Low Clearance POI Data

[roadtripper@mail.com]

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...y/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

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

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

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.

[Guest Wayne77590]

And don't forget the American Independent Trucker's Association Low Clearances web site.

[mapleskoff@gmail.com]

There are two add'l sources that I know of: first is the Good Sam trip planning site that allows, in one area, for the trip plan to include heights "under 13 ft. 6 in.", and the other is the new Garmin 465T GPS. I've used both. We've had the new Garmin for a couple of months, purchased from a company called GPS NOW, I believe. It is designed for trucks/RVs, and has a mode designated for either trucks or one for cars. In the truck mode you may enter info regarding your truck's weight, height, #of axles, etc. Going to the Garmin site will tell you much more. It kept me off roads that are restricted to trucks in the northeasst...NY, CT, NJ. So far it is the most comprehensive, though expensive, GPS we've owned, and it's not taken me on but a couple of wild goose chases, neither of which have been very far, and both probably the same as any GPS using the same mapping source. GPS by it's very nature, isn't perfect.

Hope this helps.

Doc Mike

[chucknewman]

So, after reading their web site, is this program designed to run stand-alone on a PC? Like Microsoft Streets?

Will it work like my CoPilot if I add GPS receiver data to the PC?

What does it mean when they say "Tom Tom version also compatible with Co-Pilot"?

Thanks,

Chuck