Overpass Minimum Height

[Quadcab]

Since we just added a 2nd AC to the front of our new 5th wheel, we are wondering if we could be too high overall when travelling under highway overpasses. Anyone know the minimum clearance height for most highways & interstates? We look to be close to 13' or so when hooked up. Any feedback will be appreciated. Thanks!

[Bedlam]

Use tractor pull through when in doubt on the interstates. On secondaries, don’t be afraid to ask about heights or to be spotted for clearance.

[gtnsmlr]

Ok, this tread has got me all worked up again. I need help creating a national movement to make it mandatory that ALL GAS STATIONS POST CLEARANCE HEIGHTS ON THE ISLAND CANOPIES. I’m dead serious here, I’m 13-2 to the top of the AC and have drove by a lot of stations that that were probably good, it’s a bigger issue traveling cross country with the greater distance between stops. Anyone want to help with a letter campaign or anything else that would help? We need to make a big stink for a small issue.

[jamesu]

Ava wrote:
If you are travelling to Canada anytime, write down the metric conversion height as well.

Very good idea.

[hotpepperkid]

Quadcab wrote:
Since we just added a 2nd AC to the front of our new 5th wheel, we are wondering if we could be too high overall when travelling under highway overpasses. Anyone know the minimum clearance height for most highways & interstates? We look to be close to 13' or so when hooked up. Any feedback will be appreciated. Thanks!

You need to measure it. We look close to 13' the over pass looks close to 13'4" well guess what you are 13'2" and the over pass turns out to be 12'11". There goes the top 3" of your AC

[BenK]

Also know that, that sign with the bridge/overpass/etc height is at the bridge

If the road dips down underneath the bridge..."YOUR" actual height maybe more than you measured on level ground...

[Grit_dog]

“I also have clearance issues at coin op sled car washes.”

Lol this brings back a memory. I used to have clearance issues but the wife was spotting for me pulling into one in Montana and she helped me remove the offending clearance issue....well it was only half removed at that point, more like crunched up!
Best part was we were pulling out and my 12 year old at the time, takes his headphones off and says “why didn’t you use that outside bay right there dad??”
I coulda slapped him!

[Bedlam]

My truck camper is just under 13.5’. It’s fine on interstates, but I had reroute twice in Greensboro, NC on local routes yesterday due to low railway bridges closer to 12’. It’s not unique to NC - I had same problem in downtown Spokane, WA. I also have clearance issues at coin-op self car washes.

[Devocamper]

(We look to be close to 13' or so when hooked up)!!

this is your first problem you need to know not guess! the front AC will be your highest point put a straight edge on top of it and measure to the ground . remember It is not just highway overpasses ,its trees and utility wires as well that you need to watch for !

[memtb]

You should be fine on interstates......highways will be a “crapshoot”! You should be good on most highways, but there’s always the posibility one may “sneak” up on you. If you stay on “designated” truck routes, you should be good, but, you will miss some of the good things about rv’ing. We’re pushing 13’6” , and are cautious about road choices. Overpasses are “NOT” your only concern. Last year, we were on a well used rural 2 lane road - no overpasses - we found a low hanging limb. No serious damage.....but contact none the less!

[BenK]

Used to travel on business to this area in S Carolina and saw a couple of accidents on thus bridge


https://youtu.be/USu8vT_tfdw

Never know when you might come across this situation...when Mr Murphy stikes...

[tomman58]

Watch side roads and highways. We were in the south and there was a RR bridge that was 10' my bold gamin sent me there. Was saved by the guy in a corner house that came yelling at me as I turned. I was able to back up and go another way.

[Ava]

If you are travelling to Canada anytime, write down the metric conversion height as well.

[jamesu]

I’m 11’4”, as I am sure the rest of us are, give or take. When I am towing I have that dimension on a sticky taped to my dashboard to remind me just in case I approach a low slung looking bridge. You never know when it might come in handy.

[azrving]

Put a level on it and a tape measure to the ground then put a sticker on your dash board.

50 mph isn't when you want your mind racing to remember what the height is. I'm 12'10" and been under a couple of them that where less than 13'6".

I pulled into an older gas station in a pinch that wasn't posted and looked low. As I pulled in I kept going up the ladder to look and the gal came out and said yes its low, another guy busted out a row of lights the other day. I wasn't double towing at the time and backed out.

As far as bridges etc, buy the motor carriers road atlas. Since I'm double towing and diesel I try to always go to truck stops.
Google Earth/street view is very handy for planning.

This is no rule but the newer places along the main routes seem to all be fine. The low places I've run into were older more rural and old rail under passes. Its reassuring to see semi trucks on your route.