Navigating the roads can be challenging – especially if you’re new to towing a tall RV.
Properly handling the height of your trailer is essential for ensuring road safety and avoiding unnecessary damages or incidents along the way. To make your journey smooth and enjoyable, we’ve compiled 9 indispensable tips that every RVer should know about managing their travel trailer’s height.
Key Takeaways
- Accurately measure your travel trailer’s height including roof – mounted items like air conditioners and antennas to avoid low clearance areas that could cause damage or collisions.
- Check the clearance heights of routes and destinations ahead of time to plan your journey better, avoid potential obstacles, and ensure a safer experience for everyone involved.
- Approach overhangs and bridges with caution, erring on the side of safety by choosing a different route if unsure about clearance height or weight distribution.
- Consider investing in a height monitoring system such as TadiBrothers Wireless Height Sensor System or Dicor Corporation Height Alert to minimize risks caused by unexpected obstructions along your journey.
Understanding The Height Of Travel Trailers
Knowing the height of your travel trailer is crucial when it comes to avoiding low clearance areas such as bridges and overpasses.
Definition Of Height
As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast and travel lover, I know all too well that understanding the height of your travel trailer is crucial for a smooth journey. In simple terms, the height of an RV is defined as the vertical distance from the lowest point on its undercarriage to its highest point above ground – typically including roof-mounted items such as air conditioners or antennas.
Knowing this measurement is not just important but absolutely necessary because it directly impacts clearance under bridges and overhangs you’ll encounter during your adventures.
And trust me – there’s nothing worse than realizing at the last moment that your rig won’t fit under an upcoming bridge! To give you an idea of what to expect on American roads, camper trailers must not be taller than 13 feet and 6 inches according to most state laws.
Importance Of Knowing The Height
Knowing the height of your travel trailer is incredibly important for several reasons. First, it allows you to avoid potential collisions with overpasses and bridges that may be too low to safely pass under.
Additionally, understanding the height of your RV can help you plan better routes to take during your travels.
Lastly, knowing the exact height of your trailer will enable you to invest in necessary equipment such as a height monitoring system. This tool gives real-time updates on whether or not a particular route or destination is safe based on the size of your RV.
Top 9 Tips For Handling The Height Of Travel Trailers
Here are the top 9 tips for handling the height of your travel trailer: accurately measure your trailer height, check clearance heights of routes and destinations, approach overhangs and bridges with caution, invest in a height monitoring system, and more.
Measure Your Trailer Height Accurately
It’s crucial to know your travel trailer’s height before hitting the road. Measure your vehicle accurately from ground level to its highest point, including antennas and air conditioning units which can add inches to its overall height.
A low-profile air conditioner is typically 9 inches tall or less, while standard RV air conditioners can be 12 inches or more.
To prevent this, I suggest using a reliable measuring tool such as a laser scanner for precise measurements. Remember that even slight variations in elevation on different routes can affect clearance heights along the way.
Check Clearance Heights Of Routes And Destinations
It’s crucial to check clearance heights when planning your travel route and choosing destinations. Many bridges, overpasses, and tunnels have height restrictions that could pose a challenge for your travel trailer.
Before hitting the road, research the routes you plan to take and any potential hazards along the way. Use maps and apps that provide information on bridge clearances and other important details.
When booking campsites, read reviews from other RVers to see if anyone has experienced issues with height clearance at the location.
By taking these precautions, you can avoid costly damages caused by accidents or getting stuck in tight spaces due to inadequate clearance heights along your journey.
Use Caution When Approaching Overhangs And Bridges
When towing a travel trailer, it is crucial to use caution when approaching overhangs and bridges. You want to make sure that there is enough clearance for your RV height so that you can avoid accidents or damages.
Before driving under any bridge, take note of the posted clearance height by looking at road signs or consulting online resources.
Additionally, some bridges may have weight limits as well as height restrictions, so be mindful of your RV’s weight distribution. If you encounter an overpass with a low clearance, stop immediately and assess how much space there is between your roof and the bridge before proceeding slowly if it’s safe to do so.
Invest In A Height Monitoring System
Investing in a height monitoring system can be a great way to ensure that you are always aware of the height of your travel trailer. These systems typically involve sensors mounted on the top of your RV that can detect obstacles overhead, such as bridges or overpasses.
One popular option is the TadiBrothers Wireless Height Sensor System, which uses ultrasonic technology to detect objects up to 30 feet above your vehicle.
Another option is the Dicor Corporation Height Alert, which comes with a small display that shows the exact height of your RV and alerts you if it approaches any low-clearance areas.
Conclusion
In summary, handling the height of travel trailers requires careful consideration and planning. By measuring your trailer’s height accurately, checking clearance heights of routes and destinations, using caution when approaching overhangs and bridges, investing in a height monitoring system, and enlisting help from others if needed, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable RV camping trip.
Remember to always follow proper preparation procedures including hitching correctly, checking brakes and visibility before towing.
FAQs:
1. What are some tips for handling the height of travel trailers?
Some important tips include being aware of your trailer’s height and weight, using appropriate mirrors to see behind you, adjusting your driving speed based on road conditions and wind conditions, and avoiding low overpasses.
2. Can I drive a travel trailer without considering its height?
No, it is important to always consider the height of your travel trailer when driving as bridges, tunnels or other structures may not offer enough clearance space which can cause accidents if ignored or overlooked.
3. How can I ensure that my vehicle is properly equipped for towing a travel trailer?
To ensure safe towing operations it’s essential to have an appropriate hitch installed which caters to specific needs such as load capacity requirements etc.You will also need to adjust tire pressure on both vehicles according manufacturer recommendation before commencing trip making sure they are optimal under maximum load situations.
4. Do all tow vehicles work well with large trailers?
Not all types of vehicle are suited for towing larger trailers safely so it’s crucial first determining whether one has sufficient power & durability required by them.Beyond just horsepower there are several factors including transmission gearing ratios,suspension setup,and braking system capabilities that must be taken into account when selecting the best tow vehicle for any given type and size of trailer.