Community Forums

Povo · 08-18-2016, 08:41 PM

I just measured the height of our Artic Fox 27/5L (as best I could, taking into account full tires, vent covers, curved roof, plus distance from the edge of the unit to the ground) & came up within a couple of inches at 13'6". So my question is: how do I determine where I can & can't go (ahead of time preferably. Would hate to hear a terrible crunching sound 😳 as I go through a tunnel with curved sides.) Can I plan a trip with a Good Sam with reasonable assurance that I'm okay?

BFlinn181 · 08-18-2016, 09:09 PM

Each state usually has a website that shows all low bridges in the state.

Here's Oregon.

Just check before traveling in a new area.

Gordon Dewald · 08-18-2016, 09:16 PM

Northwood lists the 27/5L at 13'3" so your measurement is what I would use.

If you stay on the interstates or state highways you should be good for the most part. A truckers road atlas will have the lower bridges listed.

Always keep and eye on the signs listing the height of the overpass. If it is lower there generally will be an alternate route to get around the restriction. Many times there is a sign at the beginning of the route listing a restricted height.

If in doubt stop and check the height before you attempt to pass under.

Povo · 08-18-2016, 09:17 PM

I know that was trying to help, but did you actually look at the link you sent? I have no idea how to translate that into a route guidance.

Gordon Dewald · 08-18-2016, 09:17 PM

Northwood lists the 27/5L at 13'3" so your measurement is what I would use.

If you stay on the interstates or state highways you should be good for the most part. A truckers road atlas will have the lower bridges listed.

Always keep and eye on the signs listing the height of the overpass. If it is lower there generally will be an alternate route to get around the restriction. Many times there is a sign at the beginning of the route listing a restricted height.

If in doubt stop and check the height before you attempt to pass under.

Povo · 08-18-2016, 09:18 PM

Thanks Gordon. My last post was for the response before yours.

ByeTheWay · 08-18-2016, 09:26 PM

I have my height in English and Metric on a label in full view of the drivers seat. Under passes are usually labeled. I compare and make a decision. Stop or Go. Otherwise there are maps, web sites, even GPS's.

Dale & Mark Bruss · 08-18-2016, 09:32 PM

Our Volvo and Travel Supreme are 13'3" so we used CoPilot Truck version for our routing and its road database has height and bridge restrictions.

Whitewolf · 08-19-2016, 09:28 PM

Two things. Did you measure with your Fox loaded on your truck? Chances are your truck will squat a little. And two, even though I have a GPS in our truck, I purchased this. https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-t...rod135455.html
Punch in height, length, width and go.

BFlinn181 · 08-19-2016, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Povo

I know that was trying to help, but did you actually look at the link you sent? I have no idea how to translate that into a route guidance.

You are correct, my link gives all bridge data the state of Oregon maintains, bridge clearances are listed in the far right column but it'd be unworkable to really use it. Many states have better information available.

If you have a smart phone or tablet, there are many Apps that can be of use.

Here's a couple of suggested Apps.

This App Uses GPS Data To Help You Avoid Low Clearances

Top 50 android apps for low clearance - AndroidMeta

https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/com...dge_clearance/

You can also search the App store of your OS.

Trucker's Road Atlas' can also show truck routes, but they are expensive, often $50 or more.

There are also dedicated GPS units for RV or Trucker use that can be set to avoid low bridges and weight limits you need to be aware of.

MtnTrek · 08-20-2016, 12:15 AM

Welcome to the forum,

Didn't notice what you've pulling with but these newer trucks sit high and don't squat much.
Good Sam probably has routed enough full height coaches to know the ropes.
Watch out for detours.
Standard overall height for most OTR trucks is 13'6". Most states and interstate highways adhere to that but... there may be exceptions. They should be well marked if lower than that. State & secondary roads are riskier. Keep those eyes peeled.
The posted marking should be the lowest point in that traffic lane, between the center line and fog stripe.
Trust only your own measurements.

we picked up one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/McNally-Motor.../dp/0528015710

Next Exit is another handy hands on device:
https://www.amazon.com/Next-EXIT-201...next+exit+2017

Be well.

Old-Biscuit · 08-20-2016, 12:36 AM

My 5vr measures 13'4" when hitched up to truck

We FTd for 7 yrs traveling all across/around USA via secondary/back roads.

SIGNAGE is the key.........underpasses are marked with height
Signs are posted PRIOR to underpasses
Typically long enough before to select alt. route

In 7 yrs we only encountered 2 underpasses that were questionable.
One was obviously very low....no signage Turned around and went on our way
While turning around noticed signage was actually posted..........tree/bush had overgrown hiding it
Second one was marked AT the underpass......no prior warning and it was where road we were on merged into another road then underpass...no where to turn around or go around.
Local (stuck in vehicles behind us as we stopped dead in middle of turn) yelled........"You'll make it ----- semis go thru all the time. Roadway was lowered over a year ago but sigh hasn't be changed" So we inched up/checked and inched on thru.

Have had more issues getting into some CGs then out on the roadways

Just LOOK UP, pay attention and watch for SIGNAGE