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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Trooper-D on August 24, 2009, 01:26:58 PM
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 (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 (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 (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 (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.
Well you hid your home state, so I can't get alot of info I can use from this. Out here on the left coast if you don't miss a road sign I doubt you will ever have an issue, but its always a good idea to keep your eyes open.
To each their own, but I chose to keep the overall height at the factory 11' 0" to minimize clearance issues.
RM Motor Carrier Road Atlas goes for way less than sticker price at the good truck stop near you.
Over several years in the early 2000's I picked up current copies at the Pilot in Erie PA for $10.
Keep looking up!
happy coaching!
buswarrior