Low Clearance Solutions

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


LowClearances.com low clearance POI database for GPS

Pros - Huge database, up to 10 times larger than the others available. Accurate. Regularly updated. Ready to install.

Cons - Costs $20 for annual subscription.

Available at: http://www.lowclearances.com



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.  

Tropper, great job on the research. Low clearance is a real problem, especially for RV'ers that rent. If you are unfamiliar with your rig, you could be in for a lot of trouble, and nightime is the worst time to travel without checking your route. Thanks for the tips.http://forums.rvmagonline.com/_siteconfigs/_global/images/community/bbcode/cool.gif  

I just sent this email to lowclearances.com after reading the reviews. I am suspect of any software or GPS unit claiming to alert to clearances off major routes.

You say your downloadable software contains low-clearance alerts on and off the major routes.

What do you mean by off the major routes.

Does your system alert for low clearances nationwide on county, state and local roads?

I ask because I have never, ever seen anyone with a database such as this.

I suspect it only alerts for mapped routes such as included in RM's truck atlas.

Thank you.

(Also, aside from the question above, is your software compatible with Nuvi 260?)