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Madhatter1's avatar
Madhatter1
Explorer
Jan 15, 2021

13'5" clearance

We just bought a new Fuzion 5th wheel that has height listed as 13'5" which is 1" higher than our old one. Will this be an issue at a bridge listed as 13'4" clearance or is there some fudge factor involved. Clearances are usually for trucks and heave equipment that must never come in contact with the bridge.

Thoughts?

17 Replies

  • Madhatter1 wrote:
    We just bought a new Fuzion 5th wheel that has height listed as 13'5" which is 1" higher than our old one.


    You need to get out with a tape measure and figure out the true height.
  • Your costs will be much higher if you damage a bridge plus the fines.
  • ItsyRV wrote:
    There may be a fudge factor of a couple inches depending on the overpass. Some places the posted clearance could be 6 inches lower than actual height while others could just be 1 inch off.

    Now, I'm sure you know this but the height listed may not be the actual height when attached to your vehicle. Always verify the actual true height when hooked up unloaded.


    I will do this. Towing with standard Ram 3500 Dually but no lift kits or anything like that so may be 13'4" overall anyway. Was just thinking RV's are now allowed to be a bit over since top height is the AC unit and cannot damage bridge structure if it touches. And it still should never touch as a bridge height restriction has to have at least several more inches.

    And the paving thing is another interesting point. Wonder how many overpasses are mislabeled. At least it's only a $1500 mistake. If I misjudge depth running my boat it's more like $10,000. If she still floats afterward.
  • No correct answer for you. Ive seen bridge heights change, repaving, etc. They never fix the height on the sign. And if driving in the snow, it will add aome height. So , take it slowly. And be prepared to stop. Have someone guide you. Or go around.
  • I would get a true measurement on your rig. Use a straight edge and level to extend the high point on the rig. Dangle a measuring tape down to helper on the ground.
    Have the rig loaded for the road without water.
    Don't trust the signs on the highways to be the gospel.
    Planning on going to Canada, change to metric. I had phenolic label made for the dash.
  • There may be a fudge factor of a couple inches depending on the overpass. Some places the posted clearance could be 6 inches lower than actual height while others could just be 1 inch off.

    Now, I'm sure you know this but the height listed may not be the actual height when attached to your vehicle. Always verify the actual true height when hooked up unloaded.
  • Assumed “fudge factors” have caused a lot of damage to RVs, bridges and truck cargo.