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Topic: Your Exact Coach Height When Traveling? (Read 1008 times) previous topic - next topic

Your Exact Coach Height When Traveling?

Does the actual height in your spec sheet agree with the loaded height? Have you had  your coach measured at the highest point when fully loaded or do you rely on the printed specifications?

I measured my GV at its highest point which is over the top of the cargo pod and arrived at 12'5". The various radio antennas are even higher but would give if hitting an obstruction.

Now, if the posted clearances on bridges and overpasses are correct I have peace of mind when approaching them.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Your Exact Coach Height When Traveling?

Reply #1 –
Quote from: nitehawk –

Now, if the posted clearances on bridges and overpasses are correct I have peace of mind when approaching them.

I hope someone changes those signs after a layer of blacktop has been added every few years.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Your Exact Coach Height When Traveling?

Reply #2 –
I haven't measured the actual height of the coach. I avoid overhead objects below 12' 6".

Watch out for the old underpasses that "dip" underneath a road or track. The clearance may be to the pavement underneath the bridge. A long vehicle may have tires resting on pavement that is well above the point of measurement.

A similar caution is in order when going over railroad tracks that where the crossing is built up above the road. You may have 8" of clearance underneath on a level road, but the tires may straddle the crossing and allow hard parts to drag.

Fortunately we have not had bad experiences with the situations I described, but I have seen some big vehicles get stuck because of elevation changes in the road surface.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Your Exact Coach Height When Traveling?

Reply #3 –
Coaches with air suspension should remain at the same height whether loaded or unloaded, as the control valves sense an increase or decrease in height and add or release air to bring it back to the neutral position.  Provided everything is working correctly of course.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Your Exact Coach Height When Traveling?

Reply #4 –
OK, let's try this again. Are you confident the published height of your coach is actual or have you gone up top and measured from the highest point of a fixed, hard object that would sustain damage, if hit, to the ground? It could prove quite inconvenient and expensive to find out the published height was incorrect.

I agree with Jerry that some coaches will self adjust the ground clearance but what does that do to the equipment added on top, either factory installed or aftermarket?
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Your Exact Coach Height When Traveling?

Reply #5 –
Having been involved in the transportation industry for years, no I am not  confident with published specifications concerning height, weight, and length.  And yes, I have measured my coach with a actual height pole normally used to measure height of the cars on a commercial car carrier trailer.  I have also weight and measured my coach.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Your Exact Coach Height When Traveling?

Reply #6 –
Thanks Pat. Just the point I was trying to make. Don't trust the published figures..Measure for your self!!
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD