Learning how to measure camper for cover is simple when you break the job into three main measurements: length, width, and height. The goal is not to measure every small part. Instead, you need the outside dimensions that affect how the cover sits on the camper.
A good measurement can save you from buying a cover that is too short, too narrow, or too tight. I recommend using a tape measure and writing down each number as you go. Measure the camper where it is parked, with slide-outs retracted and removable items taken off.
For many U.S. RV owners, a cover protects the camper during long storage periods. But a cover works best when it has the right size. This guide explains how to measure camper for cover, what to include, what to leave out, and how to handle travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes.
Why Accurate Camper Measurements Matter
The right cover should protect the camper without being so tight that it strains the fabric. It also should not be so loose that wind can cause excess movement. That is why learning how to measure camper for cover matters before you shop.
A camper’s listed length can also be different from the length you need for a cover. A model name may refer to a floor plan or advertised size rather than the exact outside length. Fixed parts such as a rear ladder, spare tire, or front storage area can also affect the final measurement.
A few extra minutes with a tape measure can give you a much better starting point. Always compare your measurements with the specific cover manufacturer’s sizing chart because sizing rules can differ between brands.
- ✦ Better fit
Correct measurements help you choose a cover that reaches the needed areas without excessive slack.
- ✦ Less guesswork
Your actual measurements are more useful than relying only on the camper model or advertised length.
- ✦ Better protection
A properly sized cover can reduce exposure to sun, rain, dust, dirt, and other outdoor elements during storage.
What You Need Before Measuring Your Camper
You do not need special tools for this job. A flexible tape measure works well, but a long metal tape can make the job easier on a large motorhome or travel trailer. Having another person help is useful when measuring height and long sides.
Park the camper on level ground if possible. Close the slide-outs and remove temporary items that will not remain on the camper during storage. This gives you a more useful measurement for a standard fitted cover.
Before you start, decide which accessories will stay on the camper. A fixed ladder may need to be included, while a removable awning screen or portable storage box normally does not.
- ✦ Tape measure
Use a tape that is long enough to reach across the camper’s largest dimensions.
- ✦ Pen and paper
Write down each measurement right away so you do not mix up length, width, and height.
- ✦ Second person
A helper can hold the tape and read measurements, especially on tall or long campers.
- ✦ Manufacturer size chart
Keep the cover brand’s sizing guide nearby because each manufacturer may define measurements in a slightly different way.
How to Measure Camper for Cover Length
Length is usually the first measurement to take when learning how to measure camper for cover. Start at the front-most fixed point and measure straight along the camper to the rear-most fixed point that the cover is designed to protect.
Keep the tape level and follow the camper’s overall length rather than measuring along a curved roof. If the camper has a rear ladder, spare tire, or another fixed item, check the cover manufacturer’s instructions before deciding whether that item belongs in the length.
Write the result in feet and inches. Do not round down. If your measurement falls between two cover sizes, use the manufacturer’s instructions to decide whether the next size is appropriate.
- ✦ Start at the front
Place the tape at the farthest fixed front point of the camper.
- ✦ Measure to the rear
Extend the tape to the farthest fixed rear point that the cover needs to reach.
- ✦ Keep the tape straight
Do not let the tape follow curves or bends in the body.
- ✦ Record the exact number
Write down feet and inches rather than relying on memory.
Should You Include the Hitch?
This depends on the type of cover. Some travel trailer covers stop at the front body, while others are designed to cover the hitch area. Check the product’s measurement instructions before adding the hitch to your total length.
For a custom or fitted cover, the manufacturer’s definition of length matters more than a general rule. If the instructions say to measure the body only, do not add a removable hitch.
- ✦ Check the cover guide
Use the cover maker’s instructions to see whether the hitch is part of the required length.
- ✦ Do not guess
Adding extra length without checking the sizing method can lead to a poor fit.
What About a Spare Tire or Rear Ladder?
Fixed rear equipment can change how a cover fits. A spare tire or ladder may need to be included if the cover is meant to fit over it. Some covers have special openings or extra room for these parts.
Measure the camper as the cover manufacturer instructs. If the instructions are unclear, contact the manufacturer before ordering rather than making a guess.
- ✦ Fixed accessories
Pay close attention to ladders, spare tires, racks, and other parts that remain attached during storage.
