Forum Discussion

susblum's avatar
susblum
Explorer
Apr 19, 2017

GPS for up to date low overhang bridge clearance?

We have GPS in our vehicle and 2 smart phones with GPS. Planning a route and realized that there is a new overpass there now. Our GPS(s) don't record bridge clearance. If it was a state road we could google that info. There has to be a better way.
Not interested in size of screen, location of Walmarts etc. Just looking for the best unit for up to date restrictions for propane and overpass height.
What do you recommend?
  • Keep in mind that after something new is added to any road it may take years before another audit is performed and the new item is incorporated into the data base.
  • We just bought the newly released Garmin RV 770 LMT-S which seems to cover those concerns very well. But it's nearly $400.

    Jim
  • be forwarned. trusting the GPS for bridge or tunnel clearance is somewhat fraught with issues. One major one we have encountered is that the bridge data is based on what the state has listed on clearance. and in some cases that will give somewhat bogus or useless info, some post the minimum SIDE clearance rather than normal overhead traffic lane clearance. and hence will try to route you around areas you can go through.

    As an example SR-14 in washington according to my GPS says I have clearance problems with tunnels as well as 101 down the coast. but in all cases overhead clearance is just fine, it's the out of traffic lane edge clearance that is sometimes near 10 feet and that is what GPS gives for clearance.

    So, while useful, it isn't always accurate and can send you on a wild goose chase.
  • We don't rely on our GPS. We use Rand McNally Truckers Atlas and stay on roads that are truck routes. We match up what our GPS is telling us with the atlas before we head out on the road. We have had 5 GPS's now and none have been totally reliable for routing a big rig.
  • Don't blame your GPS.
    They get the maps from county and states. If they're slow with the update nobody gets it.