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10-19-2007, 02:58 PM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Santa Paula
Posts: 353
M.O.C. #3727
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Clearance Height
Ok all you 5th Haulers. How many times have you experienced a situation where you had to divert/reroute due to a clearance issue. I would assume that throughout the US on State and Federal Highways there is not an issue. What about secondary roads. Do you do everything you can to avoid them just for this reason. I am going to have to be very attentive as at this time all the towing I have done that has never been an issue. I would hate to get complacent and find I missed watching for one and cream my roof.
Your experiences and tips here could be a huge help.
I would presume if 18 wheelers are on the road your are on there is not going to be an issue?
Your tips and thoughts sought
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10-19-2007, 03:29 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: South
Posts: 2,499
M.O.C. #5140
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Just today, we pulled off the Interstate to hit a highway-side Wal-Mart (actually the Subway inside the store). I got all excited that diesel was *only* $2.86 at the fueling station in front of the Wal-Mart. As I started to pull in to the station, my DW said STOP. So, I did. She said - see the 12' clearance above? I hadn't, because I never expected to ever see an artificial 12 foot high bar suspended over EACH entrance of the Wal-Mart to prevent Truckers, and RVers, from entering their parking lot!!!
Normally, we are very careful when traveling on secondary roads to and from campgrounds, etc. I am always looking at tree overhangs. Only once have I had to back up a ways because of a low bridge, etc.
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10-19-2007, 03:40 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Benson
Posts: 3,121
M.O.C. #1658
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Bob,
You are right it is easy to forget you have that big thing hanging way up there over your head. If you get yourself a truckers atlas it will show all the truck routes and also list where all the low clearances are in each state. I generally figure if it's ok for trucks it's ok for me.
Michael,
Where the heck was this anti-rv Walmart?
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10-19-2007, 04:25 PM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Livingston
Posts: 474
M.O.C. #2056
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Food for thought. We had to replace our springs and got heavier duty ones which make us sit an inch or so higher. While traveling in Canada this summer found several overpasses which were very close to our height, then discovered that the highway had been resurfaced and if we hadn't changed lanes, we would have hit the overpass in one case. So if the height posted is near your limit beware that the actual clearance may be lower if the road has been resurfaced.
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10-19-2007, 04:35 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
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You know what they say about assumptions Bob.
A) At 13'-3", I'm taller than most semi-trailers
B) I-25 through Denver (my home town) has a 13' restriction. I have to take an alternate route any time I leave north.
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10-19-2007, 05:17 PM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Santa Paula
Posts: 353
M.O.C. #3727
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I wonder if leaving the 2nd AC off is a better option. I think that might reduce the height to 12.5' and give a bit more clearance. I would die if I peeled one of those off my roof.
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10-19-2007, 06:25 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leona
Posts: 6,382
M.O.C. #2059
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I had rather risk than sweat. As can be seen in my signiture, the low profile Carrier (my second A/C unit) is lower than the MaxAir vent covers on the roof.
Avoiding low bridges is a concern. The earlier suggestion to purchase a Motor Carriers' Road Atlas published by Rand McNally is a good one. They can be picked up at Flying J or TA truck stops at a considerably discounted price. The atlas has a listing by state and by route of all bridges under 13'-6".
I purchased the cheapest 2007 version for about $10.00. During the course of usage, it began to fall apart. Pages came loose. I then purchased a 2008 deluxe, laminated, spiral-bound, large print version. After one trip, I am much happier with it. It is much easier to use. The listed price was $79.95. I bought it a F-J for $29.00. To me it is definately worth the difference.
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10-20-2007, 12:05 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Napanee
Posts: 3,440
M.O.C. #1493
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Watch for signs "truck route" while on secondary roads going through small towns. Just in case of an overpass follow the truck route.
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10-20-2007, 04:34 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2006
Location: San Jose
Posts: 728
M.O.C. #5740
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by RMccord
I wonder if leaving the 2nd AC off is a better option. I think that might reduce the height to 12.5' and give a bit more clearance. I would die if I peeled one of those off my roof.
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I recall reading that Montana's are 12 feet 9 inches without the front A\C when they come from the factory but, it is probably better to actually measure your rig when it is hooked up to the truck.
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10-20-2007, 06:24 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leona
Posts: 6,382
M.O.C. #2059
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Ozz,
The only difference that I can find handily between your site and the listings in the Motor Carriers' Road Atlas is that the MCRA has a map key to identify location on the atlas map. Both are great resources.
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10-20-2007, 09:10 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: South
Posts: 2,499
M.O.C. #5140
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The Wal-Mart I was talking about is in Jennings, LA.
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