Height sensors - RV-Dreams Community Forum

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Height sensors

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

Before I spent $300 for it I think I would spend some time on the road. I don't think you will find low overpasses or such to be as big a problem as it sometimes sounds. It is kind of a cool idea though.

Bobc · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't see how this helps you as you are driving down the road. it seems to only work when you are already under the object and then it would be to late. IMO

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

From what I've seen on these sensors, like Bobc mentions above it'll be too late. We've traveled on a lot on secondary roads and watching signs is your best bet. We have a trucker/rv GPS that allows height to be input so it will give you a warning several miles ahead. But there's nothing better than watching warning signs.

I had my GPS warn us one time about a low bridge and you couldn't miss the audible and visual warning it put out. Funny thing though, there was no bridge. I think the bridge had been removed.

Thinking about it now I remember the DW and I ducking several times when we first started out going under some low bridges. You sit up pretty high in a diesel pusher. I get a chuckle out of it now.

I have a radio antenna that tops out at 14' and it has hit quite a few overpasses.

-- Edited by Trabuco on Thursday 17th of July 2014 06:20:03 PM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I saw two issues with that device. It would only be valuable if one was under something like awnings of fueling stations or such where one was traveling at a very slow speed. Going down the road at even 45 to 50 miles an hour wouldn't give you time to stop after an alert before hitting an overpass or whatever.

Secondly, the device only comes with an 8 foot coaxial cable. That won't be long enough to reach the interior of the cab, and I don't know if a longer cable would have an issue with impedance or electrical resistance or other possible restrictions. (Sorry, not an electrician.)

I'd rather rely on a good trucker's atlas with overpass heights and plan the route accordingly. I'm not even sure I would be "comfortable" with a GPS that had height information in it. Too many times, I've heard of folks getting lost with their GPS devices, so I wouldn't trust one for height, especially considering that height could create damage, which would be much worse than getting lost.

Terry

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

Truck we planning on buying is same height as Teton. 13' 3". Think Junkman is going to be around this height also. My DRV was high also and he has a lifted unit from factory. Don't believe sensors would be any help. they are too slow to respond to benefit any. I haven't hit anything in 8 years doing this full time

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

For $ 299.00, I will keep on knowing the height of my rig and reading the road signs.

Have not had any trouble yet in 8 years.

We did have to turn around once because of a low overpass that I decided not to challenge.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

There is a bridge in Spokane Washington that's at 11'0". It's just the perfect height to clean the tv antenna, a/c units, vents, satellite dish etc off the roof without touching the box of a lot of RV's. There's been several tube videos on it and it's just incredible to watch.

TheNewhalls · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here is a link to the 11foot8 bridge

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

That's exactly what I was talking about. Different bridge but same result. That would just ruin you day.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Which part? The hitting the bridge or the bruises on your skull where you kicked yourself? biggrin biggrin biggrin Height sensors would not have prevented that. Since that bridge is well marked, better driver awareness would be the preferred option and costs a whole lot less than buying a gizmo of questionable worth.

Brian

-- Edited by biggaRView on Sunday 20th of July 2014 01:01:23 PM

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Kicking myself would hurt more and longer. As it would continue days!

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for your input, all! The answer is pretty obvious. Will not waste my money. Already purchased the 2015 truck driver's guide and downloaded the Low Clearance app for the GPS.