I'm purchasing a 13'2" toy hauler shortly, and I'm wondering about height of branches and clearances in campgrounds, low clearances etc. Wondering if there is a laser measure out there that would allow measurement from ground to a branch to see if I'd fit or not? Seems it would be awfully nice on those 'close' overpasses too where they might be marked at 13'6"...would be nice to ensure that asphalt layers and/or a mis-marked sign aren't an issue. Would this work?

I use a retrachable measurering stick, the truckers use, when I can

Where could I buy one? Seems like it would be nice to have at least *some* reassurance of what the height is. Would be useful for measuring width too.

I climb the rear ladder and eyeball it.Did find a RailRoad overpass marked 13 ft which is enough for my 5th wheel to clear. Something didn't feel right so I stopped short of the bridge, got up on the ladder and sure enough there was a steel girder and a pipe hanging down low enough it would have taken out my A/C unit. Upon closer inspection it looked like a truck had hit the bridge and knocked the girder loose. The pipe was for a light that also had been knocked loose.

There's a product exactly made like you describe:http://www.giraffeg4.com/rv.html

Anyone use a laser measure to measure height or clearance?

18 Replies

bpounds
Nomad
Jan 11, 2014
hbensley wrote:
I've used 1/2" pvc pipe the length of which is equal to your travelling RV height. I had two pieces joined with a connector. This means you have to get out and manually check for clearance.
Place one end on the ground under the clearance in question; if the other end clears it then you are good to go. Personally I've only used this in campgrounds for tree limb clearance. This was in the Trailer Life mag a few years ago.

This is along the lines of my idea too. But instead of using something the height of the trailer, just use something that, when held in YOUR hand, equals the height of the trailer. A person reaching upward can typically reach 7-8', so you would only need a length of PVC another 5-6'. Of course it will only work for the one person. But it would be considerably more convenient to carry and store.
JBarca
Nomad II
Jan 11, 2014
hbensley wrote:
I've used 1/2" pvc pipe the length of which is equal to your travelling RV height. I had two pieces joined with a connector. This means you have to get out and manually check for clearance.
Place one end on the ground under the clearance in question; if the other end clears it then you are good to go. Personally I've only used this in campgrounds for tree limb clearance. This was in the Trailer Life mag a few years ago.

That is good idea!! Simple and very effective. Thanks for sharing.
hbensley
Explorer
Jan 10, 2014
I've used 1/2" pvc pipe the length of which is equal to your travelling RV height. I had two pieces joined with a connector. This means you have to get out and manually check for clearance.
Place one end on the ground under the clearance in question; if the other end clears it then you are good to go. Personally I've only used this in campgrounds for tree limb clearance. This was in the Trailer Life mag a few years ago.
TugCE
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
I leaned a trick from some Captains that worked on the N.Y. State Barge Canal System years ago. Now this only works if you can get eye level with the highest point on your rig. When looking towards the bridge (eye level with the highest point on your rig) if you can see the rivets or the beam on the far side of the bridge you will fit as it means that you are looking up at it, now you may not clear by much but you will clear.

Now I realize this method will not work while running down the road but it will help if you get stuck and stopped at a low bridge.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jan 09, 2014
Most of the cameras aren't very good at perspective so it might be hard to really judge how close you're going to be.
wnjj
Explorer II
Jan 09, 2014
How about a camera looking across the roof so you could just watch for stuff?
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 08, 2014
sptddog wrote:
Mostly interstates until we get close to home and where we store it, those will be the only concern on the way home.

I'm aware of the tail swing, heard it mentioned on RV forums all around. I wonder every time I read it why it's so prevalant...I pulled at 38 foot gooseneck horse trailer for years and never noticed 'tailswing' enough to feel like it was an issue. Maybe I was lucky lol. I do wonder if it's less prevalent on a horse trailer where the axels are set further back than on a 5th wheel camper.

Tail swing on a 5er should only be an issue, on a very sharp trun as they tend to track inside the TV.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jan 08, 2014
You got it.

The horse trailer wheels are generally placed further towards the rear compared to a 5th wheel RV trailer, which means there is much less tail swing.
sptddog
Explorer
Jan 08, 2014
Mostly interstates until we get close to home and where we store it, those will be the only concern on the way home.

I'm aware of the tail swing, heard it mentioned on RV forums all around. I wonder every time I read it why it's so prevalant...I pulled at 38 foot gooseneck horse trailer for years and never noticed 'tailswing' enough to feel like it was an issue. Maybe I was lucky lol. I do wonder if it's less prevalent on a horse trailer where the axels are set further back than on a 5th wheel camper.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 08, 2014
sptddog wrote:
That giraffe thing is pretty cool - though it is pricier. I might search out reviews of it and see what it's all about.

I'll def get up there and measure, probably before we leave the dealer on Friday (we have a 7 hour drive home with it).

IF running interstates you won't have any clearance problems.
Those happen when you get off the beaten path.
And don't forget about 'tail swing' :B