Model Numbers vs. Length

[Camp CA]

We have Montana 3780RL that is 41 feet long. Why doesn't Montana put the length in the model number? Does the "3780" refer to any length dimension?

[rohrmann]

Doesn’t mean anything. I think they do that with the numbers just to mess with everybody. And it works!

[jsb5717]

I believe the standard is that the first number, 37, is the length of the total interior living area. The overall is a variable and you typically have to look it up. Although you can roughly add 4-5' to the call out number to get close to actual length, which is typically pin to bumper.

[mlh]

I understand years ago Montana used the model number for the square foot area. My 2955 worked out very close.
Lynwood

[mhs4771]

Soon there will be a Length sticker added similar to the weight sticker giving the overall length of trailers because of all the confusion over lengths.

[jsb5717]

Trailer Length Explained:

https://gotraveltrailers.com/how-are...lers-measured/

[BB_TX]

Been debated even since I have been on here. Lots of guesses, ideas, and theories but never any real conclusions.

[mhs4771]

This is the new ruling going forward:
"The new policy states that overall length of recreational vehicles must be printed in English with a minimum font size of 3/32 inches high and be printed in black print on a contrasting background and must be placed immediately adjacent to the Occupant or Cargo Carry Capacity labels on the RV. The label must read: “Recreational vehicle overall length ****______ as manufactured.”

The standardized method used to determine RV length will vary by unit type:

Travel Trailers: Length is measured from the leading front edge of the hitch coupler to the rear most extremity of the trailer, bumper or rear wall/rear cap if not equipped or installed with a bumper
Fifth Wheel Trailers: Length is measured from the leading front edge of the pin box or extreme front of the front profile, whichever is further forward, to the rear most extremity of the trailer, bumper or rear wall/rear cap if not equipped or installed with a bumper
Motorhomes: Length is measured from the extreme front profile to the extreme rear of the bumper or rear wall profile, if not equipped or installed with a bumper

[jsb5717]

I'm guessing that these are the same lengths, using the same criteria, currently published on their websites. It will definitely be helpful to have it posted on the RV.

[scattershot]

I actually called the factory on this, a few years ago. I was told that the first two numbers denote the length of the frame they start with. The final length with front and rear caps, cantilevers, etc. will be different. My 2955, for example, actually measures 33’.

[mhs4771]

That's the new length Rules and Regs from RVIA to take effect Jan 1, 2021.

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by scattershot

I actually called the factory on this, a few years ago. I was told that the first two numbers denote the length of the frame they start with. The final length with front and rear caps, cantilevers, etc. will be different. My 2955, for example, actually measures 33’.

Well that answer doesn't compute. Too many rigs end in "00", or "01".
My 3700RL (which isn't made any longer) is exactly the same as the 3800RL of the same year except the 3800 had a rear entertainment center . Both of them are over 40' and both extended more the 0' beyond the frame.

[jsb5717]

I've never really understood what the ending numbers mean. The first 2 numbers relate to the length of the coach itself, minus the bumper, attachments, hitch, etc. Our 305RL is actually a little less than 35'. The first two numbers will always get you coach length (length of living space is likely more accurate). Add the 4-5 feet (varies across the different configurations) and you will get total overall length. Look at a bunch of different model callouts and check their overall length. It's pretty consistent. The 330RL is about 37'. The 2955 above is 33'. I'm not making this up. I've heard it from a variety of RV sources and it checks out.

I don't know when that trend started. We used to have a 1996 Kit Road Ranger 30HF. It was actually 30' long. In those days the model numbers consistently reflected actual overall length. Somewhere after that we started noticing that the numbers stopped reflecting actual length. The industry had started changing it's nomenclature which made knowing actual length more challenging. Perhaps it was to help with licensing cost. When our dealer registered our 305RL it was registered as a 30' RV based on manufacturer call out, not a 35' RV, which saved some $$$.

[scattershot]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

Well that answer doesn't compute. Too many rigs end in "00", or "01".
My 3700RL (which isn't made any longer) is exactly the same as the 3800RL of the same year except the 3800 had a rear entertainment center . Both of them are over 40' and both extended more the 0' beyond the frame.

This only applies to the first two digits. I don’t know what the last two represent.

[Camp CA]

Thanks for all the replies.......even had a 305RL that was 36 feet long and to end.

[StageCoachDriver]

For Montanas, the first 2 digits + 4 is approx length in feet. For MHC, the first 2 digits plus 5 is the approx length in feet.

Montana 3780RL is 41 feet long.
MHC 305RL is approx 35 feet long.

[Buckfisher]

My 2017 MHC 305RL is slightly less than 40 feet. I've measured it with a 50 foot tape. There's absolutely no chance it was measured wrong. That measurement is from the further most points, front and rear. Seems like they would use a different number, even if the numbers don't mean anything.

[mhs4771]

The brochure for our original 2955 RL says 33' 3" of course it also says our hitch weight was 1715, yet weighed at the Rally was 2700 Lbs.
Our first SOB was a 36RL but was 40' 4", our current is a 39MB and 43' tip to tail and MB relates to Master Bath.

[Hippy223]

The numbers don’t make a lot of since in the new ones. We have 09 345 dbc which is a 36ft double bunks rear queen bed front.

[StageCoachDriver]

Originally Posted by Buckfisher

My 2017 MHC 305RL is slightly less than 40 feet. I've measured it with a 50 foot tape. There's absolutely no chance it was measured wrong. That measurement is from the further most points, front and rear. Seems like they would use a different number, even if the numbers don't mean anything.

From Keystone web site:

KEY SPECIFICATIONS - 305RL FIFTH WHEEL
Shipping Weight 10904
Carrying Capacity 3396
Hitch 2395
Length 34' 3"
Height 13' 4"
Fresh Water 66
Waste Water 49
Gray Water 98
LPG 60
Tire-Size ST235/80R16F
...

https://www.keystonerv.com/fifth-whe...l-fifth-wheel/