Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

[Hey Louie]

They list their overhead clearance at 13' 6". Our height is 13' 4". They get plenty of tractor trailer traffic. Is 13' 6" accurate? Not sure I'm comfortable with a 2 inch cushion. I got to believe we can get more than 2 inches of vertical travel when moving . We've been thru before but that was with our last 5er that was under 13 feet. What are your experiences?

[MattE303]

I haven't personally driven there (we're on the west coast), but I have read that quite often these clearances are measured when the tunnel is first constructed and never updated, even though resurfacing or other road maintenance can cause the actual clearance to be reduced. With only 2 inches to spare, I think you're wise to proceed cautiously!

[Tbos]

My rig is also 13’4”. I’m not going to try it. It’s a long way to drive around the bay but worth it as far as I’m concerned.

[sourdough]

I haven't been there but wouldn't try it; I would have traffic backed up trying to inch under it or trying to turn around. I wouldn't want to be THIS guy;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cytUSjHGY4I

Shorter bridge but you get the drift......:eek:

[bob91yj]

^^^^That isn't going to buff out!

[hankaye]

Hey Louie, Howdy;

I HAVE been over the bridge tunnel complex numerous times both as a regular
motorist and as a Over the Road driver. Plus I used to live in Va. Beach. Generally the lowering (re-paving), of a bridge underpass can squeeze a clearance height.
However, VA. Dot keeps a very tight eye on that complex. If you have any
questions you should be asking Va.DOT. Personally, I'd be more watchful of the
weather. Squalls come up with very little warning and can and have blown Big rigs off the bridge. Hard to blow ya off of a tunnel, :whistling:

hankaye

[Hey Louie]

My rig is also 13’4”. I’m not going to try it. It’s a long way to drive around the bay but worth it as far as I’m concerned.

We were thinking of an Outer Banks trip next year. Not using the CBBT adds 2.5 hours to our drive time. Not to mention driving around DC. But I'd rather show up whole a few hours later than busted up sooner.

[DOWva]

I live in Virginia and have been thru the tunnel many times with my rig which is 12' 8". I would contact VDOT Customer Service Center: 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623)

[Hey Louie]

So I called V DOT, the person I spoke with said the maximum height allowed is 13 6. They makes me believe that the ceiling is actually taller than 13 6. I asked the representative if that meant the ceiling was higher than 13 6 and he said the only information he had was the maximum allowable height.

[KParadis]

I take my 3820FK (13'5" high) to Camp Hatteras every year. You have to take the 64 tunnel when heading south and the 664 tunnel on your return trip north. The 64 northern tunnel and the 664 southern tunnel are restricted at 13'5".

[notanlines]

Here it is from the bridge/tunnel website:

"Gates are also needed to stop over-height trucks. Both of the tunnels can only accommodate a maximum height of 13’6”. District personnel have to inspect and measure any vehicle over that height requirement so that the driver can be turned around or properly adjust the height of the truck. Typically, this happens about 15 times per day. Allowing a truck to go unchecked is not only a safety issue but could also be very expensive."

Read it yourself at: http://www.cbbt.com/gated-lanes/

How have each of you measured your height?

On edit, both your tanks must be turned off before proceeding.

[Hey Louie]

I take my 3820FK (13'5" high) to Camp Hatteras every year. You have to take the 64 tunnel when heading south and the 664 tunnel on your return trip north. The 64 northern tunnel and the 664 southern tunnel are restricted at 13'5".
KParadis,
On a side note how do you like Camp Hatteras? That's where we were thinking of going.

[Hey Louie]

How have each of you measured your height?[/QUOTE]

What I did was hitch up on level land, sat a 2x4 on top the ac unit with a 4 foot level on top the 2x4 then measured from the ground to the bottom of the 2x4. Yes no maybe?

[Hey Louie]

Here it is from the bridge/tunnel website:

"Gates are also needed to stop over-height trucks. Both of the tunnels can only accommodate a maximum height of 13’6”. District personnel have to inspect and measure any vehicle over that height requirement so that the driver can be turned around or properly adjust the height of the truck. Typically, this happens about 15 times per day. Allowing a truck to go unchecked is not only a safety issue but could also be very expensive."

Read it yourself at: http://www.cbbt.com/gated-lanes/

How have each of you measured your height?

On edit, both your tanks must be turned off before proceeding.

Thanks Jim,
Good info. Makes me believe that at 13 4 I should have no problem.

[JRTJH]

How have each of you measured your height?

What I did was hitch up on level land, sat a 2x4 on top the ac unit with a 4 foot level on top the 2x4 then measured from the ground to the bottom of the 2x4. Yes no maybe? ?

If you're sure the 2x4 is level, then it's probably fairly accurate. What I do is find that "level place" with the trailer hitched to the truck (not all rigs tow level, many tow "nose high") and use a 10' 2x4 placed as level as I can get it over the highest point on the roof. Then I measure BOTH sides of the 2x4 and use the average of the two measurements. (old adage: Measure twice/cut once)....

