GPS for use in RV, with smart routing around low clearance bridges, etc?

The only "truck friendly" Garmin unit is indeed the 465T. Do a forum search for 465 or 465T and you should get quite a few reports from those who have first-hand experience with the unit.

http://www.gpsmagazine.com/2009/05/garmin_nuvi_465t_truck_gp...

Looks cool. Will have to add this to my Christmas list.

try this poi link
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/1154

Be careful in the New York City area. There are hundreds of low clearance problems and only a small number are included on anyone's list. Anywhere you pass under an el structure (New York City Transit Authority El) of which there are several hundred miles, there is the possibility of a low clearance problem, often 11' 0". Many of the interstates don't meet Federal standards for clearance. There is the possibility of making a mistake and getting on a parkway for passenger cars only, with a clearance as low as 7 feet.

11' 6" seems to be the desired standard, but that is 6" less than your rig. Clearances higher than 11' 6" are rare in NYC.

New York City firefighters respond to these incidents daily. The easy ones - tractor-trailer stuck under a bridge 2 inches too low - we let some air out of all the tires and he was on his way. The hard ones - brand new tractor-trailer with 500 miles on the odometer totalled with a load of ice cream on the road on a 95 degree summer day. Don't let yourself be the next story!

dobs108

I heard about someone with 300 miles on their RV that tore the whole top off as they drove under a low bridge at speed. $5000 damage. Oops.

I think I'm going to stick to roads that I know trucks use.

I think the height of the rig I'm buying is closer to 11', but I'm going to measure it when I get it home to make sure.

RN

I would seriously consider investing in one of the Trucker Atlases you see at truck Stops. They do list approved roads and have most of the low clearances marked.

Last Summer I was crossing the International Bridge with my truck from Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Canada. There are four crossings. Three of them around 10 feet high and one high enough for transport trucks and RVs. There is a sign directing big trucks and RVs to that one. While I was standing in line I saw a pick up truck with a large 5th wheel trailer heading for one of the low crossings. He was third in line. I leaned on the horn until a border guard came over to ask me what's the matter. I just pointed up to the roof of the trailer. The guard shook his head and went over to the truck. That was my good deed for that day.

That is true, I often see the truckers rip off the top of the trailer on the hutchison parkway too many times, even was right next to one as it impacted and tore off, really loud sheet metal ripping and tearing noise.

It did cause a major backup and been late to a few places because truckers aren't paying attention that you can't drive them on parkways in NYS unlike NJ where you can...

Well, the RV loan was approved, and I'll be picking it up in the next couple of weeks. I think the height of the rig is 10'7". Not sure if that includes the AC unit on top. I can't remember what the current owner said he uses as a minimum when he's driving the rig. It'll take some getting used to.

Be sure to check that the height includes the AC unit. Try to find an OEM brochure for your rig. That usually includes the correct height.

ok i have used this for a long time it works flawlessly, it has never sent me down a weight restricted or height restricted. I use it while driving a motor coach 49' long 102 inches wide 42,000 lbs, No trailer. And I had my first experienced with Long Island. WOW it has a lot of height restrictions. and it never sent me down any of thoughts parkway.

Be careful how much faith you put in the specs in the brochures. Especially with fifth wheel trailers, your actual height can vary from those specs. Your rig may ride "front high" depending upon your tow vehicle.

Best thinf to do is:

1) Hook up your RV to the tow vehicle.
2) Park on level ground.
3) Determine the highest point on your RV roof.
4) Extend a straight edge from the top of the highest point so that it goes past the edge of the roof.
5) Measure the distance from the straight edge to the ground.
6) Purchase some small stick on numbers that match your measurement and place them in the top right hand corner of your windshield for reference and reminder.

In RV parks and areas like that I always have my wife walk in front of the rig as we pull through to watch for potential low branches etc.

Good Luck!

One thing that gets folks with a new RV is the fuel stops. They watch the overhang on the canopy and forget as they are pulling away in a turn that the tail end of the trailer or motorhome swings wide and clips the concrete posts the stations put in to protect us from running over their pumps. With a trailer this is particularly a problem as the tail disappears into a blind spot as you turn away from the pumps. Keep it in mind and you'll be fine.

Don't go by all the height signs on overpasses.
The one for the train tracks on Linden Blv. in Brooklyn NY is wrong!. They recapped the road a few times and never changed the signs. Unless they just changed the signs, the clearance is a few inches lower. I wonder how many others are wrong?

I don't drive big rigs, but do a lot of driving. I also wonder if the posted height signs are accurate after they repave.

Also keep in mind about the bridges and the entrance and exits to them. Some are quite dipped where you might be ok entering but the rest of the RV/ truck would get stuck.

I saw this the other day.
http://www.dieselboss.com/truck_gps_review_features.htm
A very detailed comparison of GPS units for truckers.

Almost makes me want to go back to driving.

They have a trucker specific product that is designed with the limitations that a large vehicle needs (weight, height, width, u-turns, etc). I haven't looked at them in years.

For my motorhome, I chose to use a PC with a hand held GPS unit tethered. I got a RAM mount for the GPS, external antenna on the roof, power to the GPS from the engine. I mounted a 19" LCD on the table beside me (didn't block the view of the road and was as easy to glance at as any of the dash instruments). I then had my choice of several mapping software packages. Delorme and Streets and Trips were my favorite two.

Now that I have sold the motorhome and travel via minvan, I miss the 19" display. My 5" TomTom is about as large as I can go.

I just spent the last 15 mos in a 12 ft high RV doing 25000 miles around the country (avoided NYC). No issues. I did stay aware of clearance issue but was even more concerned about % grade issue and stopping. Just be aware and you will be fine.
Jim

I have a 755T and an 760 Garmin.
Neither warned me or rerouted me around a bridge in liverpool, NY near Syracuse or one in Rome NY.
No accidents but it would be nice if you could choose a truck for your vehicle and set the height.
Not sure what this guy was using. http://www.truckingboards.com/forum/trucking-accidents/1680-....

I have a 755T and an 760 Garmin.
Neither warned me or rerouted me around a bridge in liverpool, NY near Syracuse or one in Rome NY.
No accidents but it would be nice if you could choose a truck for your vehicle and set the height.
Not sure what this guy was using. http://www.truckingboards.com/forum/trucking-accidents/1680-....