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Low Clearance Height 13'6"

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by nredfor88, May 10, 2020.

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  1. May 10, 2020 #1
    nredfor88

    nredfor88 Road Train Member

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    I'm wondering if someone can help me understand clearance height. If a bridge is listed as 13'6", is that actual clearance height, or maximum permissible vehicle height that can go under that bridge. Example, in Boston on I93/US1/MA3 the clearance is marked as 13'6" in the Rand McNally 2020 Motor Carrier book. Is that a go or no go for a 13'6" trailer?
     
    nredfor88, May 10, 2020
    nredfor88, May 10, 2020
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  3. May 10, 2020 #2
    rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

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    Its the actual height.
     
    rachi, May 10, 2020
    rachi, May 10, 2020
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  4. May 10, 2020 #3
    Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    If it's marked 13'6" and you have a standard 13'6" trailer, you should be good.
     
    Dave_in_AZ, May 10, 2020
    Dave_in_AZ, May 10, 2020
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  5. May 10, 2020 #4
    lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    Look for fresh scrape marks before you get to the bridge. If you see them, try to stop before going under the bridge. Now the fun part is there are brridges in New York that say 12' yet they have lowered the road and you will actually clear
     
    lovesthedrive, May 10, 2020
    lovesthedrive, May 10, 2020
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  7. May 10, 2020 #5
    D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Hammer down. If ya hit it and got good momentum , u should be able to make it all the way thru. Dont be one of those guys that hesitates and then gets completely stucked. Either way ur gonna get fired if ya hit it so u might as well do it right lol
     
    D.Tibbitt, May 10, 2020
    D.Tibbitt, May 10, 2020
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  8. May 10, 2020 #6
    nredfor88

    nredfor88 Road Train Member

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    Like those underpasses on I-55 on the south side of Memphis. They are marked either 13'8' or 13'9' if I recall. The first time I when under them, I was telling myself -- #### it, I'm not a pu*sy -- and hit the hammer. Reflexive action made me duck my head a bit going under. I seem to duck a bit every time. I must be a pus*y. lol.
     
    nredfor88, May 10, 2020
    nredfor88, May 10, 2020
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  9. May 10, 2020 #7
    Mid-May Trucker

    Mid-May Trucker Road Train Member

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    There is always a few inches to allow for snow buildup
    Get a dashcam to record the signs just in case
     
    Mid-May Trucker, May 10, 2020
    Mid-May Trucker, May 10, 2020
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  10. May 10, 2020 #8
    nredfor88

    nredfor88 Road Train Member

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    So this would indicate that I can't go under.

    And this would indicate that I better not hit a bump and bounce while being puckered and praying for the gods of the interstate to shine on me.
     
    nredfor88, May 10, 2020
    nredfor88, May 10, 2020
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  11. May 10, 2020 #9
    nredfor88

    nredfor88 Road Train Member

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    I'm thinking it's best to play it safe and not attempt anything that low without knowing the route and knowing if standard height trailers go under on a regular basis. Safe rather than sorry.
     
    nredfor88, May 10, 2020
    nredfor88, May 10, 2020
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  12. May 10, 2020 #10
    Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    You'll find some that say 13'6" on 75 near Atlanta. I assure you, you'll clear.

    Place that are po dunk one lane or two lane no where, you go under slowly.

    But I believe by law, if it's marked at that height you have to clear.

    Now if it says 13'4" you not gonna make it.

    Of course this is one of the many reasons God invented the tape measure.
    .
     
    Dave_in_AZ, May 10, 2020
    Dave_in_AZ, May 10, 2020
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