Community Forums

SusieBee · 05-16-2012, 10:01 PM

I realize this is not an Alpine-specific question, but you forum members know just about everything...

Does anyone know of a good source for finding out the really important information on roads...things like max height, grade, white-knuckle factor, etc? John (the driver) is a lot braver than I when it comes to mountain roads. I, as the navigator, would like to be able to avoid the really scary ones. My usual method is to go by road color (and curvy-ness) in my atlas with an extra assist from my gps. This method is far from perfect and does not find low bridges, extreme grades, or sheer drop-offs on narrow roads with no shoulders. I don't like any of these things. Have any of you run into a good online or even printed source for this type of data?

Thanks in advance for your recommendations. Susie

Shadowcatche · 05-18-2012, 12:14 PM

I use Google Maps satellite view a lot. It will not give you bridge height etc. But it will give a general terrain view.
One of the truckers GPS that can help you avoid low bridges and obstacles Truck GPS Units: Trucker GPS units, Truck Routing GPS, Truck Navigations GPS
or use truck router mapping programs i.e. TruckRouter

Coin-Op · 05-20-2012, 12:08 PM

I use the Garmin dezl 560. This GPS has settings for "RV", "Automobile", "Truck", & "Pedestrian". In the RV or Truck mode you set the weight, width, height, length etc. of your motorhome. It keeps you on roads that your RV will fit on (truck routes).

Old Trucker · 05-20-2012, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SusieBee

I realize this is not an Alpine-specific question, but you forum members know just about everything...

Does anyone know of a good source for finding out the really important information on roads...things like max height, grade, white-knuckle factor, etc? John (the driver) is a lot braver than I when it comes to mountain roads. I, as the navigator, would like to be able to avoid the really scary ones. My usual method is to go by road color (and curvy-ness) in my atlas with an extra assist from my gps. This method is far from perfect and does not find low bridges, extreme grades, or sheer drop-offs on narrow roads with no shoulders. I don't like any of these things. Have any of you run into a good online or even printed source for this type of data?

Thanks in advance for your recommendations. Susie

Howdy, to bad the crooked roads scare you. That is usually where the best scenery is located. Heighth; That is seldom a problem with a motorhome. Any clearence under 14 ft will be well marked. Anything that is not marked is usually 16 ft clearence. I am a retired cross country trucker accustomed to hauling over sized loads. I see others have given you good advise. Good travels, old trucker