Know Your Height!

[Pull Toy]

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,

 

[LHaven]

Good tip. I did physically verify my rig's height, but I wasn't hitched up when I did it!

 

[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

 

[curtiscapk-]

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

great idea!

 

[cougar23]

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

Going to steal that idea.

 

[Rhagfo]

I really expected a video from 11’-8”!��

 

[Pull Toy]

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,

 

[spade117]

I really expected a video from 11’-8”!��

I've spent way too much time there.

 

[crowbar-KEY]

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.

 

[Badbart56]

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.

 

[Pull Toy]

Secondary roads are the main problem. Here along the Connecticut shoreline, railroad bridges can be a serious concern, Judging by the damage to the underside of bridges, too many people guessed at their height.

 

[workinonit]

Yea, I've seen some really low bridges in the northeast.

 

[scottz]

All good advice; don't forget to remeasure if you adjust your hitch. Anything less than 13'6" gets me worried.

 

[Grapehound]

When I measure, I use a four foot level (not just a straight edge) going out to the side of the RV from the top of front A/C. That way I don't have to guess if the side measurement I am taking goes to the exact height of the air conditioner. I have watched that 11'8" video way too much.

 

[JRTJH]

When I measure, I use a four foot level (not just a straight edge) going out to the side of the RV from the top of front A/C. That way I don't have to guess if the side measurement I am taking goes to the exact height of the air conditioner. I have watched that 11'8" video way too much.

Another way to measure is to use a 10' 2x4 and lay it across the trailer at the tallest part, then measure both sides and "average" them to get the "level height"... For instance, if one side is 13' and the other side is 13'2", the average is 13'1". This removes the need to be "exactly level", in fact it removes the need to be level. It works even if one side is 11' and the other side is 15'2"... (in this case, the 2x4 would be "grossly leaned to one side) but it still works...