Vehicle clearance (or roof height) is the overall height of the vehicle, including the height of anything mounted on the roof like roof vents and solar panels. Tall vehicles are more likely to hit low overhangs, trees, etc., and may be prohibited on certain roads. They will often not fit in parking garages, in restaurant or pharmacy drivethrus, etc.
Vehicle clearance shouldn't be confused with the vehicle's ground clearance (height of the bottom of the vehicle) or ceiling height (interior vertical height).
Vehicle clearance for different vehicle types:
- High clearance:Box trucks, buses, motorhomes, step vans, 5th wheel trailers
- Moderate clearance: Most trailers, raised-roof vans, pickup trucks with slide-in camper
- Low clearance:Cars, minivans, SUVs, standard-roof vans, pickup trucks with topper