Community Forums

MSHappyCampers · 01-13-2022, 01:45 PM

Is there a standard height for 18-wheeler trailers?

Gooma · 01-13-2022, 01:54 PM

Federal Maximum
!3'6"

LETMGROW · 01-13-2022, 02:02 PM

Low boys to full size box trailers and everything in between.
Must be no higher than 13' 6" but usually a bit lower for a margin of error.

MSHappyCampers · 01-13-2022, 02:41 PM

Yesterday we were driving behind an 18-wheeler that looked really tall, but we saw him go under a 12'6" train trestle! I thought he was gonna scrape for sure!

willy57 · 01-13-2022, 02:43 PM

usually, 13 foot 6 inches. watch your bridges !

**Camp CA** · 01-13-2022, 03:01 PM

Standard height for 18-wheeler trailers is 13.5'. This compares to 13.4' for my fifth wheel trailer.

https://streamlogistics.com/trailer-...0(162%20inches)

77Travco · 01-13-2022, 03:20 PM

13' 6" ? For some reason I thought they were 14'. Good to know I guess.

My coach is 12' 10" to the top of the AC units. I have always rounded up to 13' for easy remembrance.

Backcountry1 · 01-13-2022, 04:38 PM

There is no “standard height” for a tractor trailer. There is though a standard maximum height, 13’6”, that the semi can’t exceed without over height permitting.

RRR · 01-13-2022, 07:35 PM

As a general rule most Western States allow 14', even CA. But rest assured the operator is responsible for any "Oops!" that happen.

Country Road · 01-14-2022, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Is there a standard height for 18-wheeler trailers?

Many, many, years ago when we were still boating, we forgot to take our expensive fishing rods out of the rocket launchers on our radar arch. The top of the arch was at 12’6”. When we got home, the reels were still in place, but the rods were about 2’ long. Funny to us now.

Theunz · 01-14-2022, 07:40 AM

I drove trucks in the LTL (less than trailer load) for about 40 years. We covered all of the lower 48 states and any one of our trailers, which were marked 13’6”, could end up in any state. All of the major players in the freight industry are the same. The only exception was trailers used specifically for city use. I would venture to guess that at least 90% of the semi trailers you see are 13’6”.
Here’s something to think about though, if the bridge signage says you have an inch of clearance and you run over a 2X4 board under the bridge your suspension may not compress enough to prevent you from scraping the top��

jimcumminsw · 01-14-2022, 10:05 AM

Another point to think about is one side of the bridge may say 13'-6" (going north bound) and the other side could say 14' (going south bound) on the same roadway. I have seen this many of times when passing under a railroad bridge. Also, if in question of the bridge height travel in the left lane on a four-lane highway or over to the center if possible. Since the 13'-6" is measured from the lowest point of the road surface.

igave · 01-14-2022, 10:10 AM

Plus there is no way to know how many layers of new pavement have been added since the sign was placed. Considering a margin of error is a wise thing.