Watch out for that Tunnel

[stevechris]

I am planning on a 3 month trip and will be in most of the eastern states. I have travel throughout the western states with no problems entering tunnels well except the tunnel leading into Yosemite which has a height of 10.5 at the edge and our coach is 12.6 (what was that noise :). Anyway, I have heard there are tunnel restrictions on MH carrying propane. Is this true and if so how do I avoid entering them?

[Cfyanes1]

The rand McNally GPS for RVs & truckers lets you set your height, width, weight and other parameters. As for propane on board we have traveled east & west coasts with propane on board with no problems

[777 Driver]

Here's one that's pretty well known (and enforced):

Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) govern the transport of hazardous materials across our toll facilities. Under these regulations, vehicles carrying bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895). The Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695, the Baltimore Beltway) is a convenient alternative route for crossing Baltimore's Harbor.

Take care,
Stu

[demoon]

Propane Tanks In Tunnels | RV Trip Wizardâ„¢ | RV Trip Wizard Inc.

[Nana25K]

To my knowledge the only tunnel you absolutely cannot drive thru will be Baltimore. I'm not sure about Boston.
Most others you may be required to stop and be verified that your propane is off ( Hampton Roads and Merrimac near Norfolk)
We have not been stopped at the tunnel on I-10 in Mobile

[Fred and Bonnie]

After the 18 wheeler took out the bridge on I-5 North of Seattle WA,
WSDOT added signs indicating the bridge heights at the center and edges. Good move for all.


Fred

[JohnBoyToo]

On the bolivar ferry in Galveston, tx, they need to verify your propane is off...

why, I'm not sure, since the wind is blowing 40 mph there and NO propane will accumulate - but it is a rule

[blang]

Originally Posted by demoon

Propane Tanks In Tunnels | RV Trip Wizardâ„¢ | RV Trip Wizard Inc.

I must confess... I have been going through the Ft. McHenry tunnel in Baltimore. I didn't realize I shouldn't have and I have not been chased down in the dozen or so times I've gone through. Thanks to this thread, I now know better. Yes, I know, there is signage. But there are also plenty of other signs along that corridor that don't apply... like "all vehicles over 5 tons must stop for weighing/inspection". Commercial, right? Anyway, thanks again for the info, Posters and IRV2.com.

For those who want to know why some tunnels "no" and some "yes", here's a tidbit from the above link that explains the physics of it. It makes perfect sense and is worth posting here for those who may not click the link.

Propane Tanks In Tunnels

The following information comes from several sources that we believe to be correct, but because state laws change, we cannot guarantee accuracy.

Tunnels that go down hill have restrictions to stop and make sure propane is turned off. Tunnels that rise slightly have no restrictions.

Propane is heavier than air and in theory could pool in the very bottom of the tunnels.

Most tunnels that go thru mountains have a slight rise to the middle. That's why you don't have to stop for most of those tunnels.

[bandorr2000]

In Maryland ALL vehicles over 5 ton MUST enter scaled when open, only commercial vehicles are subject to safety checks. I have an email from MDOT stating this. I have pulled into the scales on I95 and I70.


2014 Thor Palazzo 35.1
Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

[MRUSA14]

What was your experience after you pulled into the scales? I've never been in one myself.

[kb1flr]

Originally Posted by 777 Driver

Here's one that's pretty well known (and enforced):

Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) govern the transport of hazardous materials across our toll facilities. Under these regulations, vehicles carrying bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895). The Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695, the Baltimore Beltway) is a convenient alternative route for crossing Baltimore's Harbor.

Take care,
Stu

Stu is right about Maryland. Let me add that we took the alternate of the Francis Scott Key bridge and the roads you take to get there are some of the worst I have ever driven (and I am from PA). Like the surface of the moon.

Rick and Jessica

[Theberrys]

This could be a solution depending on your GPS
Low Clearance POI - GPS Data
Dick

[blang]

Originally Posted by bandorr2000

In Maryland ALL vehicles over 5 ton MUST enter scaled when open, only commercial vehicles are subject to safety checks. I have an email from MDOT stating this. I have pulled into the scales on I95 and I70.


2014 Thor Palazzo 35.1
Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

Just FYI...
I just asked the same question to the Maryland State Police (the folks who operate those stations) and was told that, if not commercial, I can bypass.

Based on the email you have, I'm guessing you'll continue to stop but that'll be me waving at you as I go by.

[bandorr2000]

Though I have pulled in, have never been weighed, arrow has always directed me back to the interstate.


2014 Thor Palazzo 35.1
Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum