Community Forums

bhover · 01-03-2010, 10:07 AM

Hi, I have a 29' TT and am looking to buy a FW. I am looking to keep the length under 33'. My question is with the height. I thought that if I kept it under 12'4 or so that I wouldn't have too many issues with low overpasses on secondary roads-I know that the interstates should'nt be a problem. By tryingto keep the height lower, I limit myself to alot of really nice units. Has anyone traveling with heights over 12'5 or so had many problems on secondary roads or in towns or whatever. Thanks for your help
Barb

RustyJC · 01-03-2010, 10:23 AM

Ours is 13'2" high and we've never encountered a road that caused us to turn back. U.S. highways must accomodate 13'6" vehicles (the height of a typical trailer on a semi-truck/trailer rig). Depending on your location, I'm sure there may be some state or county roads that may not be able to accomodate 13'6" vehicles, but I haven't encountered any - yet!

Rusty

bhover · 01-03-2010, 10:37 AM

Thanks, that is what I really needed to know because I like to go on secondary roads alot of times
Barb

Half Dimes · 01-03-2010, 11:22 AM

We are also 13' 2" and haven't had any real problems. If there is a low overpass ahead, it has always been marked well in advance. We have had more of a problem with tree canopies over roads, especially ones that haven't been trimmed in awhile. Those are almost never marked ahead of time. We came upon one of those in Savannah and had to make a quick route change. I don't think having a 12' 6" rig would have made any difference in that situation.

450Donn · 01-03-2010, 02:37 PM

Low overall height equals low head room in the bed room. Your choice!

Wayne M · 01-03-2010, 02:49 PM

Barb,
I traveled from Texas to the East Cost, into New England, and back to Texas. Granted, most of the time was on interstate, but several times we were on secondary roads. One time I made a turn and the bridge clearance sign was 10' 8". On second look, I wasn't supposed to turn there according to the GPS, but I goofed. I had to back up a few feet and continue on my course.

As stated, the bridge clearance heights have to be marked. Usually they will have a yellow triangle sign before the overhead that will give the height, and the overhead itself will be marked. The most important thing is to BE AWARE of those markings. When I traveled in the 5'er I was 13' 5" to the top of the front AC. You can bet I paid attention to those signs.

Also, whenever I knew I would be off the normal path, I would check the Independent Trucker's Low Clearance list before I hit the road. You can plan all your trips around low clearance's.

Happy trails.

p.s., As stated - the lower the ceiling, the more closed in you will feel in a 5th wheel.

CorsairIIAT · 01-03-2010, 03:46 PM

Barb,

I have a 2007 Crossroads Zinger ZF27RL. Over all height is 11' 11". Height in kitchen is 8'. Height in the bedroom. is 6' 3". Not a problem for me. I'm 5' 8". My only height issue is the slideout. It is only 5' 7". Also I took a commercial label maker and made a label. It says 11' 11" that is attached to the dash of the truck. Just a reminder to me. I read on another forum where a guy with a high dollar 5ver opened it like a tuna can under a bridge.

Mark

bhover · 01-04-2010, 05:34 AM

Thanks for all the imput, this is what I wanted to know. I don't think that I will put as much emphasis on the height of the FW in my search. Again thanks
Barb

ParTheCourse · 01-04-2010, 06:23 AM

Low Clearances

This site may be helpful.

Superslif · 01-04-2010, 07:11 AM

My brother has a tri-axel toy hauler 5er which is 13' 5". He uses a "truckers map" in his travels. He does a lot of off-road ATV riding on very small roads. He has encountered small roads where he has to travel in the middle because of over grown tree branches. One state park he meet us at he did some tree trimming getting to his site. But being in the low 12' range you will be much more flexible in your travels. No matter what height your pulling you have to pay attention....

LindaH · 01-04-2010, 12:35 PM

Our Excel fifth wheel is 11'10"...yet my 6'0" husband can stand up in the bedroom with room to spare. The lower exterior height is the one thing that swayed us to the Excel over the other two brands we were considering...since we do a lot of boondocking, lower height was important to us.

Wayne M · 01-04-2010, 05:13 PM

Besides the link in my post, if you prefer a printed copy, you can pick up the Rand McNally Motor Carriers Road Atlas. (Make sure it is the "Motor Carrier's" road atlas. It will have all the clearances and weight restrictions plus more. You can purchas it on-line, just search for the title.

Happy trails!

Ray,IN · 01-04-2010, 05:30 PM

I really like that motor carriers road atlas Wayne mentioned. It has highways safe for semi's highlighted in yellow. Our 5er is 13'2", I watch 2 lane highways for underpass height, it is possible for the highway dept.(contracted out) to re-pave a highway and forget to re-mark the clearance. So far, so good!