RV Cost Calculator RV Bridge Height Route Checker
Avoid costly bridge strikes - Plan safe routes for your RV
Bridge Strikes Are Preventable!
Bridge strikes cause an average of $30,000-$500,000 in damage, can be fatal, and are 100% preventable. Know your height. Add a safety buffer. Never guess. When in doubt, find an alternate route.
🚐 Your RV Specifications
Measure to highest point including AC, antennas, vents
Recommended: Minimum 6" (0.5 ft) buffer for safety
✅ Minimum Safe Clearance
Your RV: 12'6"
Safety Buffer: +0'6"
📏 How to Measure
Park on level ground
Extend all antennas, AC covers, and vents
Measure from ground to absolute highest point
Add 6" minimum for tire inflation variations
Low Clearance Database
USA, Canada, and Mexico
Get exact bridge heights, tunnel clearances, and parkway restrictions from the most comprehensive low clearance database in North America.
Visit findlowclearance.com✓ Crowdsourced database updated by RV community
✓ Report new hazards and help fellow travelers
✓ Mobile-friendly for on-the-road checking
⚠️ Common Hazards
⚠️ Critical Hazards
Many parkways ban commercial vehicles and RVs entirely
Older bridges in city centers often have low clearances
Common low-clearance points on highways
⚡ High Risk Areas
Mountain and urban tunnels may restrict tall vehicles
Historic bridges with very low clearances
Never attempt in standard RV
🚫 Banned Routes
These routes prohibit RVs or have dangerously low clearances:
🗺️ Regional Planning
🏛️ Northeast US
- Oldest infrastructure with many low bridges
- NYC parkways strictly prohibit RVs
- Boston and Philadelphia have numerous low overpasses
- Consider I-95 corridor carefully
🌴 Southeast US
- Generally better clearances on major routes
- Watch for historic downtown areas
- Covered bridges in rural areas
- Florida Keys have limited clearances
🌾 Midwest US
- Railroad overpasses are primary concern
- Chicago area has numerous low bridges
- Rural roads generally RV-friendly
- Watch for grain elevators and farm equipment overpasses
⛰️ Western US
- Mountain tunnels may have restrictions
- Generally newer infrastructure with better clearances
- California coastal routes vary significantly
- Desert highways typically no issues
🍁 Canada
- Metric measurements on signs (meters)
- Generally good clearances on Trans-Canada Highway
- Urban areas require careful planning
- Use findlowclearance.com for Canadian database
🌮 Mexico
- Metric measurements (meters)
- Variable infrastructure quality
- Research toll roads vs free roads
- Check findlowclearance.com before crossing
🛡️ Safety Guidelines
Measure Accurately
Measure from ground to highest point with AC units, antennas, and vents extended. Add 6 inches for safety.
Use RV-Specific GPS
Standard GPS doesn't account for height restrictions. Invest in RV GPS or apps like RV LIFE, Copilot, or Good Sam.
Trust Your Measurement
If clearance looks tight, find alternate route. Bridge strikes cause thousands in damage and can be life-threatening.
Watch for Warning Signs
Yellow height restriction signs appear before low bridges. Heed all warnings - they exist for a reason.
Report Low Clearances
Use findlowclearance.com to report new low clearances and help other RVers avoid hazards.
Pre-Plan Every Route
Never rely on spontaneous navigation. Research your entire route for clearance issues before departure.
📱 Recommended RV GPS
RV LIFE Trip Wizard
Comprehensive trip planning with height restrictions
Garmin RV GPS
Dedicated hardware with custom RV routing
CoPilot RV
Mobile app with offline maps and RV-specific routing
Good Sam RV Travel
Community-based routing with member reviews
⚠️ Warning: Never rely solely on GPS. Always pre-plan your route and verify clearances.
🆘 If You Hit a Bridge
Stop immediately. Do not attempt to back up without guidance.
Call 911 to report the incident. Bridge may be damaged.
Contact your insurance immediately.
Document everything with photos and video.
📊 Common Bridge Clearances
| Location Type | Typical Clearance | Your RV Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interstate Highways | 14-16 ft | SAFE | Federal minimum is 14 ft, most are higher |
| US Highways | 13.5-14 ft | TIGHT | Generally safe but verify locally |
| State Roads | 12-14 ft | TOO LOW | Variable - always check specific routes |
| Railroad Overpasses | 11-13 ft | TOO LOW | Common hazard, watch for warning signs |
| Urban Areas | 10-12 ft | TOO LOW | Historic districts especially dangerous |
| Parkways (Northeast) | 7-11 ft | BANNED | RVs prohibited - avoid at all costs |
| Mountain Tunnels | 13-14 ft | TIGHT | Check tunnel restrictions in advance |
| Covered Bridges | 8-12 ft | TOO LOW | Historic bridges, often very low |
Your Required Clearance: 13'0" (3.96 m) - This includes your RV height of 12'6" plus 0'6" safety buffer.
In North America alone, thousands of preventable accidents occur each year
Bridge damage can cost hundreds of thousands, plus your RV and potential injuries
Every bridge strike can be avoided with proper planning and awareness
✅ Pre-Trip Clearance Checklist
Before You Leave
During Your Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the bridge sign shows meters?
In Canada and Mexico, clearances are in meters. Your 13'0" equals 3.96 meters. Always convert before proceeding.
How do I measure my RV height?
On level ground, measure from the ground to the absolute highest point with all accessories extended. Add 6 inches minimum for safety buffer and tire pressure variations.
Are GPS clearance warnings reliable?
RV GPS devices are helpful but not perfect. Always verify with signs and visual inspection. Database updates may lag behind infrastructure changes.
What's the most dangerous region?
The Northeast US (NY, NJ, CT, MA) has the highest concentration of low clearance hazards due to historic parkways and older infrastructure built before modern height standards.
Can I remove my AC to gain clearance?
While possible, it's impractical for regular travel. Instead, plan routes that accommodate your full height or consider a shorter RV for frequent travel in restricted areas.
What if I'm towing a trailer?
Measure the trailer height separately - it may be taller than your tow vehicle. The tallest point determines your clearance requirements, whether it's the tow vehicle or trailer.
Know Your Height. Plan Your Route. Travel Safely.
Bridge strikes are 100% preventable with proper planning