8.5' WIDE Trailers - Are these a Problem?

[Doug]

I've been looking at new and used TT's.
I found a good buy on a 28' TT and I noticed on the specs it's 8.5' wide.
All the others except some 5th wheels seem to be 8.0'
I was wondering if this is much of a problem. I've never had that wide of a trailer.
Any input would be appreciated. I will try to test tow the unit in the next few days to get a 1st hand perspective.

Thanks, Doug

[Grawe]

Doug, As for your concern of towing a 8.5', I don't think you will have any problems. I have been towing a 8.5' 5er for a while; like every other RV size increase, you get used to it pretty quick. Aside from the wider load on the road, I do think you will enjoy the wider cabin inside. On our last purchase, we weighed options above and below our price point. The lower model was on 8' but we had grown so accustomed to the wider body, it didn't even seem comparable. Good luck on your choice but I wouldn't be discouraged by the extra width on the road. Mike

Grawe

[Lady Fitzgerald]

All of the U.S. allows up to 8' 6" width except D.C., KY, NM, NY, TN, and TX. Frankly, unless your extra width causes an accident, I doubt any LEO will pull you over and take a tape measure to your trailer.

One interesting thing I found out is that the maximum allowed trailer length in TX is only 28' 6" ( ). I really doubt that is enforced.

[Doug]

I have seen some of the states you mention on AAA website, but I have not been able to verify with State Patrol. AZ State Patrol did say it was 8.6".
I've been to Sedona and I'd think it would be a little tight getting to some campgrounds.

Still trying to verify laws.

Thanks, Doug

[Gman1372]

NY allows 13 1/2' high and 102" wide. I pulled a 31' boat with hard top and radar that reached 12'-4" and the trailer was 102" fender to fender. Never an issue from county police and state troopers. Within NYC lines the rules do change a little. Lucky for me the big fish are east. Only guppies in the city. Haha

[Hoppy220]

Good Sam Camping
Click

Again this isn't verified, but it would be a good place to start. The lengths are what I have a hard time understanding. So many 40+' 5ers out there, (mine included) and so few states that they are legal in.

[Doug]

Yep,
Good Sam and AAA sites seem to be out dated.
It still looks like issues with LA and NJ.
I was pushing the length beyond my 24-26' limits. I am just not going to push the width.
If I am not comfortable going anywhere in the country, the wife will kill me.

I did 9,000 mile trip with 4Runner pulling 16.5' TT and it was not a fun experience.
I am going to stick with 24-26' and 96" width with my new Tundra 5.7L V-8.

I cancelled deal on this trailer. I was going to take a test run today, but a few short miles won't tell the whole story.

Back to the drawing board.

Thanks's for the quick replies.

Doug

[Doug]

FYI,
Further research show all interstate highways allow 102" widths.
Once you get onto State Roads, then they can had additional restrictions on widths above 96". FYI, Doug

[dewey02]

How do things like the awning, door grabs, etc. figure into the 8.5 foot width?
Are they included or do they need to be added on?
And if not included in the width, doesn't that put the trailer over the limit?
Just wondering.

[Doug]

Not sure Dewey.
I didn't measure thew unit exactly.
Maybe someone who has a 102" unit can verify this measurement.

Interesting question.

Doug

[Grumpy]

Just about every high end MH and FW are 102" including PINNACLES and DESIGNERS. SENECAS were from day one as well.

[Camping Grandpa]

Maybe it's a naive observation but wouldn't a quick call to the Mfg answered your concern? If they can't get a state seal for the coach in any state that should answer your concern.
As for camp grounds, 6" isn't going to make any difference. If the sites and interpreted roads are that narrow I wouldn't want to camp there even with an 8' wide unit.
Just my 2 cents.

[dg1971]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

All of the U.S. allows up to 8' 6" width except D.C., KY, NM, NY, TN, and TX. Frankly, unless your extra width causes an accident, I doubt any LEO will pull you over and take a tape measure to your trailer.

One interesting thing I found out is that the maximum allowed trailer length in TX is only 28' 6" ( ). I really doubt that is enforced.

To clarify Texas Law, maximum trailer width is 8'6". Maximum tow vehicle and trailer combined length is 65' (2 or 3 vehicle combination other than truck tractor & semitrailer). Each trailer or semitrailer of a twin-trailer combination cannot exceed 28'5".

TxDMV.GOV - Texas Size / Weight Limits

[Parcany]

Measured our trailer today and the box width is 8 feet. Now the awning struts stick out 2 1/2 inches. Where the handle bolts to the trailer sticks out 3 inches. I don't think that 6 inches will make a big difference in towing, only thing is it is 6 inches wider. Maybe your mirrors may not be wide enough but you should not have any problem. Our trailer is 35.6 feet long and on the back bumper I have a container that sticks out 18 more inches. 8 feet 3 inches wide and it is a breeze to tow and back in.

[wags999]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

All of the U.S. allows up to 8' 6" width except D.C., KY, NM, NY, TN, and TX. Frankly, unless your extra width causes an accident, I doubt any LEO will pull you over and take a tape measure to your trailer.

One interesting thing I found out is that the maximum allowed trailer length in TX is only 28' 6" ( ). I really doubt that is enforced.

Actually TX allows 8'6" width and the 28 foot pertains to dual semi trailers, Each trailer (of two) can be no more than 28 foot.


good link... http://www.goodsamcamping.com/plan/SizeLimits.aspx