True Height 2004 Journey 32T

[DNMakinson]

We are considering trading down from our Class C to a 2004 era Journey 32T. Brochures say it is 11' 7". I'm not sure what all that includes (the sister Itasca Meridian says 11' 2").

My question, will said motorhome fit under a 12'-0" high opening to a carport?

DNM

[d23haynes57]

If it has basement AC it may be that short. I would get some real measurements and confirm. Check with the air suspension filled or if possible, forced to full height.

[DNMakinson]

Yes, it is basement A/C. Not sure what control one has over the height, but you make a good point not to measure with the bags empty, unless I can park it that way on purpose.

[emiddleb]

I have an 04 Vectra, big brother to your Journey. Had the same issue... new-to-me house has an RV garage with a 12' door (actual 12' - the door goes above the opening so I have the full 12' clearance.)

The two questions are what you have on the roof (vent shrouds etc) and aired up or down. Dennis comment about basement air probably was because that means we do not have roof air conditioners adding to the height.

To figure out my real height I took an 8' 2x4 up on the roof, figured out my highest point (my vent shrouds) and then laid the 2x4 on it level and measured to the ground.

I found I can pull in if aired down, but if aired up I cannot. My system has been to back up to the doorway and get the RV lined up straight to where I want to be, drop air, and then back in. I verified with Freightliner that backing up 50' or so while aired down will not hurt the coach. When pulling out, I have to idle just enough to hit the sweet spot where I can release the air brake but not start filling the air bags.

A bit of a pain, but the house came with the garage and I cannot modify the doors to be any higher. Oh well. Has worked for me for 10 years. In any case, get your own real measurements and go from there.

[DNMakinson]

When you dump air to suspension, do the brakes still work?

Found the answer: Yes

I suspect one could also let air come up all the way, dump, move, then re-inflate; and take the timing out of the equation

[emiddleb]

Not sure I was clear... the reason for my method is that the parking brake requires about 45 lbs of air pressure to release. The bags start inflating around 65 lbs though it's slow at first. So when pulling out I have to air up enough for the parking brake to release without raising the coach too high for my doorway.

[corprimo]

I have a label on the dash of our '04 36G that says 11' 10", but I measured it years ago and don't recall if the bags were aired up at the time. Highest point is the cover over the roof vent.