New to fivers - Bridge

Only once did we encounter too low of bridge when we were full-timing. We saw only a dirt road to the right, took it in a little ways and had to back all the way out with the fiver behind us. The blocked traffic as we backed out onto to the road. Once we got out saw a large parking lot to our left that we could have swung into and easily turned around! LOL Such is life on the road.

Similar to bpounds but I have a clear label on my mirror for the 5vr height.

bpounds wrote:

Red Wolf wrote:
Hi all! Our new 12.5' tall will be arriving in a few weeks, and I wanted to ask you wise, older 5ers....how often do you need to worry about low bridges? I figure if I'm on interstates it's not an issue, but I'm not usually traveling on interstates, but back roads, I thought I'd ask. :)

Our Jayco TT was only 11.5' tall, and I never worried about it.

I never "worry" about bridges. But I am always aware of bridges. Seen plenty of them that would be too low for any travel trailer, but always in locations I wouldn't be pulling one anyway.

Just pay attention and you'll be okay. Anything less than 14' will be clearly marked.

And definitely measure the rig yourself. Don't believe any literature. Then, so I don't forget how tall I am, I made these labels for the fiver. They are always visible in my mirrors and keep the limits in my head.

A+ on originality! Great idea.

Only once in 6 years have we had to detour. We MIGHT have fit, but someone would have had to gone on the roof to watch. We made a left and found another route around. It's really not a big deal, but I am aware of our height. Anything under 13' and the warning goes off in my mind. We're just about 12' 6".

Once you get some experience, watching height of your trailer becomes second nature.

I remember following our GPS in Durham, NC. Round a curve and see the low bridge. Instantly hooked a left turn. The only turn off before the bridge. Never saw any height limit sign. But I knew we weren't going to fit under that bridge. And I wasn't about to back up in traffic. Had no idea where the left turn was going to take us. But I thought we could figure in out. And we did.

The point is...after a while you just develop a "sense" for large towing. And there are a few things you just train yourself to look out for.

Red Wolf wrote:
Hi all! Our new 12.5' tall will be arriving in a few weeks, and I wanted to ask you wise, older 5ers....how often do you need to worry about low bridges? I figure if I'm on interstates it's not an issue, but I'm not usually traveling on interstates, but back roads, I thought I'd ask. :)

Our Jayco TT was only 11.5' tall, and I never worried about it.

I never "worry" about bridges. But I am always aware of bridges. Seen plenty of them that would be too low for any travel trailer, but always in locations I wouldn't be pulling one anyway.

Just pay attention and you'll be okay. Anything less than 14' will be clearly marked.

And definitely measure the rig yourself. Don't believe any literature. Then, so I don't forget how tall I am, I made these labels for the fiver. They are always visible in my mirrors and keep the limits in my head.

Not so much but I've come across several low bridges though I was not towing. Low for me is 13' or less. I do all my route planning ahead of time so I don't encounter any low bridges. However, what is worse are some fuel stations and low hanging branches.
The Best for last..."WILL IT CLEAR ?" video above is hilarious.

Really, just a matter of paying attention and not off daydreaming.

My 5vr measures 13' 4" at the top of A/C Unit.

For 7 yrs. we traveled all over the USA on secondary/back-roads cause I hate Interstates.

Three times we came upon overpasses that were too low (well actually we were to tall). All were clearly marked long before we actually came to them.

Big deal.....NO. Turned around and went a different way.

One CG we stayed in in NH clearly stated on their website to NOT go by GPS or come in from northern route....low bridge.
A evening stroll thru campground it was clear who didn't heed warning or pay attention. :S

ol Bombero-JC wrote:


And......video clips for "45Richochet"..:W

"NEWS" (North, East, West, South) -
Lots of "pro" and amateur drivers meeting "Murphy"......

"Bridge Idiots"

Good, Bad & Ugly

Don't fit = "The" fits!

KC Semi & Cattle

Best for last..."WILL IT CLEAR ?" - regulations and ...trucks, buses, under bridges, spectacular "going down the highway" clips!
RV at 1:28 and the infamous bank drive-thru overhang at 1:58.


~

Good stuff, especially the last!

Good reminder to be watchful of their height as well as yours.

And - be sure to watch out for those "ricochets"!

Duck?

Red Wolf wrote:

45Ricochet wrote:
Yes measure it sitting on your truck.

Just keep a good eye on signs, even then back roads may not have em.

Oh, that makes me cry. :D

With that 8 ft sign staring at you, if I came upon that scene it would be hard to stop laughing. I bet it was fun to watch!

B.O.