Low Bridges - can GPS help?

[Trooper-D]

I have recently had a few close calls with low bridges that could easily have resulted in a bad accident.

Does anyone know of a good GPS system or add on for my Garmin that would give a low bridge warning?

Something like a speed camera POI list could work, but I can't seem to find anything.

Many thanks.

[pmclemore]

I identify my rig as a "Truck" - that should help. I don't know whether it is foolproof or not, though.

Pat

[dstalzer]

I do not know what you are driving or towing, but I have talked to others who had either a tall Motor Home or 5th wheel and they used a GPS to map out the bridges. They also were always on the alert watching the signs for the bridge height they were approaching. I have not really worried with the AS trailer since it is less than 10' tall including the A/C.

Dennis

[flmgrip]

i'm sorry but if you can't tell that a bridge is less than 10' you might want to rethink about towing anything... anything lower than 14' feet is pretty much always marked, when you go off-roading or in some small village you might find a bridge without markings...

anything that looks low might be to low...

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I could be wrong, but I wouldn't think you could find anything lower than ten feet on any road. Now as for drive throughs and parking garages, six feet is pretty common.

[garry]

There are trucker atlas that provide the information available at most truck stops.
You could plan your route ahead of time and program the GPS with VIA's to avoid the low overpasses.

Garry

[wahoonc]

They do make trucker specific GPS units, but they are pretty pricey. The last unit we purchased for our company rig was ~$750 or so. I believe there is a requirement that bridges under a certain height (14'?) have to be posted. On state maintained roads they are always posted AFAIK.

Airstreams have a huge advantage when it comes to lower than normal overhead clearance. I had a 5ver at one point and always lived in fear of overhead obstructions, with the Airstream I seldom worry.

Aaron

[blacksheep]

PCmiler now has a GPS that is routed specifically for trucks and their routing software is what a large segment of the trucking industry uses. Pilot had it for $299 on sale.

Godspeed,
Trent

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by blacksheep

PCmiler now has a GPS that is routed specifically for trucks and their routing software is what a large segment of the trucking industry uses. Pilot had it for $299 on sale.

Godspeed,
Trent

Nice looking unit for the price.. informed it was out of stock..
PC MILER GPS Navigator 430 CoPilot PCMNAV - No Return - Electronics Superstore www.WalcottCB.com
Thanks for the tip

[Trooper-D]

Thanks everyone for your helpful advice.

I have decided to try a POI database that has been recommended to me on several forums.


It looks really good.

Thanks again.

[CanoeStream]

But watch out for eaves on check-in shacks for campgrounds and parking lots.

[pageclot]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I could be wrong, but I wouldn't think you could find anything lower than ten feet on any road. Now as for drive throughs and parking garages, six feet is pretty common.

Anything labelled a "Parkway" on Long Island has the possibility of very low overheads (7'10").

[flmgrip]

i would recommend to look ahead on the street and not focus on the gps. any mayor travel way you won't have any problems anyway and if you get in the dunes i suggest to get used to driving with "your height" in mind...

i really would like to know where you were driving having those close calls (without warning sign?)

but then i drive big riggs for a living and have always my eyes open for low clearance...