Class A motorhome ground clearance for driving off road

[SargeW]

ctcamper is right about watching over hangs and branches in remote campgrounds and national parks. I have only damaged my previous RV's by hitting obstructions that were up high and difficult to judge.

To help solve that problem with the MH I used a camera. I already have a 7" LCD monitor mounted on the dash that I use to display a engine monitoring system (VMSpc). The monitor had a few different inputs available, so I ordered a small stainless cased infared camera from Tim at RVcams.com. I mounted the camera on the front of the RV looking forward. Now when I pull into an area where clearance is an issue, I push a button on the monitor and switch the view to the front looking camera. I get a panoramic view in front of the RV, 12' off the ground. I measured the height of my MH, both at the roofs edge, and at the highest point on the roof (the vent cover) and transfered the height measurments to the LCD monitor. Now if an obstruction is in question, I can see if it is going to become an issue as I approach. If it looks like there is going to be contact I stop and get out and look.

So far it has worked well, in 15K miles the roof of the MH is safe and sound!

Sarge

[glfprncs]

All I keep picturing is Robin Williams from the movie, "RV" when he gets his rig high centered going over a mountain pass. I can't stop giggling...

[JasonD]

I'd look for a coach with air-leveling if you are worried about ground clearance. With the push of a button, you can raise the entire coach several inches while at low speed. (Likewise, you can lower the coach to get under a real low obstacle.)

I use this turning around in front of my house. Our old Newmar would drag the rear-end bad on the hill...the new Foretravel has plenty of clearance when raised up.