Anyone been under a 13'6 bridge with 3955?

[riflegunbuilder]

My new 3955 measures 13'4. Have any of you been under a 13'6 marked bridge with a Montana that is 13'4?

[Dave W]

Yes, many times. I think if you were to measure most 13'6" bridges, you will find they are actually higher. Look at the 'average' semi and their height. I am more concerned with drooping phone, cable and power wires after losing a TV antenna and a vent cover. Those aren't ever marked even though there is a code for height.

[WeBeFulltime]

This retired trucker agrees with Dave W. No worry with 13'6".

[DQDick]

Unless you come upon a road that looks to be recently repaved. A straight truck driver where I worked once took the bridge he always went under and did a sardine can on the roof. They raised the pavement a couple of inches and didn't change the sign.

[Mikendebbie]

I went thru this one before I knew to worry about it. We picked up the Monte at a dealer south of Fort Worth (January 2018) and headed up IH35 toward The Vineyards campground in Grapevine. I had no idea what my height was...just drove. This is the first bridge is on Hwy 121 just after exit off of IH35. It must be higher than 13-6.

[Texan]

I measured my rv at 13'5''. I went under a bridge at 13'6''. I didn't realize it till I came back the opposite direction without the rv and saw the 13'6'' sign. This was a divided hiway with the same height both directions. I was a little nervous about the height and took a detour when leaving the rv park. I had my rv raised 3'' by Mor-Ryde but this is at the axles to level the rv and doesn't affect the front where the a/c is which is the highest point of my rv. My height was the same before and after Mor-Ryde installed the independent suspension.

[Slow Hand]

Originally Posted by Mikendebbie

I went thru this one before I knew to worry about it. We picked up the Monte at a dealer south of Fort Worth (January 2018) and headed up IH35 toward The Vineyards campground in Grapevine. I had no idea what my height was...just drove. This is the first bridge is on Hwy 121 just after exit off of IH35. It must be higher than 13-6.

Notice the arrows on the sign. They point to the 2 right lanes. Those are 13 6 the lane you were in is higher if you look at the curve of the bridge. On interstate I never worry about bridges. In towns its a different story. I have gone into towns and found some short bridges and lucky for me I was able to turn around and go the other way.

[davemitchell59]

We got surprised on our last trip with a 13-6 bridge. Our 3731FL is 13'-5". We were doing 50mph in heavy traffic, so no escaping. Didn't hear anything and everything was still on top of the rig when we arrived at our destination. We had a few tense miles though wondering if we'd tore our new TT apart on our first trip.


Keep in mind that the low point measurement is not always for the entire span. It could be out on the point of the shoulder and will always be the least amount of clearance for the entire span. Some bridges have a pretty noticeable arch to them. Personally, if I know it's coming, I'm going to pick the lane that "appears" to have the most clearance.

[Dave W]

Don't ever believe the advertised height of your 5er. It has to be measured hooked up on your own tow behicle and ready to travel. Towing nose high either by hitch height or air bags inflation will cause variations of that Keystone figure. If you are anywhere near Schenectady, NY and off interstates - you may be lucky to find a way through town. Many semis have been 'scalped' by the multitude of low rail bridges from the late 1800s still left and in use

[Macattack]

Do NOT trust Keystone's stated height, measure it for yourself. Several factors can affect the actual height, such as aftermarket A/C and 5th wheel hitch configuration.

[Mysticaldoc]

Most of the local (modern) overpass or railroad bridges are really constructed at 14ft or more, interstates being 17'. For the former, this gives 6," for road improvement. If in doubt go slow with a spotter outside. I have seen folks stuck and all they could do is let a lot of air out of their tires to get through, then reinflate. Sucks, but at least they didn't destroy their rig.

[sme1950s]

Sure hope these low bridge surprises are the exceptions. Garmin route planning helpful?

[Texan]

Originally Posted by Macattack

Do NOT trust Keystone's stated height, measure it for yourself. Several factors can affect the actual height, such as aftermarket A/C and 5th wheel hitch configuration.

Agree, the stated height on your rv is when level. I run level and have measured 13'5'' which is stated by Keystone but there are many who run nose high so they will be taller. If you don't measure you don't know just as if you don't weigh you don't know.

[goodellj]

Make sure you accurately measure your trailer yourself. While you are at it, measure your truck and trailer, heights, widths, and lengths, and make a note and post it on the dash for quick reference. Check out the Wikipedia article on "Interstate Highway standards" and read the section on vertical clearance. The standard height of semi-trailers is 13'6", so I feel more comfortable on roads with truck traffic. I would never go under a bridge with only 1" of extra clearance. My Montana is 13"4" and I won't go under a bridge unless tractor trailers can use it.

[Okie-Dokie]

If you are traveling in the Northeast and are talking about a covered bridge, LOOK OUT for the angled bracing on the sides. Won't take the AC off but will skin the roof edge back and let in the morning dew.