Community Forums

MoFro · 08-17-2016, 06:48 AM

I will soon be starting a six month tour of the US and Canada, and will be travelling in a Winnebago Sunstar which is quite big. While I will be on the major routes quite a lot, I also intend to take it off the beaten track. So I’m a little worried about bridges or underpasses with width and weight restrictions.

I have a low clearance POI database, but can’t find anything for narrow bridges or bridges with weight limits. If anyone knows of any (in the US or Canada), I would be most grateful if you could post the coordinates here.

Many thanks.

JohnBoyToo · 08-17-2016, 07:26 AM

The Garmin RV gps'es a;;pw you to input your coaches profile and will assist in routing around problem areas... is it perfect ? No, but neither are we

CampDaven · 08-17-2016, 07:39 AM

Welcome to iRV2!
Narrow bridges are few, and the locals are accustomed to taking turns when crossing.
Low clearances are also few, but are well labeled and have signs to alert you. Still, careful driving is paramount.
Happy trails

Gordon Dewald · 08-17-2016, 07:44 AM

Will you taking a toad?

skypilot_1 · 08-17-2016, 07:55 AM

We have a Rand-McNally Motor Carriers Atlas. Has state by state listing of obstacles and truck routes are highlighted on the maps. Also can get video display. Has safed us problems before we go.

Motor Carriers' Atlases - Atlases

MoFro · 08-17-2016, 07:58 AM

No toad.

OLYLEN · 08-17-2016, 09:04 AM

As a federal rule if you a 're on State highways and better your good to go. Except to very small villages where you MIGHT find that one bridge. Now county roads will be a different story. You might find another PIO file that deals with weight limits on secondary roads.

LEN

twogypsies · 08-17-2016, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Welcome to iRV2!
Narrow bridges are few, and the locals are accustomed to taking turns when crossing.
Low clearances are also few, but are well labeled and have signs to alert you. Still, careful driving is paramount.
Happy trails

We traveled secondary roads the majority of time with our 40' motorhome. We've never had an issue with bridges or clearances - even up to Alaska. We didn't use any device or publication for pre-checking. We just went.

One thing I'd recommend purchasing before your trip is the 'Mountain Directory for Truckers and RVers". There are two publications - one for the eastern mountains and one for the western. It's very helpful.

http://www.mountaindirectory.com/

If you can - bring a towed vehicle. You'll enjoy the trip a lot more for siteseeing. The way we explore the surrounding areas, I can't imagine doing so without a car.

MoFro · 08-20-2016, 05:24 PM

Thanks for all your suggestions. I have the Rand McNally atlas which is useful, but I was thinking more along the lines of a POI database or a website with a list of locations so I could make my own. Failing that, if anyone knows of a narrow bridge location I would very much appreciate it if you could share.

I keep seeing lowclearances.com being mentioned. Has anyone used their bridge height data?

Gordon Dewald · 08-21-2016, 07:33 AM

The problem with any database or map is keeping the information current. While databases should be the best it will depend upon how diligent the agency is that maintains them.

Do they have the staff to keep the databases up? I worked with an agency who cut back staff so their data was at least two years old. Then how quickly does the field staff notify the database administrators of changes? Lots of pinch points.

Bottom line is you have to be aware of your surroundings. If the bridge looks too low, stop.

frankdamp · 08-21-2016, 08:33 AM

There's one narrow bridge on a State Highway in our area. It's the Deception Pass bridge, which links the northern tip of Whidbey Island with the Anacortes area. It's very busy in summer tourist times and is the only land link with the north end of Whidbey. The highway is SR-20.

It's used by tractor-trailer rigs regularly but they have to be very careful. I've seen truck mirrors overhanging the pedestrian walkways.

Not impossible, but needs great care.