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04-29-2019, 06:05 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 68
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Measuring exact height?
I'm trying to determine our clearance. I haven't figured out a reliable way to measure our coach's height, exactly.
I'd love any tips on getting the right measurement, because, well, being a couple inches off might be the difference between a good day and a "my life isn't worth living" kinda day 
Thanks!
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2007 Kountry Star 39' - 400 HP Cummins - Spartan chassis
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04-29-2019, 06:25 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 137
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I laid a 10' long 2X2 on the highest point (AC) and checked it with a level. From the roof I extended the tape measure to the ground. Did this on each side to make sure the measurements matched. If not, just average the two measurements.
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2019 Rockwood 2902WS
2019 Ford F250 CCSB STX 4X4 6.2 4.30
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04-29-2019, 06:28 PM
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#3
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Registered User
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 7,114
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I laid an 8 ft long 2x4 on top of the rear A/C unit so it hung over on both sides. (my tallest object) Then I used a ladder and measured on both sides of the MH from the ground to the 2x4. The height is the average of the two readings.
Do this empty with the airbags fully inflated. this is my worst case height.
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04-29-2019, 06:30 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Ventura, Ca.
Posts: 333
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Another way is to stop at a highway weigh station when it is not busy. Many have hanging plaques to drive under. You see which plaque is not moving and you know the height.
Side benefit is to get your coach weighed also.
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2019 Winnebago Vista LX 30T, Honda CRV toad, best Labrador Retriever Charlie Brown .
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04-29-2019, 07:15 PM
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#5
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RV Mutant #14
Winnebago Owners Club Texas Boomers Club Freightliner Owners Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 17,209
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Laser levels are real cheap. Find the highest point on the RV, put the level on it and level it with the laser turned on and pointed to the side of the RV. Have someone hold the end of the tape measure on the ground. Climb the ladder and find the light from the laser moving you hand. substitute the tape for the hand and read where the mark is. That is your minimum clearance. Sounds more difficult than it really is.
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Wayne MSGT USMC (Ret) & Earlene (CinCHouse) RVM14 (ARS: KE5QG)
Lexi - Goldendoodle
2015 Winnebago Tour 42QD - 2020 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve
It is what it is, and then it is what you make of it.
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04-29-2019, 07:38 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 3,009
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I used a laser level, a tape measure, a brick and a ladder. I fastened the end of the tape measure to the brick which I placed on the ground next to the ladder. I climbed the ladder holding the tape measure and level. I shined the laser on the highest object (the sat dome on my coach) and slowly raised it until the red dot disappeared off the top of the dome. Holding the tape next to the level gave me the height of the highest structure.
__________________
2005 Monaco Knight 40PLQ; Cummins 8.3L ISC330, Pacbrake, Allison 3000, Roadmaster RR8R, ScanGauge D, 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan VN750(Geezer Glide) on a Versahaul carrier pulling a 2013 Kia Soul+; 2.0L, 6 speed Sport shifter(great car) on an American Car Dolly(great dolly.)
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04-29-2019, 07:42 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Frankfort, KY
Posts: 1,906
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I need to add this to my "to do" list and I appreciate you bringing this up. I too thought of a board or extended pole that I use for cleaning. I would hold the pole with a level and have the wife use the tape measure.
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Scott and Deanna
2014 Tiffin Allegro Bus 45LP
Home base - Polk City, FL
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04-29-2019, 08:01 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 30,903
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Then factor in the unknown, like a depression underneath an overpass. The lowest point is what the sign says, but your front and rear axles are straddling the lowest point not in it. Then what if the road has been re-paved but sign has not been changed.
I always add a foot to my height, and then approach a "close encounter" slowly and give the front cap-mounted radio antenna time to make noise before I hear a crunch. I know I can drive under a 12' 6" overpass IF the pavement is level; but I wouldn't want to do it every day. AHHH, basement air conditioners.
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2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD , ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG 11B5MX,Infantry retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA. " My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy
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04-29-2019, 11:59 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: So Cal Wine Country
Posts: 702
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If you're an Escapees member, the smart weigh program includes a height measurement using their tool (essentially a giant adjustable framing square) in addition to weighing your coach at each wheel.
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Bill
2014 Newmar Ventana 4037, XCR Tag Axle, Cummins ISL, All-electric
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04-30-2019, 12:06 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Clovis, CA, USA
Posts: 13,138
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I used the 2X4 method as others did.
Then I put my height on a 4 X 6 notecard and taped it inside on the top left of my windshield where i can see it with a glance.
I put on another 2" just for safety's sake.
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2004 Monaco La Palma 36DBD, W22, 8.1, 7.1 MPG
2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
Criticism is easier than Craftsmanship
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04-30-2019, 04:39 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Entegra Owners Club Spartan Chassis
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 107
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Measuring exact height?
Why not go with the manufactures hight spec and add 6 inches
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04-30-2019, 05:40 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Apex, NC
Posts: 214
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The RV Geeks have a nice video on the subject at
__________________
2012 Newmar Bay Star 2901, CHF, Roadmaster Steering Stabilizer, 2009 Honda CR-V toad.
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04-30-2019, 06:03 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 68
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Thanks everyone
__________________
2007 Kountry Star 39' - 400 HP Cummins - Spartan chassis
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05-08-2019, 08:52 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 131
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Measure from ground to top of the coach in road mode (air suspension full up) unloaded, climb on roof and measure the highest point and add the 2 together. Add 6" and you will be fine.
Manufactures spec may not be accurate if equipment has been changed or added, satellite domes on older models may of not been OEM.
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