5th wheel height

[Whiskey_River]

Is the height of a 5th wheel as marked in the various brochures of any of the builders out there, the height of the roof to level ground, or the height of the highest point on the roof to level ground. Highest point would include say the front vent closed and measuring 4 inches high closed. Would the 4 inches be included in the given height.
Thinking of adding the second A/C unit and don't want to become a U Tube sensation shown ripping off everything on the roof.... I will measure it, but setting in a gravel lot, easy to be off by an inch or 2.

[TucsonJim]

Awesome, it looks like you're good to go. Don't worry about me going on the roof. I figured as long as I was going up, it was time for an inspection anyway.

Good luck with the ark.

Jim

[Whiskey_River]

Thanks for that Jim, as I didn't mean for you to get on the roof. I can't get on the roof to measure as I am in Florida and if it don't stop raining soon, I will have to bag the A/C mod and try to get pontoons on the 5er someway.
My rig brochure says 12'8". So if I deduct the 4" for the front vent as it is removed, I am now at 12'4", and then add 11 3/8", even 12", I am at 13'4". So I need to measure but based on your 11 3/8 I have somewhere around 2 to 2 5/8 inches before I get to the 13' 6" drop dead number.
Thanks again....

[Allworth]

Once you have it measured and written down; convert to meters and write that on the back of the card. You will be glad when you decide, one day, to go to Canada.

[TucsonJim]

I just got off the roof. I measured in several places and found the highest point from the roof to the top of the AC unit was 11-3/8".

[Whiskey_River]

OK, thanks all...
As I said in my original post, I am going to measure, and measure hooked up. I thought the given height on the sales brochure would be the highest point on the roof. I bought the 5er new and have not reversed the shackles, flipped the axles or put on larger tires. I also think the 13'6" height is for all interstate highways and if any bridge, underpass, or tunnel is less than that on any road it is supposed to be marked, signed, or flashing lights. Key word there is "supposed".

As a follow up question for anyone that has installed a front A/C, especially TucsonJim, as I looked up the height of the Penguin low profile and it is listed as 9 3/4". After removing the vent and installing the a/c is the 9 3/4 a good number. Just trying to make sure that what the specs for any of the a/c's are close, not advertising a 10 inch height and after installing it, it is 12...

[azrving]

Most fuel stops are assumed to be tall enough but it's best to check for yourself at times. I had to do one fuel stop that just didn't look high enough so I pulled up close and went up the ladder. It would clear but not by much and I'm at 12' 10". The cashier came out and said that someone just took out the lights in the next lane over so be careful!!! Be careful? 🙂

We like truck stops and large chains like Shell.

[filrupmark]

We are at 13'1 hooked up with a low profile 2nd A/C . You have to always pay attention for trees , gas station covers and just whatever. So far no problems.

[RollandB]

As a carpenter once taught me, measure twice, cut once. In the RV world, measure twice, don't smash.....;-) (and keep an eye out for low branches)

I can't remember for sure the height noted on the brochure, but after the fact vent covers went on. Before the purchase I requested to know the measurement, then once home in the driveway, still connected to our truck and on level ground, before I loaded anything in I measured, 13'4" at the highest point.

[azrving]

After using a tape measure and a level I placed a sticker on the dashboard.

[TucsonJim]

thirtydaZe wrote:
at the end of the day is there a maximum allowance as far as height is concerned? unless of course if you leave your antennae up or something at fault like that?

13'-6" All trucks are required to be this height or less. Any taller, and a permit is needed.

[thirtydaZe]

at the end of the day is there a maximum allowance as far as height is concerned? unless of course if you leave your antennae up or something at fault like that?

[rhagfo]

Veebyes wrote:
I assume stock trailer, trimmed floor level for brochure spec.

What happens after flipping axles, installing taller tires, things like Correct Track & ready for road height is anyones guess.

If a semi can, I can with plenty room to spare.

I believe the standard height for a Semi is 13'-6", I assume nothing until I measure!!

Correct-Trak and wet-bolts going on next nice day, once complete, will measure again.

[Veebyes]

I assume stock trailer, trimmed floor level for brochure spec.

What happens after flipping axles, installing taller tires, things like Correct Track & ready for road height is anyones guess.

If a semi can, I can with plenty room to spare.

[TucsonJim]

Make sure you measure the height of the rig when it is hooked up to YOUR truck. They can publish any number they want, but it will not be the same when you're hooked up.

The published number is the highest point with the installed components, which is usually a rear AC. If you add a front AC, the height will likely be higher. I installed a Dometic Penguin low profile unit on mine, and it saved me several inches. My hitched height is 12'-10".

The way I measured was to hook up and park on flat and level ground. Then I took a straight 2x4 and set one end on the highest point which is my front AC. Next, I placed a level on the 2x4 and held it level. My DW ran a tape measure to the bottom of the 2x4 where it extended past the FW, and measured to the ground. I made a label and attached it to the TPMS monitor so I can see it any time I need a reminder of the height. Just remember, that bumps, hills, and your load can change the height, so make sure you don't cut it too close.