How much wind is too much?

[OnlyRoom42]

General question. How much wind is too much wind driving?
We cancelled yesterdays trip due to high winds: 25-35 with gusts to 50. Probably a good idea.
Today is 20-30 with higher gusts possible.
So, in your experiences how mush is too much?

[DutchmenSport]

I don't think there is any specific set wind speed. It's all about what you feel comfortable with (or not). A 20 MPH side wind can make driving a horrible nightmare, especially if it hits in gusts. A sustained 20 mph wind can be managed.

Folks drive through some 50 mph winds and come out unscathed. Others drive in 20 mph wind and semi-trucks are flipped over.

Regardless, I think it all boils down to your own comfort level. The fact you delayed travel makes me think you did the right thing. No one should ever be driving on the road under any circumstances if they feel they do not have 100% complete control of their rig. Accidents happen when folks get to cocky and think they are immune from the law of the state, AND the law of physics.

You did the right thing. Use your best judgment. No right or wrongs here. You did what was right for YOU.

[1retired06]

Terrain is also a factor. If I feel uncomfortable, I get off the road. That has only happened to us once in Kansas with headwinds, simply pulled into the next rv park we saw.

[rames14]

We live along the front range and 20-30 mile breezes are the norm. If there is a high wind warning, we stay put. They will close I25 and 287 heading from Colorado to Cheyenne and Laramie. You have to do what you are comfortable with, no one else. If we’re traveling and the wind is affecting us, we slow down. Enjoy the ride and don’t force it.

[jsb5717]

Yes, personal comfort level is very important. So is having the right equipment. An underrated TV can also be the kiss-of-death when the chips are down. Quoting Clint Eastwood is appropriate here…

“A man’s got to know his limitations”

[DQDick]

When possible (we knew in advance), we draw the line at wind gusts of 30mph and higher. We've done 45mph wind gusts when a storm caught us and survived but that type of driving isn't any fun and we can wait for it to improve.

[Daryles]

If you absolutely have to drive in windy conditions,
Fill ALL your tanks with water. It will add 1,600 lbs ballast and lower your center of gravity.

[mlh]

I’ve never worried about what wind. In Wyoming there is 20 to 30 mile winds lots of days. A friend told me the days the wind blows in Wyoming. He lived in Laramie all of his life. It starts January 1 and ends December 31.
Lynwood

[laverdur]

It boils down to what you feel is safe and what gives you comfort. That said, a head wind or tail wind are very different from a cross wind. Compared to an 18 wheeler, the RV has a lower center of gravity (CG). As someone noted, the CG can be pushed lower if the tanks are full but you'll pay a premium in fuel economy. I've towed with cross winds gusting to 40. It wasn't a white knuckle experience but it was a lot of work and it required a lot of concentration. It wasn't entirely by choice as the winds came up in the middle of a day's travel and we drove out of them after a bit.

[jeririgged223]

When the nerves of a drive overcome the enjoyment..........it's too much wind and time to pull in for a while until the situation gets better. It's no fun to have to fight a 5er for a few hundred miles.

[Lee-CI]

One other thing to consider during high cross winds. A few decades ago (yes that long) while pulling a 48 ft semi box van in lieu of my regular tanker, the cross winds on I-40 in western Oklahoma were sustained 45 mph and no idea of what the gusts were that day. Holding 13th gear on a 13 speed at 55 or 60 mph, I noticed both my rear end temps @ 365° and still climbing. I was taught the metal in the rear end gears would start crystalizing above 385°. Knocked it down a gear or two to take some of the strain off of the drive train and the temps ever so slowly srarted to drop. Always do what is best not only for you and your comfort zone, but also what is best for your equipment. Just food for thought.....

[Bad Moon]

It’s about time for the dually guys to chime in and tell us they can drive through a class 5 tornado with no problem, and they would never tow with a SRW even in a dead calm. :-)

[JABURKHOLDER]

F350 dually. Cat 3 hurricane (111-130 mph winds).
Drove into it. Side winds coming from the right. Drove through the eye, dead calm. Drove out the other side. Winds coming from the left. 41.5 ft Montana, wait, I can’t finish this without laughing at myself. Never happened, never will.


This is for you Bad Moon

[mlh]

Originally Posted by JABURKHOLDER

F350 dually. Cat 3 hurricane (111-130 mph winds).
Drove into it. Side winds coming from the right. Drove through the eye, dead calm. Drove out the other side. Winds coming from the left. 41.5 ft Montana, wait, I can’t finish this without laughing at myself. Never happened, never will.


This is for you Bad Moon

Oh heck I think this was for real.
Lynwood

[JABURKHOLDER]

Actually was in Hurricane Donna in Florida in 1960. It hit Florida as a Cat 4. Was living in Sanford, FL at the time. 130 mph + winds, then dead calm. The eye passed right over us. Clear sky, stars, etc. Then the other shoe dropped. 130 mph + winds from the opposite direction. Terrifying and cool at the same time.
Been through others, but that was the most memorable.

No RV. Stick and brick.

[Lee-CI]

No hurricanes in our neck of the woods thank goodness. Do have to keep an eye on weather reports for tornadoes though. Sneaky ba_tards... Always have shelter in place plans formulated for each campground after arrival.