International Trailer/"House" actual length

[VaVet96]

We're buying an RV site in Florida where there is a "minimum livable space length" for RVs of 25'. I know, strange rule, but it is what it is. For trailers, they measure from the front of the "house portion" exterior (my term) to the back. That does not include the hitch assembly protruding from the house or the bumper. We'd like the International, but are flexible at this point. As you know, all the Airstream documentation shows ball to bumper lengths. Can't find the house length anywhere including several searches here. Can anyone tell me if the 27FB house portion is 25' or longer? Or do I need to go to the 30RB? Or better yet, how long is that hitch portion? (assuming it's pretty standard). Then I can just do some simple subtraction to get that length.

[OTRA15]

There was a thread similar to this . . . is it Blue Water Key in Key West?

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...-a-220367.html

"Blue Water Key site:airforums.com" search results FYI:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Blue...=airforums.com

Good discussions of the box length issue, even if your site is a different one IMO . . . BTW where are you looking?

Good luck.

[VaVet96]

Thank-you! I'll check that out. We are looking at Cypress Trail RV Resort in Ft Myers. It's one of the very few really nice ownership places I've found in the Naples/Ft Myers area that does not require you to have a Class A motorhome. Blue Water is gorgeous and we love the Keys, but way too pricey for us to buy there. Retired military, so we'll be taking this one to NASKW, Sigsbee campground occasionally for our Keys fix! Once it reopens that is.

[B. Cole]

All Airstreams include a 3 foot tongue.
For example, a 31 Foot Landyacht has approx 28 foot " shell" or living space.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by VaVet96

Thank-you! I'll check that out.
. . .

There are good suggestions there, like discussing the length issue with someone in management, in light of the fact that your trailer is an Airstream in very good condition etc.. Maybe even send them a resume [redacted a bit for privacy concerns?], so that they can "approve" you?

Grates on one's nerves to have to do something like this, but in our brave new world, it is somewhat understandable why property owners want to protect themselves.

If you are buying a titled property interest, this should all be in writing for your protection IMO.

Good luck.

[OTRA15]

PS -- The 27' should be fine IMO. In that other thread, he was hoping to get his 25' Airstream in, even though the aluminum "box" is way under 25' actual length.

Suggest calling Patrick Botticelli at Colonial Airstream in NJ . . . he will know or be able to point you in the right direction.

https://www.colonialairstream.com/sales/

• 800.265.9019
• 595 NJ 33, Millstone Twp, NJ 08535

Patrick @ Ext: #116
patrick@colonialairstream.com

Colonial is not too far north of you via the CBBT and Lewes/Cape May ferry. A nice day trip for research?
__________________________________________
PS2 -- Cypress Trail RV Resort is huge! Bet there are some shorter-than-25' box ones:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cy...!4d-81.7869119

[guskmg]

Just guess at the living length. Who is going to get out from behind their counter and go measure it when you check in. Measure your Airstream from the front middle rub rail to the back. On the age question I have had people complement me on my "new" 16 year Airstream. Unless they demand to see your vehicle registration no one would be the wiser. In Texas the registration can be stored at home for security and privacy reasons. Keep them in the dark.
guskmg

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by guskmg

. . .
. . . Who is going to get out from behind their counter and go measure it when you check in.
. . .

You might be surprised on this one IMO. Those snooty fancy RV parks . . . see Key West thread linked in earlier post.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by VaVet96

We're buying an RV site in Florida where there is a "minimum livable space length" for RVs of 25'. I know, strange rule, but it is what it is. For trailers, they measure from the front of the "house portion" exterior (my term) to the back. That does not include the hitch assembly protruding from the house or the bumper. We'd like the International, but are flexible at this point. As you know, all the Airstream documentation shows ball to bumper lengths. Can't find the house length anywhere including several searches here. Can anyone tell me if the 27FB house portion is 25' or longer? Or do I need to go to the 30RB? Or better yet, how long is that hitch portion? (assuming it's pretty standard). Then I can just do some simple subtraction to get that length.

Do you know if they are going to physically go out & measure it? Obviously, with an Airstream it is more difficult to do so than with a "square box" RV because of the bulbous curves. The bottom/sides (easiest to measure) are not going to be the longest part. If someone is going to be "really difficult" and take a tape to it before allowing you to move in, that inch (or more if measuring just the bottom/sides) may be a problem and I'd want to be sure I could prove the length & how it was measured. Especially since you are buying the site not just checking-in for a weekend. If you were just there for a short-term stay, I doubt they would measure it - they would just take your word for it.

We run into "age & length discrimination" at campgrounds - but once I tell them ours a fully restored polished Airstream, they have always been welcoming. We just tell them up front & offer to send a picture. Never been turned away...but we weren't buying a lot - just short term.

The three foot rule of thumb is a pretty good one for estimating, the 27' & 28' trailers are about the same length on current models - 27'-11" & 28'-0" in the brochures but I don't know how accurate the "real dimension" is, I'm sure the Airstream brochure numbers are "nominal". Also, I would imagine the hitch/bumpers could vary a bit between model types.

Since you don't have or haven't purchased your trailer yet, you are going to have to rely on a reputable dealer or helpful owner of the same year & model you are considering as suggested previously.

If you already had your traiiler, you could take a tape & measure the inside at the waist (widest point), then add the thickness of the walls. The thickness of the walls can be measured at the open door. If the RV Park is going to be hardnose about it - I'd want to be sure I could prove the dimension before I purchased the lot or the trailer!

Alternately, moving up tot he 30' model would be "safe".

Good thing you're asking.

Shari

[VaVet96]

Thanks so much for the detailed reply Shari! Yes, that is exactly my concern. A mistake in this case would be devastating. Yes they do measure. When I discussed it with the sales agent, he said it was as much because of the HOA members as it was the site managers. They get complaints from owners when they suspect the rule is being ignored, and that's where they chose to draw the line. Picky, but after a career in the military, I learned to deal with rules. It is what it is. Currently we have a beautiful (IMHO) silver Winnebago Class B motorhome that is just over 21'. No go. This is a beautiful, well run park perfectly located for what we love to do in Florida in the winters. It also has a good rental program that covers some of the ongoing expenses. I'm just tired of scrapping for a day here or there in various Florida parks that are not necessarily where we want to be. Thanks again!

[n2916s]

I have a 2008 Airstream Safari 27FB. Just went out and measured it and you will come up just short. With my tape measure pulled tight, I came up with 24’ 9” from the tail light mount to the front of the segment protector.

[Bill M.]

If you gotta buy one anyway I would prefer the 30 even if it is slightly bigger than the minimum. That is an advantage for living in it.

Both the tongue and the bumper are included in the length and then sometimes the length is just a name for a model and not the actually length. So measure.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by VaVet96

. . .
. . . A mistake in this case would be devastating. Yes they do measure.
. . .

Thanks for the update, you are wise to be careful with this IMO.

Happy Trails.

[SYC2Vette]

Yes wise to be careful. HOA would not budge on 20 ft requirement at a Colorado resort we looked at (for buying a spot or renting a spot). Our FC20 did not pass. Measure the exact model you want.

[VaVet96]

Originally Posted by n2916s

I have a 2008 Airstream Safari 27FB. Just went out and measured it and you will come up just short. With my tape measure pulled tight, I came up with 24’ 9” from the tail light mount to the front of the segment protector.

Ouch! And there it is. Thanks so much n2916s.