Escapees September-October 2024

weight and safety

RVHeight By JIMKOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

THE SMARTWEIGH PROGRAM PROVIDES ACCURATE INDIVIDUAL WHEEL WEIGHTS FOR YOUR RV, toadand tow vehicle, and it will help you to trim the pounds if needed. Complete weight analysis starting at just $60. Weighing appointments are available in Livingston, TX, Mon—Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Livingston, Texas Rainbow’s End. Other times may be available. Call 936-329-6499 for information and reservations. Weighing is available at Escapade! www.escapees.com/smartweigh

During our trip back from Rock Springs, Wyoming, after Escapade, my wife, Lisa, and I arrived at an RV Park in Amarillo, Texas. While we were pulling into our RV site, I noticed a man on top of his fi fth-wheel trailer looking at the front air conditioner unit. It was obvious that the unit had sustained damaged. Later, while speaking with members of his party, we were told that the damage had occured from a low bridge clearance of 12 foot that he thought he could travel under safely. Although he made it through, the A/C cover was rippedo ff and he needed a new air conditioner. Know ing the height of your RV is important information that this unfortunate RVer learned too late. S o, the question is: Do you know the height of your RV? The height of overpasses, bridges, canopies or wires across the road is one of the challenges you will encounter while RVing. These unexpected hazards can ruin your day by removing what is on top of your rig. There have been many RVs that have been scalped as a result of hitting a gas station canopy or low bridges. When the road surface is repaved, there is a chance that the clearance under the bridge has changed but the signs have not. As responsible RV drivers, we should always be aware of the clearance signs that are posted along the highway. Occationally, you may encounter a bridge or overpass that looks lower than what is posted or noticed that the sign is missing. In this situation, it would be best to fi nd another route or pull over and wait for a taller vehicle to go under the structure. When getting your RV ready for your next trip, be sure to measure the height of your RV. After you have the height, write this number down and place it on the dashboard so it will be handy for when ever you come upon that questionable structure height. If you have your RV weighed at Escapees SmartWeigh, the height measurement of the RV is included. We also give you a height sticker to fi ll out and place on you windshield.

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2024