I have been trying out various low clearance avoidance tools after witnessing a horrible accident and having a close call myself. Obviously I look out for the signs ahead, but not all bridges are posted and it's no good for planning a route anyway.
So what are the options?
Rand McNally Motor Carrier Road Atlas
Pros - Much more than a low clearance list, with an abundance of useful information.
Cons - Limited to just over 1000 low clearances. Can't use while driving. Costs around $50.
Available at: http://www.amazon.com/McNally-Deluxe-Motor-Carriers-Mcnally/dp/0528942123
POI-Factory.com low clearance POI database for GPS
Pros - Free to download. Accurate. Ready to install.
Cons - Limited data, not much more than 300 entries.
Available at: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/1154
DiscoveryOwners.com low clearance POI database for GPS
Pros - Free to download. Accurate.
Cons - Limited data, approximately 400 entries. Many duplicates across several databases. Only available in text format.
Available at: http://www.discoveryowners.com/cginfolinks.htm
There are also a few fully integrated GPS systems available, but these are very expensive and I cannot vouch for their accuracy or the number of low clearances in their databases.
Hope this is of use.
Low Clearance Solutions
Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Trooper-D, Aug 25, 2009.
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You need a new atlas every year to get the changes and those are only up to the minute it was proofed before printing. The paper bound one is good enough to peruse at leisure, not to take in the truck with you.
That is when you should be planning your route, not on the road.
Most everything I have seen anywhere trucks have any business being is marked, if I think it is close and there is no sign, I don't get right up to it until I can verify it. Ask receivers and shippers about low clearance in their areas,even better if they have their own trucks, talk to drivers.
The other solutions don't appeal to me anymore, I don't run OTR much at all other than OTR livehaul, which can be fun during construction and accidents, but not usually much problem. I don't give city tours to my cargo anymore.
Stay on the marked truck routes on the map, if you need to deviate from it, like when you are close, ask someone that knows, the other tools can be wrong, and if they are wrong and you don't know it, you are captain of that ship so you are still responsible.
If you have any doubt, do not proceed.BluesTech Thanks this. -
Last edited by a moderator: Jun 24, 2010
gharr8 Thanks this. -
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I go slow and try to use my sun roof.
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I usually try to read the signs. This can be done while driving. And doesn't cost anything.
I realize this is a lost and dieing art. But it still works.
Other than that....if it looks low, I go really really slow.
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