Question about height?

There is a tunnel several miles in from the north entrance to Skyline Drive on the Blue Ridge. The ranger at the gate didn't mention it. It is marked 13 feet, and my rig runs 13'3" to the top of the forward AC. Fortunately, the tunnel has a Roman arched roof, and I was able to go down the middle. Also fortunate was the fact that I didn't encounter any oncoming traffic.

The alternative to going through was backing at least four miles as there are no turnouts long enough or wide enough to turn a long fifth wheel.

As far as gas stations go, I'm used to truck stops because of the diesel motor home and the size of that rig. I'll probably continue doing that since the 5th wheel is 38' long.

This is why I'm still looking for a new fifth wheel to replace our ageing Jayco that is only 11' and change high. I'm very tempted by the Forest River Aviator, but that would be going over to the dark side.

WyoTraveler wrote:


Sometimes in low tunnels highway 14 north of the Columbia River near Lyle, Washington you can take your lane out of the middle when no oncoming traffic.

Hey we got detoured off I84 onto that road :E What a joy it was to see the "Tunnel sign warning of 12' ". :M Lucky nobody was coming the other way cause I was going dead center with the flasher's going.
Point being most tunnels I've seen are measured from the curb side to the top. There is another one just like it in Lake Tahoe, but the one in the Black Hills is off the table :B

We are 12' 6" and found that gas station canopies are probably one of the worst problems, that and power lines in older campgrounds. We use Microsoft Streets and Trips, Megafile to help plan trips as it has low clearance files, we also own a Truckers Atlas, between the two we can plan a safe highway route, as for campgrounds and gas stations you learn to look up. I have a label on my dash that reminds me of my height in both Imperial and Metric units.

Allworth wrote:
Somebody asked about standards. When I was active in Traffic Engineering (8 years ago) the max vehicle height without oversize permit was 13'-6". Interstate standards required marking of any bridge with less than 15' clear at the lowest point. Most states have adopted the Federal Highway Administration standards for Federal Aid Primary and Secondary routes (Numbered U.S highways and State 4-lane highways).

That said, when repair or repaving work is done there is usually NOT any effort to remeasure the clear height. Repaving can add 2"; correcting the drainage cross-slope can add 3-3.5" and adding a lane can add 8" to the pavement surface, subtracting that much from the marked clearance.

Be carefull out there!

I was gonna say the same thing. You have to be REALLY carefull. There should be signs ahead of time as well for a lower than normal overpass, but not always. At least on the interstate you can drop off on the shoulder and gain a few inches to get under, usally.

We were going to cross the Chesapeake Bridge Bay Tunnel with our fiver at 13'4" but changed our mind when we called ahead and was told the Max clearance is 13'6". Too close for my comfort. They told me it would be no problem but I was not taking a chance. I like the idea of carrying a pole saw to trim those right of way trees. Travel on.

45Ricochet wrote:
Just have to watch the signs. Yup you can get in trouble very easily.
Most of the time it is in campground and older fuel stations.

That is why you can't carry passengers while towing.

Somebody asked about standards. When I was active in Traffic Engineering (8 years ago) the max vehicle height without oversize permit was 13'-6". Interstate standards required marking of any bridge with less than 15' clear at the lowest point. Most states have adopted the Federal Highway Administration standards for Federal Aid Primary and Secondary routes (Numbered U.S highways and State 4-lane highways).

That said, when repair or repaving work is done there is usually NOT any effort to remeasure the clear height. Repaving can add 2"; correcting the drainage cross-slope can add 3-3.5" and adding a lane can add 8" to the pavement surface, subtracting that much from the marked clearance.

Be carefull out there!

I have a pole saw that fits nicely in my baggage compartment. It extends, has a blade connected to a long rope and I can add a saw portion to the end of it. I have used it in State parks. No one has complained (they actually apologized for not keeping the trees trimmed better).