height of rig

PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:
Yes, most RV GPS units allow you to put in the rig height.

But remember, the GPS data is only as good as the data from the highway departments, and clearance never considers the entry/ exit road height changes which can make the roof of the rig higher than the level ride height.

I would personally be concerned about any bridge I approach which is listed as less than 1 foot of clearance for my rig.

In some states, Florida and the northeast mainly - 13'6" is over the legal limit. You won't get a ticket for an inch, but don't try to complain if you hit a bridge or traffic light.

Have to disagree, this is bad information. Florida has a statutory limit of 13'6", so if your were 13'7" you would be illegal. Colorado is the only state I am aware of that has a 13' statutory limit, but that is on non-designated roadways, so even in Colorado you are legal at 13'6" as long as you are on mostly interstates, US highways, and state routes.

My suggestion would be to get the Rand RV GPS and program in your height, weight, width, and everything else. In addition to using that while towing, purchased and consult a Truckers Atlas for your planned route. They are very easy to read and will list every low clearance in each state.

If you are just blindly traveling throughout the U.S. thinking you will see the yellow height sign that reads 13'4" in time to avoid it....raise your insurance limits and lower your deductible now.

Something else to keep in mind is that overpass clearance is measured underneath the whatever to the ground. If this is at the bottom of a dip with the road going down and then up afterwards, the effective clearance is going to be less - under older railroad bridges, a LOT less. Most of these and other less than 13' 6" ones are in the Northeast, but there are some elsewhere.

Allstays has a website with various 'Road Guides' one of which is for low clearance. There's also a Allstays Low Clearance app. I use these for route planning rather than navigating while i'm towing. Trying to avoid any surprises in height clearance as much as possible.

Allstays Road Guides

13'6" is supposed to be the federal minimum that a bridge can be. Watch for the yellow signs, and also beware of crossing a river or something ON a bridge. The outside lane may have less clearance due to the construction of the bridge.

RWjSIM2003 wrote:
We use the good Sam rand McNally GPS we picked up at camping world you ca program in your height it works great.

X2.

Keep it updated and stay on Interstates as much as possible.

What do you guys use to help navigate and stay away from low bridges?

Read the signs on public roads. Private property doesn't have to post anything, and your still at fault.

And not always "low bridges" (Stay on truck route) Beware of any clearance that is lower than what your height is.

I wrote my number down on a 3X5 card and paper clipped it to my sun visor, so I could refer often. But after awhile you'll learn your number.

I wouldn't put any faith in those GPS the are supposed to route you around either.

Here is an old vid but good visual of what can happen when you least expect it.

P.S. when that vid came out many thought she also got crushed, but no other info If I remember right.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_yMgHUL-LM

(I'm a retired truck driver of 34 plus years and never any overhead damage. Then one day in my own back yard I hit my own tree :E)

Yes, most RV GPS units allow you to put in the rig height.

But remember, the GPS data is only as good as the data from the highway departments, and clearance never considers the entry/ exit road height changes which can make the roof of the rig higher than the level ride height.

I would personally be concerned about any bridge I approach which is listed as less than 1 foot of clearance for my rig.

In some states, Florida and the northeast mainly - 13'6" is over the legal limit. You won't get a ticket for an inch, but don't try to complain if you hit a bridge or traffic light.

We use the good Sam rand McNally GPS we picked up at camping world you ca program in your height it works great.

Just watch for the clearance signs. We're at 13'3" and have only seen one overpass that scared us...13'6" in rural NC. I haven't checked into it myself but I've heard there are GPSs out there that you can program using height as a filter.

If I remember correctly Good Sams has some help in that direction. they can at least tell you where to get the help.