|
|
03-27-2011, 05:23 PM
|
#1
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Huntsville
Posts: 149
M.O.C. #11148
|
Height of Montana's
Just starting out. Purchased a 2011 3100RL, pulling with a 2011 Dodge long wheel base 3500, 4 wheel drive, dually. Height at front AC, 13' 4 1/2", rear AC 12' 5". Fifth wheel (B&W Companion) gives me about 3 1/2-4" at tail gate and about 6" at front of 3100RL above top of bed. All of these figures are taken hooked up & ready to go.
Are these heights and measurements common? Dodge's back end sets higher than most. B&W fifth wheel can be adjusted one set of holes lower (about 1"), but would that not make the unit sit to close to top of bed? It appears the trailer is on a slight up hill slope, when hitched up. How level should everthing be?
|
|
|
03-27-2011, 06:02 PM
|
#2
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Siloam Springs
Posts: 2,206
M.O.C. #8890
|
Our front air over bedroom is 13' 3.5".
|
|
|
03-27-2011, 07:38 PM
|
#3
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Moultonborough
Posts: 449
M.O.C. #3268
|
our 3400 RL has a height of 13' 3" at the TV dome
E. Sven
|
|
|
03-28-2011, 12:51 AM
|
#4
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,369
M.O.C. #8728
|
We are at 13' 3" and the trailer rides level.
|
|
|
03-28-2011, 04:39 AM
|
#5
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Brandon
Posts: 3,944
M.O.C. #1034
|
With our previous 07/Dodge we were 13.2. I fully expect to be 13.3" with the new Chevy, will be hooking up and measuring before we head out in 3 weeks.
__________________
Darwin & Maureen DeBackere
Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada
2011/3500/Silverado/4x4/DRW/Duramax
2017/3721RL/Legacy Pkg./Pressure-Pro
|
|
|
03-28-2011, 04:55 AM
|
#6
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Hanover
Posts: 335
M.O.C. #9710
|
Trailer height seems about average.
That distance between the bed and trailer at the tailgate is a little close. If the trailer can afford to go a little higher what about lowering the pin box?
Although you did say your just starting out so maybe once you load all those goodies we like to carry the truck might squat enough to make it all good..
|
|
|
03-28-2011, 05:25 AM
|
#7
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Hollister
Posts: 1,043
M.O.C. #10764
|
When I bought my 3750FL, the specs stated 12'9". Now, the specs state 13'5". I guess I need to measure it. Bingo, have you measured yours since you put the dish on your roof?
|
|
|
03-28-2011, 06:05 AM
|
#8
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: South
Posts: 2,499
M.O.C. #5140
|
We're 13' 3", but when we went through a 13' 5" tunnel we nevertheless hunched down - like that would help!
|
|
|
03-28-2011, 06:09 AM
|
#9
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Winfield
Posts: 7,327
M.O.C. #6846
|
Nope, but I believe the dish is lower than the front AC unit anyway.
Bingo
|
|
|
03-28-2011, 07:39 AM
|
#10
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Land O Lakes
Posts: 2,783
M.O.C. #10246
|
13'4"
|
|
|
03-28-2011, 08:00 AM
|
#11
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location:
Posts: 62
M.O.C. #11227
|
The legal height for any motorized vehicle on interstate Highways is 13 ft 6 inches. Over that and an oversize permit is required.
Also, be sure to know the heights of any, ANY, underpass before going under it. Even on Interstate Highways there are a number of low underpass bridges, etc. They are supposed to be signed prior to getting to them but sometimes you may miss the signs for some reason.
For just one example, on I-25 through Denver, Colorado, southbound, the left lane of the interstate has a low, 13 feet, clearance while the other lanes are over 13 ft 6 in.
|
|
|
03-29-2011, 05:24 AM
|
#12
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Hollister
Posts: 1,043
M.O.C. #10764
|
|
|
|
03-29-2011, 09:43 AM
|
#13
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Littleton
Posts: 183
M.O.C. #9998
|
I have a similar configuration, however mine is a short bed srw 4x4. I run only 5-10 lbs of air in my airbags (as they weren't really needed, but dampen any jarring bumps). The only help I got for the bed clearances was when I replaced my trailer's Marathon tires with LT tires I gained 1/2" in height which helped the bed clearance and level (front to rear) issues. I also had concerns with the front air conditioner and bought the low profile Penguin. All the same, I keep an eagle eye out for overpass clearance signs and try to stay to the interstate where possible. Buy a truckers atlas and review it before a long trip. Should help.
__________________
2010 Mountaineer 285 RLD, 330 watts solar, 600 watts sine inverter, 3 type 31 agm batteries, Traveler antenna
2010 Dodge Ram 3500 SRW, 18k Reese slider, Honda 2000i, Firestone airbags
|
|
|
03-29-2011, 03:57 PM
|
#14
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Norman
Posts: 76
M.O.C. #10075
|
Sorry. max.vehicle height in California is 14 feet.
