How many sq ft is a 40 ft trailer? (+size limits)

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How many sq ft is a 40 ft trailer? We will also speak about the size limits for a trailer in each state in the US, and whether a 40 ft trailer is allowed everywhere. We will also mention the advantages of a 40 ft trailer and help you decide which size motorhome is the best for you. 

How many sq ft is a 40 ft trailer?

A 40 feet trailer is 320 square feet. A 40-foot trailer is not too big in terms of space and comfort, but it may be a downside if you plan on travelling through National Parks with it. Most Class A RVs have 320 sq ft. 

For certain trips, such as boarding a ferry, or visiting certain villages or foreign countries, the length of your vehicle will be decisive for you and truth to be told, 40 feet is a big trailer (but not the longest)!

A 40 ft and 320 sq ft trailer is allowed in most states. There are some places, however, that have tighter length restrictions for RVs. Check the table below for more details. 

Trailers and motorhomes size limits in the US

What are the advantages of owning a 40 ft trailer?

There are many advantages to owning a 40-feet trailer:

• they are completely autonomous,
• are built with heavy and durable materials,
• have safety features such as engine brakes,
• offer a better view of the landscape and the possibility of monitoring traffic flows more easily,
• have large retention tanks, which gives travellers the option to dry out their camp for longer periods,
• give travellers the opportunity to eat without having to stop,
• provide the possibility of using the chest of drawers when travelling,
• have been professionally decorated and give the appearance of small houses or apartments, and
• eliminate many of the road noise you normally get in other types of travel units when properly equipped.

Plus, most have generators, giving homeowners the freedom to park wherever they want and still have electricity.

How difficult is it to drive a 40 feet trailer?

40 feet trailers are not the easiest to drive motorhomes. You must take into consideration the dimensions of the vehicle, besides the usual precautions. 

Travelling with an RV is a unique experience as it provides a fantastic feeling of freedom. But driving a car that pulls one of these houses on wheels is not trivial. 

Differences in the vehicle’s response to acceleration, braking and cornering speeds due to the extra weight and increased aerodynamic drag make it necessary to drive particularly cautiously.

How to choose the size of your trailer and why it matters

The best size trailer to buy will depend on your needs and expectations: How many people are going to travel with the RV? Are you going to use it often enough or just for a few weeks/year? How much space do you actually need and what can you sacrifice? 

The trailer or motorhome measurements can affect you on a day-to-day basis, so it is very important to know exactly the length of the vehicle because when passing through certain narrow places, tunnels or tolls, we will have to be safe to avoid unwanted accidents.

It is also essential to know the dimensions when parking on public roads since the motorhome must be correctly parked without invading more space than it should or could penalize us. As is logical, a smaller vehicle will allow us to manoeuvre and circulate more comfortably in confined spaces.

We do not all travel in the same way, nor do we like to visit the same places, so we must take a moment and think about the type of destination we want to reach. Obviously, those travellers who like to always use the best roads and go from area to area will have no problem driving a larger vehicle. 

However, if you are one of those who like to get on more complicated roads and reach inhospitable destinations, you should take a good look at the heights of your future travel companion, because despite the fact that with this you may lose some habitability, in return you will enjoy without problems of your most desired destinations.

On the other hand, each one must also be aware of their driving skills because, although driving a motorhome does not entail any difficulty, its size can make us suffer more than desired, especially if we are not a little skilful. In this case, choosing a more compact vehicle will allow you to enjoy your vacation smoothly.

The bottom line

The size of your trailer matters, there is no lie to that. However, we consider that the layout of the motorhome may count more, especially when it comes to long-term living. What do you think is the best trailer size? Do not hesitate to get in contact should you have any questions or comments on the content!

FAQ on How many sq ft is a 40 ft trailer?

What is the best size motorhome to buy?

The best size motorhome to buy will depend on your needs and expectations: How many people are going to travel with the RV? Are you going to use it often enough or just for a few weeks/year? How much space do you actually need and what can you sacrifice? 

Is a 40-foot motorhome too big?

A 40-foot motorhome is not too big in terms of space and comfort, but it may be a downside if you plan on travelling through National Parks with it. 

What is the longest Class A RV?

The longest Class A is the Gulf Stream Constellation – it has 45′. An average Class A has between 35-40′ range.

How many meters does a motorhome have?

The length of a vehicle such as a motorhome is usually between 5 and 7 meters, while the width is an average of 2.50 meters. For its part, the weight is about 2,600 kilograms on average when empty.

References

• Dimensions | RVIA
• Need tips on backing a 40ft Trailer! – Truckers Report
• Tips for Towing a Travel Trailer | Outdoorsy.com