I have read in several places that ground clearance is 5 1/2 inches. Does anyone know, for sure, if that is measured with the car empty, or with the suspension bottomed out? At what point on the car is it measured? The reason I ask is I will often carry the car on the bed of my truck. The ramps used to get the car on and off the truck will be stored under the car. I just need to know how much additional space below the car I need to allow before finalizing the truck bed design.
It's a Volvo 660. I use it to pull my camper. I use the smart when I get where I'm going so I don't have to use a "Big Rig" truck to visit the local area.
I make the clearance 5-5/8" under the belly pan between the front wheels, unladen. If the vehicle is tightly strapped down on the truck bed, the clearance could be a little less.
The short wheelbase will work in your favor in crossing the joint between the ramps and bed. I regularly cross collapsible steel security barriers entering and leaving Ft. Monroe that are said to require 6" clearance, and where long wheelbase vehicles have dragged.
Last edited by Old smart; 01-04-2009 at 02:06 PM.
Reason: sp.
I think the transition from the ramp to the truck may be an issue.
Uhauls has spaecial instructions for their car hauler -- low clearance
I modeled the ramps on AutoCad and the transition is not a problem. My ramps, when folded are 7" thick. I need to figure out how high to make the runners to give me enough clearance under the car to store the ramps.
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