- ✦ Removable accessories
Do not normally include items that you remove before covering the camper unless the cover instructions say otherwise.
How to Measure Camper Width for a Cover
Width is another key part of how to measure camper for cover. Measure the widest part of the camper from one outside edge to the other. Keep the tape straight across the body rather than measuring around curves.
Include fixed parts that make the camper wider if the cover must go over them. Awning arms, mirrors, slide-out hardware, and other parts may need special treatment, so check the cover instructions before adding them.
For a standard travel trailer, the main body width is often the useful starting point. However, the cover’s own sizing chart should decide how much extra room is needed.
- ✦ Find the widest point
Look along the camper and identify the widest fixed section.
- ✦ Measure edge to edge
Measure across the outside width in a straight line.
- ✦ Check slide-outs
Keep slide-outs retracted unless the cover maker specifically says otherwise.
- ✦ Check mirrors and accessories
Ask whether fixed side equipment should be included in the width measurement.
Do You Measure With Slide-Outs Open?
For most storage covers, you should measure the camper with slide-outs fully retracted. A cover is normally installed while the camper is in its storage position, not while the slide-outs are extended.
Always follow the cover manufacturer’s instructions. A custom cover may use a different measurement method, especially when it has dedicated sections for slide-outs.
- ✦ Storage position
Measure the camper in the position it will be in when covered.
- ✦ Custom covers
Follow special instructions if the cover is made for a camper with slide-out sections.
How to Measure Camper Height for a Cover
Height can be easy to underestimate. When learning how to measure camper for cover, measure from the ground to the highest fixed point of the camper. This may include the roof, air conditioner, antenna, or another permanent item.
Use a level surface and keep the camper in its normal parked position. If the highest accessories can be removed before storage, check the cover instructions to see whether they should be included.
Do not climb onto the roof just to take this measurement unless you have a safe way to do so. A helper can often measure from the ground while you use a safe reference point on the camper.
- ✦ Start at the ground
Place the tape at the ground directly below the highest part of the camper.
- ✦ Find the highest fixed point
Check the roof and permanent equipment for the highest point.
- ✦ Measure in the parked position
Use the normal height of the camper as it will sit during storage.
- ✦ Do not add random extra inches
Use the cover manufacturer’s sizing method instead of guessing how much extra height is needed.
Should the Air Conditioner Be Included?
If the air conditioner remains installed while the camper is stored, it can be an important part of the height measurement. The same applies to other permanent roof equipment.
Some cover sizing charts already allow room for common roof equipment. Check the chart before adding extra inches on your own.
- ✦ Permanent roof equipment
Consider equipment that stays installed during storage.
- ✦ Use the manufacturer’s method
A sizing chart may already account for common roof-mounted equipment.
How to Measure Different Types of Campers
The basic process is the same, but different camper types have different shapes. A travel trailer, fifth wheel, Class A motorhome, and pop-up camper may need different measurement details.
The safest approach is to measure the actual camper rather than using a catalog number. This is especially useful when the camper has a roof air conditioner, rear ladder, spare tire, slide-outs, or other fixed equipment.
- ✦ Travel trailers
Measure the trailer body according to the cover maker’s instructions and check how the hitch and rear accessories should be handled.
- ✦ Fifth wheels
Pay close attention to the front cap, upper section, rear accessories, and the cover’s fifth-wheel sizing method.
- ✦ Class A motorhomes
Measure the full body length, widest body point, and highest fixed point, including roof equipment when required.
- ✦ Class C motorhomes
Check the over-cab section carefully because the shape can affect how the cover fits.
- ✦ Pop-up campers
Use the camper’s stored height and width when the cover is intended for storage.
Measuring a Fifth Wheel
A fifth wheel has a different front shape from a travel trailer. The front cap and raised section can make a simple body-length measurement less useful. When learning how to measure camper for cover, follow the fifth-wheel cover maker’s exact instructions.
Some fifth-wheel covers are designed around the special front profile. Measure the main dimensions carefully and check whether the pin box or other front hardware should be included.
- ✦ Front cap
Pay close attention to the raised front section when measuring the fifth wheel.
- ✦ Pin box
Do not automatically add the pin box to the cover length unless the manufacturer’s instructions require it.
