Trucker GPS system may keep you out of trouble

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Using Your RV : Driving or towing

Trucker GPS system may keep you out of trouble
Russ and Tina DeMaris

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Cruising through upstate New York a few years ago, we had a rather unwelcome surprise: Rounding a corner while towing our fifth wheel we ran across--and happily not into--a rather low bridge. Our required twelve feet of clearance was certainly not accommodated by a 9 foot something bridge. The resulting backing up on a cramped road with unhappy traffic behind us left a memorable impression.

It wasn't the first time we'd been caught by the old "low bridge" scenario: Earlier in California our wind turbine took an expensive hit on, believe it or not, an interstate highway on-ramp.

Low bridges and weight restricted roadways are a part of the RV life. Usually the latter aren't a big problem, but low clearances can catch up with RVs that carry a much higher profile than the standard auto. What can compound the problem is the use of a GPS unit to plan routing. Truck drivers are finding out--often to their chagrin--that GPS units designed for the typical car driver can really get a "big guy" into trouble.

“In New York, we have a tremendous problem with trucks getting on restricted-access facilities because they followed their generic commercial GPS device,” said Todd Westhuis, a special assistant in the New York State Department of Transportation’s operations division. “Generally, they don’t realize their mistake until they hit the first bridge they come to.” Westhuis is quoted in a recent edition of Transport Topics Online, a e-periodical directed to the trucking industry.

What's to be done? If you route or follow a GPS unit's direction while using a high profile RV like a tall motorhome or towing a fifth wheel, it's not enough to just follow the breadcrumb trail the GPS suggests. Keeping your eyes open for height restriction signs is essential--even though in our New York experience, the "low bridge" warning wasn't available until we rounded the corner and confronted the bridge itself.

The GPS industry has responded to the problem by designing GPS systems with needs of big trucks in mind. With data about height, weight, and width restrictions, the software helps truckers to stay out of trouble. Some update their mapping software on a frequent basis, keeping users up to date. Many allow users to "plug in" information specific to their rig, and the GPS will flag any routing that could get them into hot water.

These systems are certainly more expensive that the generic GPS system, but if you have a tall rig, it could be worth the extra money to invest in the added level of protection. You'll certainly need to stay current on software upgrades to make it worth your effort.

How can you find a trucker's GPS system? An Internet search for "truck driver GPS" will yield some good results. Or drop into and shop at a major truck stop convenience store.

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