Forum Discussion

gitpicker2009's avatar
gitpicker2009
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013

The importance of knowing how tall your rig really is

Today, I was on the way back from a 2 day trip with the TC on my new truck, and stopped to get some diesel. It was a small country store with an older fueling area and the roof sign said 12 feet.

Having actually measured to the ground while standing on the roof, I was confident that I was clear. Even so, I drove partially under it, then climbed up the ladder to check. All was well, thank God:)

However, a friend of mine sent me this video where a lot of people were not so lucky with a trestle bridge with only 11' 8" clearance.

Amazing how many people just crash into this thing, and the scenes where the the people with campers literally shave the air conditioners right off was astonishing to watch.

Here's a link to the vid, and remember: check your height.

http://www.prochan.com/view?p=da1_1351183858


anthony
Truck Campers

30 Replies

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  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2013
    Pathfinder450 wrote:
    I too am aware of the 11.8 video but feel that threads like this can really help out before any damage can be done! Now in my case my truck camper on the truck did measure at 13.7. That's change now as I have a new satellite antenna that I would say is about 6 inches taller. I need to take another measurement but I also do not have a latter on the TC making it difficult. Below are some images of my TC. Image of Chalet TS-116

    http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z378/Pathfinder450/Lincoln%20California%202012/0fa24aff.jpg

    Hope the images come through. It's been a while since I last tried this. :)




    You can post a picture, use the "Advanced Post" and then use the little yellow and gray postcard looking icon to open a subroutine, that you can put the URL in, then add 420 height and 570 width.

    It is easy, I had no instructions either.



    From the front, the dish does make it look much taller, but from the side, it barely looks any higher than the exsisting A/C unit. Still stay under 14' until you have time to measure accurately.

    Good luck!

    Fred
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2013
    gitpicker2009 wrote:
    Today, I was on the way back from a 2 day trip with the TC on my new truck, and stopped to get some diesel. It was a small country store with an older fueling area and the roof sign said 12 feet.

    Having actually measured to the ground while standing on the roof, I was confident that I was clear. Even so, I drove partially under it, then climbed up the ladder to check. All was well, thank God:)

    However, a friend of mine sent me this video where a lot of people were not so lucky with a trestle bridge with only 11' 8" clearance.

    Amazing how many people just crash into this thing, and the scenes where the the people with campers literally shave the air conditioners right off was astonishing to watch.

    Here's a link to the vid, and remember: check your height.

    Clicky


    anthony


    Yes it is important!

    Fred.
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2013
    I watched a DP rip two large branchs off a tree while backing into his site. His DW never telling him to stop. Nice tear in his roof and all he could say was I guess I'll have to get that fixed next week. At our first stop we spent 15 minutes trimming trees so we could fit into our spot and the ranger came by and apologized for not having the trees trimmed up. Will start carrying a pole saw to make this easier. Travel on.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 21, 2013
    I measured mine.....13' 5" to top of A/C shroud

    I have no problem with bridges/tunnels.....they are marked and I either have the clearance or don't

    Branches hanging over roadway are the killers......no signs :B
  • Pathfinder450's avatar
    Pathfinder450
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2013
    I too am aware of the 11.8 video but feel that threads like this can really help out before any damage can be done! Now in my case my truck camper on the truck did measure at 13.7. That's change now as I have a new satellite antenna that I would say is about 6 inches taller. I need to take another measurement but I also do not have a latter on the TC making it difficult. Below are some images of my TC. Image of Chalet TS-116

    http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z378/Pathfinder450/Lincoln%20California%202012/0fa24aff.jpg

    Hope the images come through. It's been a while since I last tried this. :)
  • SugarHillCTD's avatar
    SugarHillCTD
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2013
    2 weeks ago we were in Acadia Nat'l Park in Maine.

    The park loop road has 2 "low bridges" and another "very low bridge" on the southern access road.

    That very low bridge is posted as 10'-6". But that must be measured at the edge of the pavement. It is a very tall arch and we went through early in the day. I straddled the center line and had Cathy walk ahead and look at our clearance. She said that we must have had 3' of room over our TC. :o
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2013
    Clearance height is posted on back of our sun visor.

    When I was a truck driver what used to scare me the most is when the road was re-paved (added couple inches of asphalt) and the sign was never updated or changed.
  • YnotTurbo's avatar
    YnotTurbo
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2013
    We are right at 13' 2". I get nervous anytime I go thru tunnels and some bridges even if the sign states 14 feet. Just not a lot of room for error...
  • mrkoje's avatar
    mrkoje
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2013
    I've seen this same video on RV.net before and it is still a good reminder to be cautious and observant of your actual height while RV'ing. Thanks Anthony.

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