By measuring both sides, you get a tad bit better assurance that the 2x4 is level and some "redundancy" if it isn't. But, if you're positive the 2x4 is level on the highest point, then measuring one side is also an accurate way to determine the height of your rig.

[Badbart56]

This thread has brought to my attention that upgrading my tires has likely (read, absolutely) raised my clearance height. My rig is listed as 13'4" going by Keystone's spec info. I'm sure it has raised it by at least two inches.

[notanlines]

Badbart, " I'm sure it has raised it by at least two inches." Tell us how you upgraded your tires and I'll bet you are simply mistaken. Upgrading tires/wheels on an RV generally would not involve a better than 4 inch diameter increase.

[Badbart56]

I went from a 235/80/16 to a 235/85/16 to get the 14 ply. The first thing you notice is how close the tires are to each other now.

[Pull Toy]

One quick point... One Question?

Trailer height is not a definite predetermined thing. The factory measure is done "level". With a 5er, if you're nose high, you will be taller. Also if you check the factory brochures, my 2013 is 12'9". Apparently they grew some (grew sum LOL)! Check the stat's on a 2018, with the same frame, same tire size and same A/Cs?

NOW the big question. Has anybody ever been "side lined" for LPG on board? I've never challenged it when they restrict HAZ-MAT and Propane? I've always taken the long way round, but as mentioned, its a pain in the Butt to go all the way around, AND the F.S. Key bridge scares the H*LL out of me!

Geo Washington Bridge in N.Y is a double decker, and directs LPG/Haz Mat to the upper level, but they have never (to my knowledge) enforced it for RVs.

Good Luck,

[sourdough]

Looks like the difference between the 235/80r/16 and the 235/85r/16 isn't that bad. From what I've found it is 30.8" vs 31.75" respectively.

[Badbart56]

Well I know not all tires are the same height regardless if they are the same "size" so I measured these Super Cargos and I get right at 31.5 with 90 psi in them. Looking up the specs on the Goodyear Marathons that these replaced it shows them being 30.7 inches. I guess it just seems so much bigger because there is so little space between the tires now. It does seem that they could have spaced the axles out a little bit more but I'm not an engineer. So I guess it's safe to say I'm sitting at 13'5" now.

[sourdough]

Well I know not all tires are the same height regardless if they are the same "size" so I measured these Super Cargos and I get right at 31.5 with 90 psi in them. Looking up the specs on the Goodyear Marathons that these replaced it shows them being 30.7 inches. I guess it just seems so much bigger because there is so little space between the tires now. It does seem that they could have spaced the axles out a little bit more but I'm not an engineer. So I guess it's safe to say I'm sitting at 13'5" now.

That sounds about right. At 31.5 I'm sure they are compressed a bit with the load. Remember, and I'm sure you do, that you decreased that gap by about 2" (an inch from each side). It looks like you have standard axle spacing so if you take what you have and add 2" to it, it would probably look about right to you. There's not a ton of space between the tires in the first place.

[Tbos]

I measured mine by using the tv cable strung across the road at our current CG. It measures 13,2” and hit 2” below my highest point. Fortunately it was loose and slid over as I very slowly proceeded. Since that time someone has taken it out with their rig and it is now higher and tighter.

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

Just for giggles, I looked up how to measure your RV tires (works for the TV also),
here's the link;
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-tires.aspx
Do what you want with the information...

hankaye

[fjr vfr]

[QUOTE=Pull Toy;297921]One quick point... One Question?

NOW the big question. Has anybody ever been "side lined" for LPG on board? I've never challenged it when they restrict HAZ-MAT and Propane? I've always taken the long way round, but as mentioned, its a pain in the Butt to go all the way around, AND the F.S. Key bridge scares the H*LL out of me!

Geo Washington Bridge in N.Y is a double decker, and directs LPG/Haz Mat to the upper level, but they have never (to my knowledge) enforced it for RVs.


That's a good question. Has anyone had this problem?


I have a question. Those of you that got on top of your rig and physically measured it. How close was the measurement to what was listed for your trailer?

[travelin texans]

That sounds about right. At 31.5 I'm sure they are compressed a bit with the load. Remember, and I'm sure you do, that you decreased that gap by about 2" (an inch from each side). It looks like you have standard axle spacing so if you take what you have and add 2" to it, it would probably look about right to you. There's not a ton of space between the tires in the first place.

My math equates .8" = 3/4"+ a bit of total height difference, so at most he lost .4" = 3/8"+ a bit per tire in the center which is about that 3/4"+ total not 2", but I failed ciphering a couple times. So by my math after putting a load on the new tires you wouldn't notice any difference in total rv heighth. The difference between the tires is most likely just dhe to different brand of tires.

[sourdough]

My math equates .8" = 3/4"+ a bit of total height difference, so at most he lost .4" = 3/8"+ a bit per tire in the center which is about that 3/4"+ total not 2", but I failed ciphering a couple times. So by my math after putting a load on the new tires you wouldn't notice any difference in total rv heighth. The difference between the tires is most likely just dhe to different brand of tires.


