High tops and low clearances

[baj25]

Since getting a high top, I am paranoid about hitting a car park height barrier. I hit one once with bikes on roof rack, no great damage except to my pride. Had a near miss a couple of years later, car behind blasted horn and warned me in time. I been past a couple lately and wife has said ‘good job we aren’t going there’, and that was the first that I’d twigged about the height. Any tips on keeping aware of this? Do you put something in windscreen to remind you? Cheers, Bri

[Ralf85]

Measure the height of your camper, put that on a label and stick the label in front of you somewhere seems the obvious suggestion.
My T2 pop top had various labels that Westfalia Works thought a good idea, including one saying 'remember to pop the roof down before driving' in three languages.

[scottbott]

if I want to put my van into the workshop at work I have to make sure the roller door is all the way up as I have about one inch of clearance

[voodoopenguin]

I almost had a disaster earlier this year and that was in a pop top! It was the start of a classic vehicle run and we had all gathered in a public car park. I went to head off and realised in the nick of time that the exit had a height barrier, came within inches of whacking the pop top. Had to make those behind reverse a bit and the marshals guided me out on the in road where there was no barrier. Do you think the council do that on purpose just for fun?

Paul

[meggles]

Not sure if it would work but how about one of those rear sensor thingies. Y'know... the ones that beep like crazy if you are about to reverse into something? Fitted near the top of the hi top would maybe detect the barrier in time, provided you don't drive like an idiot in and out of the car park. As I said, don't know if it would work but worth a mention?

[nobbyfox]

I have a pop-top and Westfalia state that it is 2.1 metres high. I measured mine a while ago and it is actually 2 metres!
That would explain how I can fit under the car parks with 2.1 m barriers.

[wee bugger]

My local multi story advises me i have 10cm clearance on my tintop...in reality i have 30+cm under the "barrier" at the entrance, and double that in the actual carpark...you see people gaping as i just drive straignt in

[LeeME3]

Slight thread drift but on the subject of cab warning stickers...most Boeing airliners have a sticker on the pilots' seats that state "Must face forward for take off and landing". As I'm soon fitting swivel seats I want these stickers in the van!

[getunder]

Have seen quite a few vans and caravans driving along with their roof vents open which adds to the height . I have a check list that I use before I drive off including a visual check of tyre pressures.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Lets face it ..... you only posted in this thread because of your username!

[meggles]

Lets face it ..... you only posted in this thread because of your username!

[baj25]

Looks like the sticker in the window is still the best option. Did think of reversing sensors, but I guess I might be moving too fast to react if they did sense something. Ta, Bri

[Oldiebut goodie]

I must admit that without habitually checking in the mirror every time I leave the driveway I would have driven off with the hookup still attached at times. I also have a sticker up above the visor in my Merc with the height and width in metres and feet to check at a glance if it will fit.

[baj25]

I keep an orange ping pong ball in front of the speedo to remind me to remove: trickle charge from behind number plate flap, air intake covers and thing-to-stop-cover-sagging off roof. It's like some pre-flight checkist to just get off the drive!

[djase1210]

I still duck when going under ridiculously high overhead obstructions, that I have no chance of hitting. Even after driving my high top for 2 years. It's just become part of the fun..... And a timely reminder of how special she is !!!!
Cheers jase