin to either back axle or front axle and thought maybe someone knew for sure.


We also didn't know if anyone had run into issues with a longer wheel base. I guess if we stick to main roads and campgrounds with big rig sites we will be just fine.
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Old 04-14-2015, 08:48 PM   #6
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With a little practice you will be surprised where you can take your camper.
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Old 04-14-2015, 08:55 PM   #7
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After seeing some of the answers; it made me start looking things up. I have found several different measurements. Most all of them break down to the manufacturer. If going by the model number my old Komfort 5er was measured from the back bumper to the front wall behind the truck bumper. The over bed/king pin portion was not part of the measurement. So my 28 foot actually had a total length of approximately 34 feet. Other manufacturers measure from the inside wall to inside wall. One person even claimed to measure from the top inside of the overhead bunk to the bottom back wall. Each instance I found had one common denominator. Different manufactures.
My recommendation; take a tape measure and do the measuring yourself.
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Old 04-15-2015, 05:28 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mamasmax View Post
I'm guessing but I'd bet wheel base is measured from the pin to the back axle. Probably useful when traveling on very twisty roads. The longer the wheelbase, the harder it is to safely get around those tight turns. Think "truckers" when you see those signs suggesting a limited pin to rear wheel length.
I'm thinking you're right or perhaps close to right. Take for example the 351RSTS we have on order. Specs say:

Exterior Travel Length (Pin box to bumper) 40' 9"
Total Exterior Length 42' 6"
Wheel Base 314-1/2" (26.2')

So that would put the rear axle about 14.7' from the rear bumper which seems about where I would expect the rear axle to be, kinda. What I am not clear on is whether it's the rear axle or the center point of the two rear axles.
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Old 04-15-2015, 07:48 PM   #9
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On semi trailers the wheel base is measured from the king pin to the center of the axles. Might be different on campers but I doubt it is.

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Old 04-16-2015, 04:56 AM   #10
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I bet you're right Hayman. At least that's the conclusion I've come to reading up on this some.
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Old 04-16-2015, 02:46 PM   #11
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Thanks for all the input. We ordered a 2016 Pinnacle yesterday and decided to not let the length (39 ft) or wheel base (303") scare us. Actually, my DH pulled our current 36.5 ft fifth wheel 8,000 miles this winter so I think the additional 2.5 ft and longer wheel base worry me more than him. Probably because I am the one outside the truck trying to make sure he doesn't run into anything.
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