Height measurement for access

[sallylillian]

OK, you arrive at a site and there could be an issue about clearance height somewhere, the gates, an overhanging branch, its a tight call; how do you check that you definitly have enough clearance? Anyone use say a laser or ultrasonic measuring device like those marketed to DIY? If so how does it work for you?

[Aguyfromcalg]

Hi
What you may want to consider to buy is what is called a laser range meter. You should be able to find it at a hardware, home building supply store. While the tool is expensive damage to your RV can be more expensive.

[llib enad]

Sally,
My 99 Allure has the outline of a coach on the insturement panel with its height. It includes the A/C but not the sat. dome if so equipped. Mine is 11' - 10"
Bill Dane

[sallylillian]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguyfromcalg Hi What you may want to consider to buy is what is called a laser range meter. You should be able to find it at a hardware, home building supply store. While the tool is expensive damage to your RV can be more expensive.

Hi,

Thanks this is what iI had in mind, I am looking for user experiences in sunlight etc and if there are any other bits of advice inselection? I assume you use one, how do you get on with it, measuring overhanging tree limbs for example?

RegarI

Michael

[ctpres]

Most distance measuring devicess will not read distance on something small/low mass like tree branch, bar or wire. How about a telescoping pole or screw together pieces.

[hamguy]

I found the highest spot (the KVH Dome) and measured down using a 25' metal tape. Then I added 2 inches and got 12' 3".

2002 Suncruiser-32U-WH.

[Aguyfromcalg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sallylillian Hi, Thanks this is what iI had in mind, I am looking for user experiences in sunlight etc and if there are any other bits of advice inselection? I assume you use one, how do you get on with it, measuring overhanging tree limbs for example? RegarI Michael

Hi Michael:
I actually don't have one. I had seen people use them as part of their work. Most
camp grounds that I been to I didn't have a problem with low branches. If a branch was a concern I would get out and check by standing back to see both the top of my RV and the branch. To know the exact height of your RV do what was suggested in a earlier reply , measure down from the highest point an add a couple of inches for safety and tape that measurement some where on your dash or wind screen.
Pat

[wa8yxm]

An extendable painter's pole is a good tool.. If you get one that is longer than your rig is high you can use any decent sighting method to set it at the exact hight needed, then use a can of spray paint to paint setting rings on the joints (just spray the joint)

Then from then on you pull it out till he paint band is visible, lock it and "Stick"

You will likely find that if the pipe and chain say "Clearance 13 feet" a 12 foot painter's pole will hit the pipe in fact an 11 foot may well hit the pipe (The pipes hang lower)

True story: Couple next to me bought a brand new Class C (Sticker in window new) I had to help them open the locked door (They did not yet know which key was which. >The worst thing about owning a Motor Home (Person says what) Hold up the key ring and say "They all fit"<

They went to a local place for dinner, The pipe said "Higher than the RV"

They drove under it, it snagged the Winegard Roadstar Flying Saucer TV antenna, ripped it off the roof, was launched up and came down on the bathroom vent cover.

Brand new Duct Tape on the brand new RV.

[hamguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm An extendable painter's pole is a good tool.. If you get one that is longer than your rig is high you can use any decent sighting method to set it at the exact hight needed, then use a can of spray paint to paint setting rings on the joints (just spray the joint)

Using a $$$$$$$$ laser measuring instrument is ludicris. You don't really need an exact measurement. I measured mine and added 2-3 inches so I had safety. I have gone under literally hundreds of low hanging 'stuff' and have never had a problem.

[Billieg]

Why not just buy a cheap adjustable radio antenna that folds down and install it on the top front of the coach 2 inches higher than your highest part. Then if it hits the object is too low.... That's what I did...

[SCVJeff]

Guess I'm the only one here that owns one....
This one came from Home Depot for ~$100. It is a true laser device, not to be confuse with an ultrasonic unit with a laser pointer attached. Those will not work ...

At such close distances you should have no problems shooting a branch in the sunlight as long as is not pointed down the lens. I doubt you can spot and hold a leaf for measurement, but a branch should be of no issue. Mine is consistent at +-1/8"

[Batman_777]

Do you guys remember the shadow math to measure the hight of a tree, building or anything?

By knowing your height, you measure the shadow height of an object, the ratio is the same.

Example: You are 6 feet (72 inches) tall with a shadow of 12 feet (144 inches). The object you want to measure is casting a 26 foot long shadow.

If you are 1/2 your shadow length (6 feet), the the other object is also half its shadow length. So it must be 13 feet high.

By knowing your height or any object height, you can calculate a 1-100 story building, tree, antenna, etc using its shadow length and taking the ratio comparison.

Using a tape to measure in inches for more accuracy, but you'll need to be fast since the sun is moving across the sky at 1,000 miles per hour (Earth is turning at 1,000 mph).

[sallylillian]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCVJeff Guess I'm the only one here that owns one.... This one came from Home Depot for ~$100. It is a true laser device, not to be confuse with an ultrasonic unit with a laser pointer attached. Those will not work ... At such close distances you should have no problems shooting a branch in the sunlight as long as is not pointed down the lens. I doubt you can spot and hold a leaf for measurement, but a branch should be of no issue. Mine is consistent at +-1/8"

Thanks Jeff, more like the answer I was looking for, is yours a branded product; Bosch or similar?

Michael

[SCVJeff]

This one is a Stanley Fat Max series

Batman: as soon as my brain quits hurting I'm going to go back and read this again. Never done that but it could come in handy