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Old 03-15-2018, 10:15 PM   #1
rowdytravels
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So how tall is too tall?

My rig hooked up comes in at 13ft 9 in. Is this just too tall to travel the western states? I see my pinbox is in the lowest spot like the lowest mounting point closest to the ground. If I moved it up would it help my situation?
 
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Old 03-15-2018, 10:29 PM   #2
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It would really help if you posted what your tow vehicle is and also your trailer. It would also help if you noted anything not standard about either unit, like the truck is lifted. Most of these rigs are usually under 13' 6" when hooked up. Ours is 13' 5" to the top of the front A/C unit.
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Old 03-15-2018, 10:45 PM   #3
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Sorry thought I had saved my signature. Its a 2013 ram 2500 4x4 shortbed level on 35s and the camper is a 3120 RL 2018 model.
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Old 03-16-2018, 12:29 AM   #4
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Most states have a maximum height limit of 13'6''. I believe there are a few that allow 13'9'' but again only a few. There are a few on here that have found there legal height rv's still to tall at the legal height. I would think your rv is to tall in just about any state and take appropriate measures to limit your height to 13'6'' and less if possible. Be sure you are measuring on level ground and measure with a straight edge like a 2x4 level across the front a/c. Good Luck.
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Old 03-16-2018, 03:43 AM   #5
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So Rowdy On those 35s how high is your bed height. Either loaded or unloaded?
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Old 03-16-2018, 07:01 AM   #6
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With the legal height being 13'6" in most states, you're...well illegal in most states. Can you stand back and tell the difference between 13'6" and 13'9"? I didn't think so, and I doubt anyone else can. So now what are the chances of being ticketed? Ahh, can we say nill..... Unless you strike an overhead object, think bridge, telephone wire, tree limb, ect. I drove semi's at 13'6" in town for almost 40 years and can't even count how many telephone and cable tv wires I took down. Oh, and for every one I took down, there were probably ten I backed away from. Now, scince I was not over the legal height, I was not held responsible for any of them, EXCEPT the one I did on private property, most height limits don't apply to private property. Now, let's talk about tree limbs! Do you like having a nice pretty finish on the front and sides of your trailer? Guess who's going to clear the road of all the limbs between 13'6"" and 13'9"!! Even with my trailer at 13'5" I look like a snake going down some of the tree lined roads to keep from scratching up my rig. You can probably get by with your height, but man are you going to have to vigilant (as we all shoul be), scince you have the added burden of being overheight.
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Old 03-16-2018, 09:06 AM   #7
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If you are going to RV with that truck you may want to consider dumping the 35's and get back to stock. In the end it will save you a bunch of hassles and potential damage. The other question I have to ask is that with the 35's how can your rig be level? I would assume you would be nose high.
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Old 03-16-2018, 09:30 AM   #8
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On interstates you will rarely have a problem. But getting on smaller highways you will have to be very careful. There is an underpass on US 87 in Dalhart, TX with a clearance sign of 13'-7" and even though we have been under it many times, I still pucker a little each time I go under.
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Old 03-16-2018, 09:41 AM   #9
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I know exactly which underpass you are talking about.
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Old 03-16-2018, 11:40 AM   #10
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We are at 13'2" is just wear I like to be even at that you still need to watch out for things
like tree branches we go boondocking a lot. I think you need to lose the over sized tires
and go back to stock some of the bigger tires like that aren't made to carry the weight.

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Old 03-16-2018, 12:01 PM   #11
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I would venture a guess the 35's are what are "setting the bar" so high. Maybe consider a set of stock tires and rims for when you tow?
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Old 03-16-2018, 02:04 PM   #12
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The larger rims are not necessarily rated for the weight. They also affect the gearing like going from a 3:73 to a 2:72. Puts a lot of strain on the trans, diff and engine when towing.
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Old 03-19-2018, 12:40 PM   #13
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In my opinion you are just asking for trouble. Researching the web I find that 13'6" is 'loosely' the national standard minimum for state and federal highways. There are exceptions, low clearences that have been grandfathered in because they are so old. But if they are ever rebuilt they must be at least 13'6".
That being said you will probably never be cited for being too tall until you hit something like a bridge. In that case the fine will be the least of your worries. The damage to your rig may well total it.
Those 35's may look cool but they are NOT for towing a fifth wheel trailer. Not only do they add unnecessary height they also cause excessive strain on the drive components of your truck when towing (as stated previously). My recommendadtion: get rid of them.
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