How tall is to tall

[rvgwen]

We have put money on a 3402rl Montana and the salesman says that Keystone will not put a low profile air conditioner on the front. He says the fifth wheel will be 13 feet 4 Inches tall. We are coming from a class A and it was 13 feet 3 inches tall. We saw many over passes that were 13 feet 6 inches and we are not happy being this close. Do any of you have any suggestions? Thank you for any imput you may have.

[DQDick]

You can have the dealer install a low profile after delivery, however my maxair vent covers take the height within an inch or two of my front AC as it is and I wouldn't be without my Maxair covers. We use a truckers atlas and avoid the routes with the lower bridges. There was a window washer who fell off his platform on the side of a skyscraper one day. As he went by each floor, on the way down, they heard him say "so far so good". That's pretty much were we are with this.

[bncinwv]

The easiest option would be to have the dealer put a low profile unit on the front. Should be in the $1000-$1200 range installed and you should be able to negotiate it into the purchase. Just a thought.
Bingo

[Clemson1881]

Local dealer install would come out great. Everything is prewired, and the second unit will work with your wall thermostat and be ducted also. You can even get a 15,000 BTU low profile if you want. Make sure your dealer is not a Coleman seller. You need the Dometic Penquin to work with the existing wiring in your trailer.

[pappy65]

We had a carrilite we bought in 2000, then a Raptor in 2007 and now Montana. All measured right at 13'4". Has not been a problem. There used to be a bridge over I37 on the south side of San Antonio that we went under a few times every year that I think showed 13-6. There was a sign before it that said if the lights are blinking exit now. I would always slow down in hopes the trailer did not hit a bump and bounce. Never tripped beam and always cleared OK, although I would always watch my rear view mirror for debris. At times I feel like the window washer in the second post going under these things. That was too funny.

[1retired06]

Agree with Pappy. We have had high profile units on all three of our Montanas, putting us over 13 feet, and we have never had a problem. Interstate not an issue. Lowest overpass we have experienced on a state highway was 13.6.

[RickW]

http://www.giraffeg4.com/rv.html

I have no connection with this product but might be something handy. It is not going to save you at speed but at a low speed it would allow you to get the truck under the obstruction and know exactly what the clearance is prior to getting the trailer under the obstruction.

Just a thought.

[racerjoe]

remember there is a safety factor on the bridge signs. 13'2" is the hight of most tractor trailers on the road and there is no problem. most interstates the hights are 14 feet or better. I say you will be safe almost anywhere, If a bridge is marked 12'5 or under stay away,

[Art-n-Marge]

Nice link RickW, you almost need two or three of these (one for each side and one for the center when the underpasses are different heights depending on the lane you are in.

Unfortunately, this device only measures right above (no advanced triangulation) and while the maximum speed is 30 MPH, this still may not provide enough stopping time when the alarm goes off.

I'm sure there are suitable applications within these limitations. This seems intended for slow approaches which is better than nothing.

[Waynem]

quote:Originally posted by rvgwen

.... and the salesman says that Keystone will not put a low profile air conditioner on the front. He says the fifth wheel will be 13 feet 4 Inches tall. .......

Go to a different salesman because I think the one you spoke to is blowing smoke or some other substance, maybe even "smoking it."

I have always understood that the height to a semi's box was 13'6". One day I even asked one and he said 13'6". Now maybe he meant that he could clear 13'6".

When I had the Monty, John Kohl and I measured the height to the top of the front AC. It was 13' 5" and that was when it was level. Most likely when it was on the 1 ton it squatted a little more, but my comfort zone for bridges was 13' 6" or higher.

So a factor in determining would be better if one were hooked up when they measured.

If you have the opportunity to plan your trips ahead of time, or look at the route you will be taking the next morning, I have found this site to be of help:

AITA Low Clearances