CVC 35250. No vehicle or load shall exceed a height of 14 feet measured from the surface upon which the vehicle stands, except that a double-deck bus may not exceed a height of 14 feet, 3 inches. Any vehicle or load which exceeds a height of 13 feet, 6 inches, shall only be operated on those highways where deemed to be safe by the owner of the vehicle or the entity operating the bus.
|
|
|
04-03-2011, 03:42 PM
|
#15
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location:
Posts: 62
M.O.C. #11227
|
As Sniperduce mentions, there are various local,state hights laws.
However, be advised that the Federal Law, and many state laws comply with the 13 ft 6 inch height before permits required.
Even with this as a general national law, there are many tunnel, bridges, underpasses, etc., that have varying requirments, some greater and some lower.
For example, in Colorado, with 13 ft 6 inches general height limit, if a vehicle is operating with an over height permit, even the permit will not permit travel through the Eisenhaur Tunnel on I-70 if over 13 ft 11 inches.
Check the DOT laws for comfimation of this and pay attention to highway warning signs and warnings in Truckers' Atlas.
|
|
|
04-04-2011, 11:01 PM
|
#16
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Angelo
Posts: 115
M.O.C. #11213
|
13-4
|
|
|
04-23-2011, 10:07 AM
|
#17
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
|
Our 2007 3400RL is 12' 10" with 2 AC units. That's our measurement, not the factory's. They said 12' 9" or something like that but we'd added a second AC.
Awhile back we pulled the truck under a station canopy to fill the tank and left the Montana mostly hanging out because I noticed the canopy said 13' 1". Just the nose was under the canopy. While the tank was filling I climbed the ladder and eyeballed the clearance and felt we could make it through. It would be a very difficult turning while backing into traffic to back out of there. We held our breath and made it fine. I was pretty confident we'd make it because I could sight straight down the roof from the ladder.
My point is to take your own measurement and don't rely on factory numbers.
We prefer non-interstates because they're so much more interesting and relaxing. In all these years it's just not been a problem. I do use the Motor Carriers Atlas to check for low clearance areas on our planned route but rarely find a problem. Those low clearance areas are usually signed well in advance with an alternative route identified. While the potential is there and that's not to be ignored, it's proven to not be much of a problem.
|
|
|
04-23-2011, 01:37 PM
|
#18
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Wilsons
Posts: 404
M.O.C. #9833
|
My 2010 3400RL measures 12-9, hooked up, ready to go.
|
|
|
04-25-2011, 05:14 PM
|
#19
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas City
Posts: 5,736
M.O.C. #7673
|
A web site that I frequent often when I am planning a trip is the AITA on line Low Clearance web site. It is for truckers, and I hope they update it frequently. By no means do I advocate that it is the ultimate in low clearances, but it's a good start. The last time I checked it against the Motor Carriers Road Atlas it was right on.
We do have to remember that everything is subject to change and just because it is at 13' 6" today, does not mean that tomorrow, after resurfacing and before they put up a new sign that it will not be 13' 4".
Having said that, when H. John and I measured my 2008 3400RL it was 13' 5" to the top of the front AC. It really made me think going in the 13' 6" tunnels and underpasses. Whew!
Now, I'm 12' 4" Ha ha! I pay close attention to the yellow highway sign for anything that is close to that, and yes I have seen some below that height.
|
|
|
04-25-2011, 05:50 PM
|
#20
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Oak Harbor
Posts: 1,529
M.O.C. #2471
|
We are 12' 9"....highest point on rig is max air cover over the kitchen. I keep 13' in my head as the height. We don't have a front a/c unit and will have to measure again once the new truck arrives. Like Steve said, don't rely on what a dealer or brochure tells you, take your own measurements to be sure.
The way I measured was (this is at least a two person job):
1. With the rig hooked up to the truck, I ensured the rig was parked on level ground and level from side to side.
2. I took an 8' long furring strip and laid it across the highest point on the rig so that about 3-4 feet of the strip hung out over the side of the rig.
3. Used a 2' level to make sure the furring strip was level.
4. Then with the assistance of a helper, we measured from the bottom of the furring strip to the ground to get our height.
There might be an easier and more accurate way with lasers and satellites, but this worked for us
Jack
__________________
Previous:2004 Mountaineer 325FKBS,2010 Montana 3455SA Now:2018 Bighorn 3575EL (SOB's ) Res. Fridge,W/D,Disc Brakes,Water Softener,Dish Tailgater PRO,LioN Batts, several mods.
2021 RAM 3500 Laramie.... "LOADED", 4x4, SB H.O. 6.7L, Aisin Trans, PullRite Super Glide Hitch, 52 Gallon Titan Fuel Tank.
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|