Forum Discussion

sbergherr's avatar
sbergherr
Explorer
Mar 21, 2018

Navigating low clearances/city roads

We recently completed our annual Spring Break camping trip, this year however with a much larger RV in tow. We bought our 5er before Christmas and this was the first tow to somewhere we have never driven before. We didn't have any issues towing in high winds, traffic etc., but I did run into some issues in/around dallas, Tx with a few very low bridges. We measured 14'2" to the top of the A/C unit the highest point. The last bridge we came across was a mere 14' even. So we obviously had to navigate around on the fly in a busy area.

My question....is there a navigating system you guys use to help with this issue? Our coach can't be the tallest RV on the road...

I have read reviews on the Rand McNally, and Garmin Rv Nav units with very mixed reviews, just don't want to spend the 400$ and run into the same issues as we had before. Just looking to lower the stress levels a bit.

THanks in advance.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2018
    Remeasure your trailer as I seriously doubt your trailer is over 14' high. 18 wheelers aren't that tall. My trailer is under 13' and it's huge.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 21, 2018
    You don't say what model FW you have, but that is taller than most. I think most modern roadways/bridges are designed to allow 13' 6" clearance. I'm sure there are apps for truckers, covering major roads/cities.

    Jerry
  • Tyler0215's avatar
    Tyler0215
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2018
    Re-measure! Federal height regs is 13'6" I doubt you are over that.
  • CarnationSailor's avatar
    CarnationSailor
    Nomad
    Mar 21, 2018
    My 5th wheel is 13'-2" tall and I use the Rand McNally Motor Carriers Atlas (about $15) to plan my routes and avoid low clearance obstructions.
  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Mar 21, 2018
    Is your trailer level when you tow or do you have some enormous lift on your truck?
  • David_and_Chris's avatar
    David_and_Chris
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2018
    CarnationSailor wrote:
    My 5th wheel is 13'-2" tall and I use the Rand McNally Motor Carriers Atlas (about $15) to plan my routes and avoid low clearance obstructions.

    Thanks I couldn't remember the name of the Atlas.

    David
  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Mar 21, 2018
    sbergherr wrote:
    We recently completed our annual Spring Break camping trip, this year however with a much larger RV in tow. We bought our 5er before Christmas and this was the first tow to somewhere we have never driven before. We didn't have any issues towing in high winds, traffic etc., but I did run into some issues in/around dallas, Tx with a few very low bridges. We measured 14'2" to the top of the A/C unit the highest point. The last bridge we came across was a mere 14' even. So we obviously had to navigate around on the fly in a busy area.

    My question....is there a navigating system you guys use to help with this issue? Our coach can't be the tallest RV on the road...

    I have read reviews on the Rand McNally, and Garmin Rv Nav units with very mixed reviews, just don't want to spend the 400$ and run into the same issues as we had before. Just looking to lower the stress levels a bit.

    THanks in advance.


    At 14'2", you're 6" over legal height and, technically, might need a permit to move it. I'd remeasure, first. There is an excellent database that can be purchased, called Route-1, and you can find it at www.lowclearances.com. $75 USD for both US and Canada with lifetime updates. Has over 7,000 low clearance data points and is a simple upload to your favorite nav device or app. All major devices are supported as are Android and iOS and on-board apps.

    Lyle

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025