How to determine towing height

[scott_silverside]

I am in the process of installing (ordering) an add on AC on my 2005 Cedar Creek Silverback 31' and need to get the total height while in tow. I tried to look it up but it only gives to the existing AC unit (from Cedar Creek). I did not want to hook up and pull to level ground and put a straight edge off the top to determine what size unit I can attach to the unit. Any other suggestions? The low profile is at 8 1/2'' to 9'' and the regular units are 13'' max. As you know the low profile units are quite a bit more expensive.... Thanks

[clr]

Well my first question is where on the unit is the new AC unit is going? If the new AC is not going to the high point of the roof it may make very little difference to the overall unit height.

[scott_silverside]

It's going in sky light in highest point of trailer. It's a 5th wheel I forgot to mention that. Not sure how high the ac unit existing is that's my delima.

[scott_silverside]

I contacted Cedar Creek and they said its 13' to the top of existing AC unit...Not really much help

[SeaDog]

If the dealer can't give you that info, with the trailer level in the spot its in measure to the roof line then add the height of the AC you want plus 1" that will give you the total height of the rig. next measure the distance from the ground to the pin and when you hookup see if that distance changes and you know your height. not sure thats what you are looking for.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by scott_silverside

I did not want to hook up and pull to level ground and put a straight edge off the top to determine what size unit I can attach to the unit.

This is the only accurate way.

[scott_silverside]

Originally Posted by ependydad

This is the only accurate way.

That is what I was thinking also but its worth the $300+ difference in price difference

[jacknife]

Spend the couple of hundred extra. It only takes an inch to rip a big hole in your roof. Referring to front only. If for rear just get the taller one you will be ok.

[BigTJohn]

Do you know the model of the AC unit? Look up its specs, dimensions, etc. Add that to your measurement of your high point of installation, add the numbers together, add 1 or 2 for a bit of safety. You are done.

[fella10]

Originally Posted by scott_silverside

I did not want to hook up and pull to level ground and put a straight edge off the top to determine what size unit I can attach to the unit.

you don't have to move to or be on level ground, ....you can measure your trailer height by laying and centering a 2x4 across the top of your trailer,...... it must be longer than your trailer is wide, 10' or 12' should do,.... then measure both sides from the end of the 2x4 down to the ground, ..... your trailer height will be the average of the two measurements, ... meaning: add the two measurements together and divide by two............

[asquared]

I have a full height AC on a full profile fiver (sabre). I wish I had the low profile AC as I sit 13'6" I believe... we weren't quite level when we measured so it may be a hair off. I have scraped my AC twice so far in 2 years. Once on a branch and once on a sign in the RV lane at a truck stop. Got lucky both times with just a scratch.

[scott_silverside]

Fella, that would work but it will not give you an accurate measurement due to the trailer settling in truck and height changing. Trailer is not level when hooked up and on level ground in pulling mode. I'll post back my findings today.

[scott_silverside]

For any who is interested the trailer height at bedroom skylight where the new AC is going it's 12'1".

[tkmi]

Have a 2013 silverback. Put a penguin lo pro in bedroom, my height is 13' 4".

[scott_silverside]

I just ordered a
Dometic Duo Therm Brisk Air2 RV Air Conditioner 13.5 BTU With Heat Strip...
for $558 with inside controls and the height is 12.7'' with my trailer being at 12' 1'' at the point where my light is I should be under 13'6''by 4 to 5''. I feel like I should be fine. We don't travel like most, just to the beach and lake for holidays and vacation when we can.... still working for the day I get to just go when we want to.

[tinkerreknit]

For an accurate maximum height determination, you have to be hooked up, level, with all tanks empty, tires at max pressure, and without most of you normal loaded stuff in either the TV or the camper. I have tried 3 times to get a good measurement with lots of variance. On level ground, set up a laser level on the highest point on the camper against a wall very close to the side of the camper. Then measure up to that point from the ground. My most important factor is that my roof is curved from side to side, making most methods inaccurate. Don't trust factory figures at all.

[scott_silverside]

I didn't that's why I hooked up and pulled to level area to determine my height. I was an inch different from one side to other with trailer mt of fluids do if anything it'll be lower when loaded.