Understanding Caravan Dimensions: Height and Width

Designed and manufactured to fit the tastes of anyone and everyone, caravan dimensions vary greatly from one model to the next, for what would the world be without a slice of variety? Impacted by optional additional features that greatly affect a vehicle’s overall functionality, caravan dimensions can be altered and changed even after purchase.

Offering a range of different caravans, campervans and motorhomes at Spinney, you’ve come to the right place to discover everything you’d need to know about holidaying on the open road. If you’ve been wondering how to figure out a caravan’s height, calculate its width or manage its weight, this blog holds all the answers.

Average caravan dimensions

One of the very first things you need to do before you search for a caravan for sale is to confirm what size vehicle you would like to purchase. Sizes differ greatly from one model to the next, with different layouts offering various ways to enjoy your caravan. Body length is the most popular metric for measuring caravans, with this referring to the length of the caravan from one side to the other, excluding the hitch head or any other accessories. Most models come under the following sizes:

Average size of a small caravan

Often measuring between 3 metres and 6 metres, small caravans are used for solo adventurers looking for an easy way to escape to the country, or couples looking for a little more space than a tent could provide. Easy to tow, these options have limited layout options thanks to their size, usually coming with just two-berths, such as Swift’s Challenger SE.

Average size of a medium-length caravan

Slightly larger than small caravans in length, medium-sized caravans usually come between 5.5 metres and 7 metres, with this increase allowing for larger bedrooms and more complex kitchen arrangements. Ideal for couples looking for a more luxurious caravanning getaway or small families, these caravans can be extended using an awning.

Average size of a large caravan

Built for spacious travelling, large caravans typically measure anywhere between 7 and 8 metres. Offering all the amenities you could wish for in a caravan, this size is ideal for large families and communal groups. Often coming with ample storage options, every inch of these caravans is optimised to be as spacious and functional as possible, as demonstrated by the Grande GT75 from Bailey.

How to measure a caravan

The size of your caravan will have several major impacts on your towing vehicle, affecting general fuel consumption, manoeuvrability and the overall comfort of your drive. This is why it’s important for general caravan safety to know how to properly measure your vehicle. So, grab your tape measure and follow our effortless guide.

Measuring the caravan height

Height restrictions exist in garages and parking areas across the country, so it’s important to know your caravan’s height to avoid hitting low bridges or even those pesky low-hanging tree branches. Standard caravans shouldn’t exceed 4.3 metres, with the height of a caravan being quite simple to calculate – all you need is a tape measure.

To measure the height of a caravan just use a tape measure and place it at the tallest point of the caravan before finishing on the ground, not the base of the vehicle itself.

Measuring the caravan length

When discussing the size of any model, it is the caravan body length that is usually referred to. In addition, there is also combination length, which refers to a measurement from the front of the towing vehicle to the back of the caravan, and open length, which takes into account any slide-out features.

The entire length of a caravan comprises three different measurements: body, internal and overall. To measure the overall length, use your tape measure from the tip of the coupling and extend it all the way to the back of the caravan. Meanwhile, body length can be gathered by measuring from the front of the caravan to its furthest point. Finally, internal length is taken from within the caravan and involves measuring from the front wall to the back wall or window.

Measuring the caravan width

Caravans cannot exceed a width of 2.5 metres, so it’s important that you remain within these parameters before setting out on your journey. The width of a caravan can be compromised slightly by the bumper and wheel guards, which also need to be taken into account when measuring.

Simple to measure up, collect the caravan width value by holding the tape measure at its widest side and extending across over to the opposite side.

Measuring the caravan weight

Along with length, weight is one of the most important metrics to know when towing a caravan. This is because the weight of your caravan will directly impact your towing vehicle, with each vehicle having a towing capacity that determines how much weight it can legally tow. As a result of its importance, there are several different ways to measure the weight of your caravan. This includes:

• Aggregate trailer mass: The maximum weight a trailer can be when unhitched, including people, luggage and any load-bearing extras. 
• Caravan tare weight: The weight of the caravan immediately being received from the manufacturer. This is usually provided by the manufacturer or supplier.
• Gross combination mass: The maximum weight of a caravan and the towing vehicle, including passengers.
• Gross trailer mass: Including equipment and luggage, this refers to the maximum axle load. The manufacturer will provide this metric.
• Gross vehicle mass: The entire mass of your vehicle, including passengers, luggage, storage facilities and kerb weight.
• Payload: The total weight, including luggage, equipment and occupants, that the caravan can carry.
• Tow ball weight: The amount of weight a fully loaded caravan puts on the tow bar.
• Vehicle kerb weight: The weight of a car, including the driver and a full tank of petrol or diesel.

The weight of one’s vehicle can determine caravan stability and caravan sway, two major factors that will affect the comfort of your drive. To weigh your caravan, or find out the gross combination mass, visit a public weighbridge or, alternatively, purchase scales that you can use at home. Other methods of weight will require specialist equipment such as a set of ball weight scales to measure the overall tow ball weight.

From caravan height to vehicle width, let Spinney sort it

Still don’t quite understand the difference between gross trailer mass and gross vehicle mass? We’re a friendly bunch at Spinney with an expert team of industry professionals here to help you with your purchase no matter what you’re looking for. Offering caravans from leading manufacturers like Baileys, Coachman and Swift, you can guarantee quality when shopping with Spinney, with each of our vehicles receiving a 170-point check and a full valet before you’re given the keys.

Contact us now to enquire about any of our vehicles in our fabulous range of new caravans and start to make your fantasy of spontaneous weekend getaways, a reality.