BajaNomad - Low Clearances?

Low Clearances?

Golfermary - 10-15-2007 at 09:31 AM

A question for Baja travelers. We are planning to travel from Tecate to Cabo San Lucas and would like to know if there are any overhead clearances we need to be concerned about. We are close to 13 feet tall, and if we use the long CB antenna would add another 2 to 3 feet. Thanks for any help.

Paulina - 10-15-2007 at 10:01 AM

This trucker should have had the same concerns....

toneart - 10-15-2007 at 10:48 AM

Paulina,
Did you cause that?

"Well behaved women rarely make history." :dudette:

vandenberg - 10-15-2007 at 11:45 AM

The only overpass you will have, as far as I can recall, is the one in Tecate before you get to hwy#3 ( tollroad Mexicali to Tijuana). And all the truck traffic goes that way, so shouldn't be any problem. Wouldn't know about the additional height with the CB antenna though. CB's are kind of obsolete this day and age. If you caravan use a little handheld walkie talkie, cheap and effective for short distances.

osoflojo - 10-15-2007 at 01:06 PM

I have never given this question any thought in all the times I have driven the trail. I dont know how 13 feet relates to a regular 18 wheeler but if it is close you should be reasonably OK. The only place I can think of might be the checkpoint at Guerrero Negro.

vandenberg - 10-15-2007 at 01:09 PM

I believe most height indicators on Ca. Overpasses are 14' 8''. :?:

vandenberg - 10-15-2007 at 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by osoflojo
I have never given this question any thought in all the times I have driven the trail. I dont know how 13 feet relates to a regular 18 wheeler but if it is close you should be reasonably OK. The only place I can think of might be the checkpoint at Guerrero Negro.

Yeah bear, but you don't know my wife, who thinks a 3/4 ton pick-up should be able to hold the same amount of sh*t as a 18

wheeler.

oladulce - 10-15-2007 at 03:35 PM

We're 13'+ (depending how many boards are on the camper) and travel Tecate-Cd Contitución frequently, Golfermary. But we haven't been south of this point since we've had this taller camper so I don't have 1st hand information for you for the rest of the hwy.

shari - 10-15-2007 at 04:30 PM

Twice now I have come to the rescue for travellers knocking down power and phone lines...so please be careful when in the cities and villages as there are lots of low slung lines everywhere...heads up folks...it can get expensive if you have to replace power lines, poles etc....

Pescador - 10-16-2007 at 05:50 AM

You should be fine on the highway, but Shari is absolutely right that you will not be able to go down the streets of any smaller town. I have to drop my VHF antenna on my boat between the house and the ramp or I take out half of the towns phone and power supply. And they get really upset. Semi trucks are prohibited from entering any small town without an escort from the police department, so if you are trying to pull into a camp area, you may want to consider that option. We had friends at Los Barilles that pulled down two wires before they realized what had happened and ended up re-wiring the houses in that part of town.

Bob and Susan - 10-16-2007 at 06:20 AM

the California Vehicle Code states that no loads shall exceed a height of 14 feet. Section is 35250:

some overpasses in the los angeles area are 13 feet 4 inches

i'd keep the antenna down while driving...
you're at the limit... :no:

TMW - 10-16-2007 at 07:07 AM

If you happen to take out a power line be extremely careful. If the power line is touching your vehicle you don't want to just step out or you'll be zapped. If you must exit the vehicle you'll need to open the door and jump away with both feet together and arms tucked into your body. If possible wait for help.

CaboRon - 10-17-2007 at 06:06 AM

You will be driving a tall sail. It won't be very stable on those windy , windy mountain roads. Please drive carefully!

-CaboRon

El Norte - 10-17-2007 at 06:29 AM

Don't attempt the last returno heading South on Mex 1 into Cabo San Lucas. The height there is perhaps 7feet 4 inches near the concrete support pillar. I know this as my trucks cap is 7 feet and it is quite close. You can't see the clearance until you turn and then backing out is dangerous. It is the only problem that I can think of on the highway south of Constirution.