How tall is this darn thing!

Dege · 09-25-2022, 04:06 PM

So I’m headed up I-75 in Michigan and started going under some pretty low overpasses. In the 13’9” to 14’6” range. I had used RVwizard to map my route for a “RV safe route” but it made me quite nervous because I really don’t know exactly how tall my rig is. It’s a cougar Half-Ton 24RDS. Keystone lists it at twelve feet even.

BUT, I have a second A/C unit for the forward bedroom which sits higher than the peak of the roof.

SO, how tall is this darn thing?? Or more importantly, how do I go about getting an accurate measurement? Common sense tells me a flat spot, climb on the roof with a 2x4, use a level on the 2x4 while dangling a string on the end, have my DW pull the string tight, mark it, I hope l climb down and survive, measure the string and!

Is there something better?

jasin1 · 09-25-2022, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dege

So I’m headed up I-75 in Michigan and started going under some pretty low overpasses. In the 13’9” to 14’6” range. I had used RVwizard to map my route for a “RV safe route” but it made me quite nervous because I really don’t know exactly how tall my rig is. It’s a cougar Half-Ton 24RDS. Keystone lists it at twelve feet even.

BUT, I have a second A/C unit for the forward bedroom which sits higher than the peak of the roof.

SO, how tall is this darn thing?? Or more importantly, how do I go about getting an accurate measurement? Common sense tells me a flat spot, climb on the roof with a 2x4, use a level on the 2x4 while dangling a string on the end, have my DW pull the string tight, mark it, I hope l climb down and survive, measure the string and!

Is there something better?

i have an 8’ level and use a tape measure instead of the string…every rig will be slightly different because of your truck and hitch height …mine is 13’4” with the second ac

Dege · 09-25-2022, 05:05 PM

When you say mine you mean a 24 RDS? If so I’m in the ballpark guessing 13’6”. I hadn’t thought about using a tape measure. Good call. Don’t have a level that long but I’d think a fairly straight 2x4 and a level would do it. Probably am getting too nit-picky with it but i just gotta know lol.

jasin1 · 09-25-2022, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dege

When you say mine you mean a 24 RDS? If so I’m in the ballpark guessing 13’6”. I hadn’t thought about using a tape measure. Good call. Don’t have a level that long but I’d think a fairly straight 2x4 and a level would do it. Probably am getting too nit-picky with it but i just gotta know lol.

mine is my fifth wheel in my signature a 315rls…yeah the 2x4 will work

Dege · 09-25-2022, 05:48 PM

Sorry, I’m on my iPhone and it doesn’t show signatures. Thanks for validating my thoughts on measuring the beast.

jasin1 · 09-25-2022, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dege

Sorry, I’m on my iPhone and it doesn’t show signatures. Thanks for validating my thoughts on measuring the beast.

Your welcome….I use an iPhone and an iPad mostly….if you scroll down to the bottom of the mobile homepage you can click on view full page view or full site view and it will display like on a computer…that’s the way I prefer to view the forum

Edit click on …view full site

**JRTJH** · 09-25-2022, 07:15 PM

I would take a 10' 2x4, lay it side to side across the tallest part of your fifth wheel when it is hitched to the truck, use the level to make sure the 2x4 is level and measure BOTH sides of the 2x4 to the ground. Why measure both sides? Because if the 2x4 moves, you won't get the same measurement and it could get you into trouble if it moves "down to make the trailer shorter"... Measuring both sides and then averaging them will give you a more accurate height. Also make sure you're hitched to your tow vehicle when you make the measurements because you can "gain or lose" several inches, depending on the height of the rig when ready to travel. Remember that "height when level in a campsite" is not the same as "height when hitched and rolling". You won't ever "hit a bridge abutment when in a campsite, so that measurement isn't "real world when towing".

bsmith0404 · 09-25-2022, 07:17 PM

The level isn’t critical, use a 2x4, measure the distance to get ground on each side and take the average. That way if the 2x4 or RV isn’t level your result is still accurate. Either way you’ll be within a couple inches. Rule of thumb, should be under 13’6” or else it’s considered and oversized load. That’s also semi trailer height description so if a tractor trailer can go there, you can go there. If you’re going down a road and you see a truck route, follow it, those routes are safe for 13’6” rigs.

travelin texans · 09-25-2022, 08:41 PM

Pick up a Motor Carriers Atlas at a truck stop, all highlighted roads are safe for trucks. There's sectons in the front by state for hazards such as low clearances & other information that's usual for trucks, if it's safe for trucks you won't have any issues.

jsb5717 · 09-26-2022, 07:19 AM

I also use RV Trip Wizard. Just be aware that the logic to prevent you from routing through a low clearance route isn't built into the online/computer version. Their phone app is where that logic resides. I don't really understand why they do it that way and it is a little counter productive but you need to log into the app version and view your saved trip there to check routing for clearance issues.

I use the RVTW for planning...it really is the best tool I've seen for laying out a trip. But then I use my Garmin 770 RV GPS for routing. I set my trailer height in the Garmin at 13'6" for routing purposes.

bsmith0404 · 09-26-2022, 08:29 AM

How did we ever survive before all these apps? I guess I’m still old fashioned, I read the road signs. Hasn’t failed me yet.

dutchmensport · 09-26-2022, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsmith0404

How did we ever survive before all these apps? I guess I’m still old fashioned, I read the road signs. Hasn’t failed me yet.

I completely agree with you there. But, the OP does not know the true height of his rig. That's the problem. What good is an app or a road sign if you don't know how tall your rig is in the first place.

Alpine Custom Upgrade · 09-26-2022, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutchmensport

I completely agree with you there. But, the OP does not know the true height of his rig. That's the problem. What good is an app or a road sign if you don't know how tall your rig is in the first place.

Max height of a semi trailer in Texas is 13'6". My Alpine 3650RL is 13'4" measured on the truck. (same as manufacturers spec since my rig rides level on the road).
So unless you see a sign warning of a low bridge with less that 13'6" you should be safe. Hammer down.

bgrhrdt · 09-26-2022, 05:42 PM

Mine is 13' 4"

This is in Pueblo, CO. Luckily my Garmin caught it.

NH_Bulldog · 09-27-2022, 03:33 AM

Judging by the chunks of missing concrete in the center, looks like it caught more than a few by surprise.

bsmith0404 · 09-27-2022, 04:50 AM

If your Garmin didn’t catch it, at least it’s clearly marked as 13’3”.

bsmith0404 · 09-27-2022, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutchmensport

I completely agree with you there. But, the OP does not know the true height of his rig. That's the problem. What good is an app or a road sign if you don't know how tall your rig is in the first place.

I think the first few posts took care of that part.