Making a ranch entrance & gate?

Question

I own a ranch & want to make a ranch entrance with 27 ft telephone poles. Any idea how deep do I need to set the poles & how much height do I need for larger cars & trucks to clear the overhang on the gate ? The entrance is 20 ft in length, I'm thinking two 10 ft gate sections that swing. Any suggest as to what would be best to make the gate out of ? Thanks

Answer 1

ok, real ranches use this so trucks with hay can drive under electric fence wire. what type of truck are you talking about. I would put poles 1/3 the way in the ground with cement. So if you want you poles 10 foot above the ground, Id put them 5 foot in the ground. In addition, cast iron (look alike) gates would be prefered.

By the way, my full size pickup is around 6 foot tall.

Answer 2

I agree with the 1st answer on the wrought iron for the gate, simply because it will last and is attractive if made well. If aesthetics aren't your concern you could use fencing top rail. It's certainly cheaper and there would be no welding. Or just buy a pre-manufactured gate. You'll want to install a motorized opener (remote control like a garage door) as well eventually, unless you always have a passenger to jump out and open the gate. lol. These set-ups can be found at Tractor supply with solar panels so you don't have to run wiring. Ok so for the height an 18 wheeler is limited to 13'6'' to run legal on the highway, I can't imagine you'll ever need to be higher than 14 or 15 feet. So at 15' your left with 12 feet of pole to sink. You could cut 4 foot off, 8 feet in the ground is an awful lot and more than enough. I work at a wholesale nursery and we've installed wind breaks with t.phone poles and any more than 8 foot we would have had to rent a massive auger. You've got your work cut out for you that's for sure. Good luck.