What does Travel Length mean on 36 Pinnacles?

violinini

Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2015
Messages
21
I am looking at the Pinnacle 36 FBTS and noticed that it has two length dimensions specified. One is the "Travel Length" which is 39'1" and the other is evidently an overall length at 40'8". I have not seen this difference on other RV's from other makers. My question is, when comparing to other RV's, which length do I use? My wife is concerned about owning a RV over 40' as that seems to be the cutoff for a lot of State Park Campgrounds. Also, is there any appreciable difference in backing say a Jayco that has a travel length of 39'1" vice a Montana that has a length of 39'2". When I went to the Good Sam Web site and was looking for a quote for insurance, it rated the 36FBTS at 39'2". So, it evidently is taking the "travel length" as the rated length (within 1"):eek:. When I looked at the 36FBTS, you could tell that the pin is recessed so you have more overhang in front of the pin. Does this overhang make a difference in maneuvering, backing and towing? I realize this is down in the weeds, but it is important to the DW.
 
The pin does sit back slightly from the farthest point on the front cap. My truck has an 8 foot bed so backing up and maneuvering isn't a big problem. I can almost turn 90 degrees backing up. Not sure on length restrictions. Most of the state and federal parks tell you the length of camp pads they have available. Then we choose our sites accordingly to fit the length of our 5th wheel and truck. Keep in mind when back into the site the back of the camper will extend over the end of the site a few feet so you have a few feet to play with. I have camped in sites 50 feet long and didn't have a problem.
 
Overall length should be tip to tail length of the trailer.
Travel length should be from the hitch pin to the end of the trailer.
 
I have an F250 SWB, with a Curt Q16 hitch on the R16 slider. I can almost do a complete 90 degree turn when the hitch is slid back. The 36FBTS has curved edges on the lower half of the front cap, I don't think it's a true 88 degree front cap but it still helps a lot.
 
Thanks to everyone for their posts!! You Jayco owners are the best! LOOKING forward to being one myself.
 

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