Forum Discussion

Unicorn1108's avatar
Unicorn1108
Explorer
Sep 17, 2015

How tall is too tall?

We've got a class A with a height of 12 feet three inches. Putting 12 feet six into the GPS, we've never had a problem getting where we wanted. I've only had the rig for a year, but already I'm looking into upgrades. :-) A lot of the MHs I like are taller, some over 13 feet. I think that would have fit under the bridges we've encountered, but I don't remember that well. Trees are another issue. We've dragged lighter branches along the roof a few times, so I expect if we were taller, we might have encountered a thicker branch.

Does anyone here wish their RV was a few inches shorter? How has your height caused serious problems for you? Do you think your next RV will be less tall?
Seeking Advice
  • wbwood's avatar
    wbwood
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2015
    Our Class C is 10'10" tall with the AC. Interior height is 6'10" tall. Plenty big.

    We just don't have a lot of basement storage. Enough storage though.
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    Sep 19, 2015
    Bill1374 wrote:
    The minimum interstate clearance is supposed to be 14 foot but many repaved roads may be less than that.
    The state laws for vehicle heigth generally state 13 foot 6 inches.


    13'6" is the maximum height.
  • PastorCharlie's avatar
    PastorCharlie
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2015
    My Newmar is 12' 10". Measured from the top of the satellite antenna. I have encountered 2 bridges 13' 6", one on a major Interstate and one on a side road. I have replaced 2, (18") antennas that have been broken from hitting low bridges. Antennas take a beating on low bridges.

    There are around 5,000 bridges under 13' 6" in the US. My Rand McNally RVND 7720 has low clearances programmed into it and I downloaded the low bridges into my Delorme system. Thus far they have done a good job of routing for my needs. On the Delorme system I can look and see all the low bridges Icons on the map.

    This is what the clearances are supposed to be: CLICKY
  • Unicorn1108's avatar
    Unicorn1108
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2015
    2oldman wrote:
    Unicorn1108 wrote:
    Putting 12 feet six into the GPS, we've never had a problem getting where we wanted.
    Does it really work in your GPS?


    It's worked so far, but sometimes we need to override the GPS routing, because it can be too cautious. It avoids windy roads, sometimes adding 100 miles to a trip. Combining the GPS with GoodSam and Google Maps routing, we usually get something good. We trick the GPS into going the way we want by inserting a way point, which we remove when we get close to it.
  • minnow's avatar
    minnow
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    Wadcutter wrote:
    ...While you sat on the radio and answered calls I was out there enforcing the law, taught truck law for many years, and was recognized by state and federal courts as an expert in truck laws. A bit of a difference.
    Any LEO who has done any amount of truck enforcement knows the box trailers seen out on the highways are generally 13'6". If a person doesn't know then all they have to do is read the side of many trailers which will sometimes have the height and length printed on the trailer.



    For fans of the old TV show, "That 70's Show" in the words of Kelso "BURN!!!!'
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2015
    cmeade wrote:
    Maximum legal height for all vehicles in CA is 14 ft. No problem with clearance as long as you are under this. Overheight = ticket.


    I think it is 13-6" but all bridges are way taller or clearly marked with big warnings if they are lower.
    I had my truck camper sitting 13' on utility body and the only problem were branches on my street.
    Still going into woods doesn't hurt to take saw with you.

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