I cited the actual diameter of the tires. I mistakenly just took the difference and cited that as the difference of the circumference which should have been divided in half. My mistake. I appreciate you noting that. Ciphering and me do well, but not on this post:(

[Tbos]

Those of you that got on top of your rig and physically measured it. How close was the measurement to what was listed for your trailer?


The book list it at 13’4”. That’s what it ended up measuring too.

[Pull Toy]

I actually measured in at 12'9" hooked up to TV... but I would definitely want a spotter for anything posted as 13' or less. Who says they measured right? Bigger tires, new paving job, defective measuring stick, packed snow, etc... too many (expensive) variables.

Any more thoughts on LPG restrictions?

Good Luck,

[notanlines]

As far as the LPG goes, the only wish (regulation) is that your appliances be turned off. In other words, the valves shut on the tanks. I've never seen anybody checked in any tunnel we've travelled through.

[cdotson]

Hey Louie,

My parents are in the Salisbury area and I'm in the Richmond, VA area so I know the routes well. I've towed through the CBBT on a single round-trip but my camper's only 10'-6. The tunnels in the Hampton/Norfolk area have much better defined pull-off/inspection areas than does the CBBT, but you are supposed to pull over and demonstrate your propane tanks are off at the tank valve. I didn't at the CBBT because there was no clear pulloff.

If you want to skip the bridge/tunnel but avoid DC there are a couple routes through southern MD. The easiest is to take US 50 west to US 301 south through Bowie/Waldorf, but in my experience 301 between 50 and the Potomac has a lot of lights and a lot of traffic. You can get off 50W at Annapolis and take MD-2 south to Rt 4 to Prince Frederick, then turn west and pick up 301 between La Plata and the Potomac. It's a fairly pleasant drive with minimal traffic south of suburban Annapolis and takes you through more rural areas. Won't save you time but probably fewer pucker moments.

A neighbor of mine is an engineer for a VDOT contractor. I'll see if he knows about the CBBT height.

[Hey Louie]

Hey Louie,


A neighbor of mine is an engineer for a VDOT contractor. I'll see if he knows about the CBBT height.

thanks cdotson, I'd be interested to hear what your neighbor has to say.
I also looked at alternate routes and they all seem to add about 3 hours to the drive. I do however like that your route bypass the Baltimore/ DC area.

[oldmanbill]

drove a 13-6 big truck for years, on a main thru-fare if it says 13-6 you can bet it will clear. Check with dot if unsure and be sure you are accurate on your height. On that major of a road you can bet they check vehicles electronically. Imagine if big trucks got wedged in the tunnel. I have been turned around many times, especially at the Lincoln tunnel in NYC. 13-6 is the max and is a common build.

[oldmanbill]

you need two antennas on your pickup, one about 13-8 and one 13.6. They will let you know if you are too tall. The 2 antennas on truck mirrors many times do more than cb. You may see big trucks almost stop at a questionable bridge and then go on through as he checks if the antennas clear.

[donsantell]

Lower the air pressure in your rigs tires, drive slowly and refill tires on the other side of bridge.

[goodellj]

I have been through the Chesapeake Bridge Tunnel many times with my 13'2" 5th wheel, and I have seen many 18-wheelers also. The standard height for tractor-trailers is 13'6" at the trailer. My motto is that if the underpasses look low, if they can make it, then I can make it. Be sure of the height of your RV, though.

[sstedman]

They list their overhead clearance at 13' 6". Our height is 13' 4". They get plenty of tractor trailer traffic. Is 13' 6" accurate? Not sure I'm comfortable with a 2 inch cushion. I got to believe we can get more than 2 inches of vertical travel when moving . We've been thru before but that was with our last 5er that was under 13 feet. What are your experiences?Hi Louie; I live in Virginia Beach and have crossed the CBBT many times. When you approach the toll booth there is a sensor that will measure the height of your rig. If it's to tall the Police Officer will have you pull off to the side verify the height of your rig. If it's too tall, he will turn you around. I have lived in Virginia Beach for 30 years and have never heard of a truck or camper getting stuck. Best of luck. I would still call VDOT.

[BSHGTO]

Going to cross the bridge in the fall to the outer banks I was wondering how the officials at the tunnel treat auxiliary fuel tanks. I`m at 13`5 with this new dually truck just a little worried. It`s suppose to be Dot approved tank but there is no label affixed to it saying so. It`s a LUND 37 gal. steel. I have seen labels on the ones at Tractor Supply, they are not LUND but some other brand and are identical.

[baybum10]

My Montana High Country is 13' 4" . I have traveled the CBBT once a year for the past five years. Like a previous mention, they have height sensors at the toll booth. I set it off once. They came out and physically measured the unit and allowed me to proceed. No problems.

[Old Mustanger]

Lower the air pressure in your rigs tires, drive slowly and refill tires on the other side of bridge.

do you realize how long the CBBT is? If you did this you would not have any tires left to refill.

[notanlines]

do you realize how long the CBBT is? If you did this you would not have any tires left to refill.

Mustanger, I believe his idea was an attempt at a little humor. We had all been jointly chastised for this a few months ago.