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02-29-2024, 02:50 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Southeastern Connectiut
Posts: 1,307
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Know Your Height!
Getting ready for the new Camping Season means there's lot to get done. Among the things us 5ers, in particular, need to pay attention to, is knowing all of our clearances. Length and width are relative constants, but heights are the question mark. Everyone needs to do an actual physical check. After a review of several factory brochure "stats", I have found some glaring errors. One prime example centers around front A/Cs. On camper units that do not have standard front air, their measurements are from the forward roof to the ground. This may be close, but no cigar! My 2013 Alpine 3535RE comes STANDARD with front A/C, and yet their published clearance number is 12'8". I'm actually 13'4" when hooked, on flat ground, to my F350. They forgot all about their factory installed OEM Air Conditioner. OOPS, that could have been expensive! Another consideration is that not all 3/4 or one ton trucks have the same bed height, or 5th wheel plate height, My '06 F350 bed was a good four inches lower than my '16, and my Brother in Laws Chevy is at least two inches lower. They all seem to be getting taller too. These are all stock heights. Of course tire size, lift kits, and air bags will also change the equations. Adding Air to an existing RV also will change things. Most modern 5ers will need a "LOW PROFILE" unit up front.
Interstates are relatively safe, as their minimum clearance is universally 13'6". Most are higher. Secondary Roads could be a problem, and this is where knowledge, and signage can make a huge difference in how your week is going to go. Take the time to actually hook-up, get level and stick your height plus 2". You'll feel more confident when you see "Low Clearance Ahead"!
Good Luck,
__________________
Pull Toy
Steve & Jan, Ava & Emma (Mini Schnauzers):
2016 F350 Lariat 4X4 Powerstroke CC/SB "PULLTOY V"
2013 Alpine 3535RE "MAGIC CARPET IV"
Proud Navy Vet!
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02-29-2024, 03:30 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Wickenburg
Posts: 3,314
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Good tip. I did physically verify my rig's height, but I wasn't hitched up when I did it!
__________________
2019 Cougar 26RBSWE
2019 Ford F-250
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02-29-2024, 04:31 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Northern, UT
Posts: 183
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I have a label on my sun visor that shows height in feet inches, and meters. When I need a reminder I just flip the visor down. I also have the total length in feet and meters.
Gary
__________________
2019 Laredo 255SRL
2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab
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03-01-2024, 06:34 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Overland Park
Posts: 262
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryUT
I have a label on my sun visor that shows height in feet inches, and meters. When I need a reminder I just flip the visor down. I also have the total length in feet and meters.
Gary
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great idea!
__________________
Craig and Paula
(Keith)
2022 Primetime Tracer 24DBS
2013 F150 5.0 2WD
Equalizer 4 WDH
Overland Park, KS
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03-01-2024, 06:54 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: Hartsville
Posts: 268
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryUT
I have a label on my sun visor that shows height in feet inches, and meters. When I need a reminder I just flip the visor down. I also have the total length in feet and meters.
Gary
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Going to steal that idea.
__________________
2023 Cougar 23MLE
2022 Ford F-250 with 6.2 L
Hartsville, Tenn.
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03-01-2024, 07:02 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,224
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I really expected a video from 11’-8”!
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Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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03-01-2024, 07:11 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Southeastern Connectiut
Posts: 1,307
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Gary,
Great Idea! I've had a label in all of my tows, but never thought to convert to metric. I will be doing this today.
Another thing I've done is to use my truck antenna as a height gauge for my tow vehicle when unhitched. After measuring my cab light clearance, I put several turns of dental floss around the antenna approx. 2" higher than cab lights. I can see this from the drivers seat, so it takes the worry/guesswork out of parking garages, car washes, etc... Kind of like a vertical, old fashioned curb feeler, plus the waxed dental floss doesn't slide or rot.
Good Luck,
__________________
Pull Toy
Steve & Jan, Ava & Emma (Mini Schnauzers):
2016 F350 Lariat 4X4 Powerstroke CC/SB "PULLTOY V"
2013 Alpine 3535RE "MAGIC CARPET IV"
Proud Navy Vet!
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03-01-2024, 10:57 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 286
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rhagfo
I really expected a video from 11’-8”!��
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I've spent way too much time there.
__________________
2018 Springdale Summerland Series 3030BH
2018 Ram 2500 HD 6.4L Hemi Big Horn 4x4
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03-07-2024, 12:09 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Shawnigan Lake
Posts: 125
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I got a ladder and placed a straight edge on top of my AC unit, which is the highest point on my trailer. Then I physically measured from the straight edge to the ground while hooked up to my truck. Then I recorded the measurement in standard and metric on a small piece of cardboard and keep it on my dashboard whenever I'm towing.
__________________
Roy
2013 F-150 5.0
2012 Springdale 260TBL
"He was bred in Kentucky, but he's just a crumb out here." - Curly Howard
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03-07-2024, 05:52 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: USA and Canada
Posts: 873
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I always use the DOT max height of 13'6" even though the RV's are all under that height. And if you use a commercial vehicle GPS it let's you choose your height and length.
__________________
2010 FZ 405
2011 F350 6.7 Dually w/Banks Power making 510 hp and 1065 ft/lbs torque
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