Measuring a Motorhome
For a motorhome, walk around the entire vehicle before taking measurements. Look for mirrors, ladders, roof equipment, spare tires, and other fixed parts that may affect the cover.
Measure the motorhome in its normal storage setup. Keep slides retracted and remove temporary items that will not stay on the vehicle.
- ✦ Check all sides
Walk around the motorhome first so you can identify parts that may affect the cover.
- ✦ Use storage dimensions
Measure the motorhome as it will sit when the cover is installed.
What Not to Include in Your Camper Measurements
One common mistake is adding every item near the camper to the measurement. That can make the final number too large. The better method is to separate permanent parts from temporary items.
A cover should be sized based on the manufacturer’s rules. Some covers are designed with extra room for normal roof equipment, while others require you to include certain accessories in your measurements.
- ✦ Portable chairs
Do not include chairs or other camping gear that you remove before storage.
- ✦ Portable storage boxes
Leave temporary storage items out unless they will stay under the cover.
- ✦ Open slide-outs
Most standard storage covers are measured with slide-outs retracted.
- ✦ Loose awning fabric
Do not treat rolled or extended awning fabric as part of the camper body.
Common Mistakes When Measuring a Camper for a Cover
Knowing how to measure camper for cover is only half the job. You also need to avoid small errors that can change the final cover size. Most mistakes come from guessing, measuring the wrong part, or ignoring the cover maker’s instructions.
Take each measurement twice when possible. If two readings differ, measure again and use the more carefully checked result.
- ✦ Using the model name only
The advertised model length may not match the dimensions used by the cover manufacturer.
- ✦ Measuring around curves
Keep the tape straight when taking length and width measurements.
- ✦ Forgetting roof equipment
Permanent roof equipment can affect the total height.
- ✦ Measuring with slides extended
For most storage covers, use the camper’s closed storage position.
- ✦ Rounding too much
Keep the exact feet-and-inches measurement until you compare it with the cover size chart.
- ✦ Ignoring manufacturer instructions
Different cover makers may define length, width, and height in different ways.
Why Guessing the Size Can Cause Problems
A cover that is too small may not reach the lower sides or rear of the camper. A cover that is much too large may have excess fabric that can move more in strong wind.
The answer is not to buy the biggest cover available. Measure first, then use the manufacturer’s size chart to select the correct range.
- ✦ Too small
The cover may fail to reach the areas you want to protect.
- ✦ Too large
Extra fabric can make fitting and securing the cover harder.
How to Choose the Right Camper Cover After Measuring
Once you know how to measure camper for cover, compare your numbers with the exact cover size chart. Look at length first, then check width and height. Make sure the cover is made for your camper type.
Do not assume that a cover labeled for a certain length will fit every camper within that range. Shape matters too. A fifth wheel, travel trailer, and Class A motorhome can have very different body profiles even when their lengths are similar.
Think about where the camper will be stored. A cover used for outdoor storage may need different features from one used for short periods in a sheltered area. The cover should also be secured as the manufacturer recommends.
- ✦ Match the length range
Your measured length should fall within the cover manufacturer’s recommended range.
- ✦ Check width and height
Do not select a cover based on length alone.
- ✦ Match the camper type
Choose a cover designed for your trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome, or other camper type.
- ✦ Review accessory fit
Check whether the cover provides the needed room or openings for fixed accessories.
- ✦ Read the fitting instructions
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and securing the cover.
A Simple Camper Measurement Checklist
If you want a fast way to remember how to measure camper for cover, use a three-part checklist. Measure the length, width, and height in the camper’s normal storage position.
Then check your notes against the cover manufacturer’s sizing chart. Keep the measurements saved with your camper records so you can use them again when replacing the cover.
- ✦ Step 1: Park the camper
Place the camper on level ground in its normal storage setup.
- ✦ Step 2: Close the slides
Retract slide-outs unless the cover maker gives different instructions.
- ✦ Step 3: Measure length
Measure from the required front point to the required rear point.
- ✦ Step 4: Measure width
Measure the widest required body point from side to side.
- ✦ Step 5: Measure height
Measure from the ground to the highest required fixed point.
- ✦ Step 6: Check accessories
Review ladders, spare tires, roof equipment, and other fixed parts.
- ✦ Step 7: Compare the numbers
Use the exact cover manufacturer’s size chart before ordering.