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Old 03-17-2014, 06:54 PM   #1
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RV Height

So how accurate are the height ratings on these RV's? I'm asking because I have a 35ROK coming that is listed at 13'2" and I have a barn that has 13'7" of clearance. If they are accurate, no problem, if not and its higher i have a problem. My daughter and her husband just bought a Sundance 3300CK that is listed at 12'4" which would have been fine for their 12'7" barn door opening. Trouble is the 5er ended up being 12'9" tall. They had to remodel the barn!
Is this common for factory listed heights to be off that much? I ordered a second air conditioner which being in front is the highest part of the RV. I asked the dealer about this and he says he called the factory and they told him the 13'2" is to the top of that 2nd air conditioner. However I am the skeptic! Are there any ROK or any Sandpiper owners out there who know their true height and was it what was advertised?
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:03 PM   #2
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Each on is gonna be different because in the real world height is measured when hitched to the truck. For example a 20" truck tire will raise your fiver up several inches compared to a 16"er. I would never go on a generic number by the factory. Good luck.
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:04 PM   #3
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13'2" might have been close before that front air conditioner, but I wouldn't believe it now. The hitch height of your truck is going to have a lot to do with measurement, but not much control there. You need to find a balance between level trailer and enough rail clearance.
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:15 PM   #4
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V Cross 275 vrl. Spec height is 11.5, actual is 12ft 8in at the A/C.
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:24 PM   #5
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My 36QBOK is listed at 12'9" on the FR website. I added the full profile AC and measure at 13'5" while hitched. It was difficult to measure taking into account the curvature of the roof. Next time I'm hitched I am going to measure again. Even after a year it makes me nervous going under low bridges and utility lines that looks low.
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:33 PM   #6
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Pretty accurate WITHOUT the A/C
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:35 PM   #7
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My 36QBOK is listed at 12'9" on the FR website. I added the full profile AC and measure at 13'5" while hitched. It was difficult to measure taking into account the curvature of the roof. Next time I'm hitched I am going to measure again. Even after a year it makes me nervous going under low bridges and utility lines that looks low.
X2 Here!! Sometimes you couldn't drive a pine needle up my &^% with a ball pein hammer I'm so nervous!!
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:41 PM   #8
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Hitch it up with all the normal camping gear and take it to a level lot. A school or mall parking lot etc. and measure it. It's the only way to know for sure. Then you will have no doubt and you'll be more comfortable on your next camping trip.
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:46 PM   #9
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We've never believed what's in the brochure, as usually it's off by a bit. Usually one of the first things we do is measure the height after we get a new one home. I'm sure everybody's got their own way of doing this, but I lay a 10' or so straight board side to side across the top of the front AC and ensure it's level. Then drop either a plumb bob or tape measure to the ground and get the actual height. I usually do this in the shop unhooked from the truck, but rest assured I have checked how the thing sits on the truck, on good flat level pavement first (driveway) and duplicated this position in the shop (usually level or a shade nose high). A little off the topic, but figured I'd throw it out there.
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Old 03-17-2014, 07:57 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by rattleNsmoke View Post
Each on is gonna be different because in the real world height is measured when hitched to the truck. For example a 20" truck tire will raise your fiver up several inches compared to a 16"er. I would never go on a generic number by the factory. Good luck.
Actually the wheel makes no difference whatsoever. The tire has a shorter side wall on a 20" than on a 16".
On stock wheel/tires regardless of wheel size, 99% of the time the overall diameter is within 1/4". Unless you have a larger TIRE option on your vehicle.
But dont take my word on it, look online there are dozens of tire size calculators that will tell you size and difference between tire and wheel combos.

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Old 03-17-2014, 08:01 PM   #11
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I'd do like big john and lay a level board across and measure down.

Like stated, factory 2nd ac is an option, so its not going to be the spec'd height with the 2nd ac on it.

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Old 03-17-2014, 08:34 PM   #12
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The best way to measure, and I've done it with all of my rigs is to get someone on the roof, put a 2x4 across the highest point of the roof (probably AC unit) and a level on the 2x4 to make it level with ground. Have someone on the ground measure up to the 2x4 for an accurate reading.
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Old 03-17-2014, 08:59 PM   #13
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Each on is gonna be different because in the real world height is measured when hitched to the truck. For example a 20" truck tire will raise your fiver up several inches compared to a 16"er. I would never go on a generic number by the factory. Good luck.
Rim size will not change the height of the trailer, tire diameter will change the height . I am guessing you meant rim size .

You could have 16'' rim with 315/75r16 and you have about a 35'' tall tire
or 305/75R20 and your tire would be about 33'' tall. The 35'' tire would only raise the ride height 1'' over the 33'' tall tire. 1'' above and 1'' below the axle
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Old 03-17-2014, 10:03 PM   #14
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The height is speced with the trailer leveled out on a level surface. Unfortunately, your towing height will be different because of your truck, it's suspension options, drive configuration, tire height, etc. My truck is 4WD and has the HD suspension, it's easily 4-6" taller than a 2WD 2500 with the standard suspension. I've got the hitch height set where it's close to level, but it's still not where the factory measured it.

Now, they can't put one on the road taller than 13'6", so far as I know. That's the max legal height without special permits. I like the idea of setting a 2X4 across the front AC unit and measuring, I may do that this weekend.
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Old 03-18-2014, 06:25 AM   #15
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Yes John you are correct, Overall tire diameter for clarity sake in my example WILL have an effect on overall truck height. It must be considered in all reality as well as other tv features like suspension blocks spring shackles etc. My point is you can't go by what the factory states....even if you supply them your trailer VIN # due to the variables in the tv. Another point to mention, make sure the 2x4 or whatever piece of wood you use is dead on true with no bows in it AND you use a level across it's top. I figured that out the hard way when my trailer measured out erroneously to be 14'4" tall...
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Old 03-18-2014, 06:51 AM   #16
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GREAT post, we have a 35ROK as well and have not measured it...but will this weekend!

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Old 03-18-2014, 03:50 PM   #17
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I'd bet you'll be within an inch of your door opening...but as others stated, once hooked to your particular truck...take the measurement yourself for the actual roof height...Good Luck!



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Old 03-18-2014, 05:51 PM   #18
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GREAT post, we have a 35ROK as well and have not measured it...but will this weekend!

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Since you have what I'm getting I'd really like to hear what your measurements are!!

Lots of good input here, probably the only way I'll know for sure is when I bring it home and try and get it in the barn. I do have a gravel floor and can pick up an additional 4-5 inches if need be.
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