Van height?

[Bav]

A number of times now I've been out & about in the van and found myself approaching a height-restriction barrier at the entrance to a carpark. Very unsure if the van would fit under, each time I've panicked and demanded Mrs Bav jump out and call yea or nay as to whether I'd fit under. Obviously this is far from satisfactory and is borne out of an ignorance of the height of my van.

I've got a LWB T32 camper with a Hilo pop-top roof with a flexible solar panel (no roof rails) on factory wheels (17" Devonports) and standard tyres/suspension. When fully loaded (its default state), the measurements from mid-wheel to top of wheel arch are 460mm (font) and 440mm (rear) - so a little rear-end sag.

Is it possible to calculate van height from the above info? If not, any tips on how I can accurately measure its height?

TIA

 

[ChrisBell]

A number of times now I've been out & about in the van and found myself approaching a height-restriction barrier at the entrance to a carpark. Very unsure if the van would fit under, each time I've panicked and demanded Mrs Bav jump out and call yea or nay as to whether I'd fit under. Obviously this is far from satisfactory and is borne out of an ignorance of the height of my van.

I've got a LWB T32 camper with a Hilo pop-top roof with a flexible solar panel (no roof rails) on factory wheels (17" Devonports) and standard tyres/suspension. When fully loaded (its default state), the measurements from mid-wheel to top of wheel arch are 460mm (font) and 440mm (rear) - so a little rear-end sag.

Is it possible to calculate van height from the above info? If not, any tips on how I can accurately measure its height?

TIA

Another piece of the mystery van jigsaw @Bav Spirit level and tape measure or piece of timber and measure to deck.... You'll be near enough. I'm 2060mm but need to be careful with aerial!

 

[Bav]

Fanks buddy.

 

[CarreraRSR]

Start with a 2.1m car park height limit. If it fits then find a 2m. If it fits find a 1.9m. If it scrapes the roof don’t try to park in those in the future. Hope that helps.

FYI mine fits in 2m car parks with roof rails. I’m not going to try my luck in a 1.9m

 

[Bav]

One of the barriers was marked 2.0m, but the barrier clearly wasn't level and was lower at one end. I decided to back-up rather than risk it, but that meant reversing out onto a busy roundabout - a different type of risk I guess.

 

[Dellmassive]

Nope, as above you need to measure it.

Lump of wood or broom handle on the highest part of the roof, off to the side.

Then drop a weighted string line to the floor.

Mark and measure.

 

[Bav]

Cheers Lee.

 

[LondonLad]

Never had any trouble in a 2m height limit altho feels tight sometimes, especially with the lower hanging CCTV cameras.

 

[Green Giant]

I would hold a 6ft spirit level, level, from centre of the roof, then get an assistant to measure from the ground up to the bottom edge of level, do this on level ground and an empty van, maybe front, middle and rear just to be sure, and alway give a few more cm’s extra, just in case they laid extra tarmac and didn’t bother to raise barrier..

 

[Bav]

just in case they laid extra tarmac and didn’t bother to raise barrier

more food for thought!

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

Never had any trouble in a 2m height limit altho feels tight sometimes, especially with the lower hanging CCTV cameras.

Not all Transporters are the same height though. Pop-tops invariably add extra height, as can solar panels, roof bars/racks, awnings, larger diameter wheels/tyres, etc.
My T5 Caravelle was just under 2m, and my T6 Shuttle has 30mm lower springs, so I’d be happy with a 2m height

 

[AKG]

I'd also be concerned with kerbing the rear wheels on the typically tight turns in a multi story car park.I
I know this from unfortunate experience!!

 

[Bigsidavies]

@Bav did mine before France. Park on level flat ground, long piece of straight wood across the highest point of the roof (longer than the van width) then measure to the ground on both sides to confirm you were indeed on flat ground.
Mine is 202cm with pop top, roof bars and solar panel mounted to the bars.
Then……you’ll still send Mrs Bav out at every height barrier because you can’t trust any of them.

 

[Nige_g]

I measured mine using a piece of wood on the top to measure from too. I also used the measure app on my iPhone which uses the LiDAR sensor on the back. That was accurate too. Problem is I still forget how high it is, so I rarely go under a barrier that is less than 2.5m just to be sure, lol.

 

[Bigsidavies]

@Bav
Then……you’ll still send Mrs Bav out at every height barrier because you can’t trust any of them.

Barriers I mean……not wives.

 

[Nige_g]

I went under one at a beach in Wales and I was alone. A member of the public in the carpark got me under by giving me the thumbs up. Now that is trust (or foolishness!).

If I'd had the wife with me, it would have been easier. At least her weight would lower the van a fair bit.

 

[Bobby Turkalino]

Squeaky bum time at the 2m height barrier at the first French toll...sailed through.

More like we just fitted under.....

 

[Nige_g]

Squeaky bum time at the 2m height barrier at the first French toll...sailed through.

More like we just fitted under.....

I approached one of the 30 KMH tolls (we have a tag) but hadn't even noticed the barrier until fairly close. Luckily it was quiet and I was able to swap lanes. I would have got under I guess but din't want to risk it.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Start with a 2.1m car park height limit. If it fits then find a 2m. If it fits find a 1.9m. If it scrapes the roof don’t try to park in those in the future. Hope that helps.

FYI mine fits in 2m car parks with roof rails. I’m not going to try my luck in a 1.9m

I wouldn’t use height barriers as a gauge. The marked height “should” be the maximum height vehicle that will pass under, with a margin of error. We’ve been under some 2m barriers that were plainly well over 2m high. As mentioned, you need to accurately measure (within reason) the actual height of the van. Also bear in mind that the marked height is only the clearance directly under the bar, a long van may be straddling a dip with the front & rear wheels on higher ground, this would effectively reduce the clearance under the bar. This all may sound a bit pedantic, but believe me, it’s all from experience

 

[Bav]

... the marked height is only the clearance directly under the bar, a long van may be straddling a dip with the front & rear wheels on higher ground, this would effectively reduce the clearance under the bar.

Good point.