How much wind will you pull your Monty in?

[vipermanden]

Just curious for all of you long timers out there, how windy will you pull your Monty in? I have been on two 2,500 mile trips last summer, and am going on a 4,500 mile trip starting in a couple of days. On the second and third leg, the weather report is for sunny, but 20-30 mph winds and some gusts up to 40 mph? Is this OK pulling with my long bed dually? What are your personal limits? Do you just slow way down? Thanks in advance.

Dennis & Tracy Kimball

[Grzly03]

Based on our prior experience with TTs, and bearing in mind that the 5er is both heavier and higher profile, I have set my limits at forecast 20-30 steady state and if gusts are estimated to be above 35-40, then that's when we start looking for alternate stopping area. Coming across I-40 in New Mexico last fall, we had gusts (direct cross) to about 40 with F-150/Jayco bumper tow 36', and although I was nervous and we got pushed around, it was no problem.

I should mention also that we base what we are going to do somewhat on what is coming at us from the opposite direction, figuring if they did it, we can, too.

Monty 3730FL, with F-250 SRW now.

[rohrmann]

We have towed in cross winds of 40 mph or slightly over with no problem other than having to stay on top of staying between the lines. A couple days ago, we came out of Las Vegas heading for Tonopah into a mostly headwind, and the 210 mile run used about 28 gallons of diesel, so running around 65 mph into a 30 to 40 mph headwind was effectively like running 100 mph, so this is an example of what higher speeds can do to fuel mileage. There were also several long uphill pulls which added to the reduced mileage. A couple years ago, we were in Las Cruces, and in the morning when we were going to head for Benson, there was a strong wind coming out of the south, and I just went to the park office and paid for another night's stay, just wasn't worth fighting a crosswind that far.

[Grzly03]

Vipermanden,

Curious, you are obviously above GVWR 15,000#. Did you get your non-commercial class A, or do you just gut it out?

[vipermanden]

Grzly, I just stay out of Commiefornia, and all is well! :-)

[DQDick]

We're with everyone else. More than 35 predicted and we don't go. Weather men are known to be wrong.

[timandsusan]

Several years ago, we were heading west to Amarillo from Denton, Tx. The crosswinds that spring were 20-30 mph. We did OK but the steps on our Monty unfolded twice--so we tied them down. We also just made it to Amarillo with about 3 gallons of diesel--we averaged about 7 miles per gallon. Lesson--maybe wait it out or--tie down the steps and I have a 50 gallon diesel tank!

[richfaa]

If we see the 18 wheelers getting off the road or weaving we also get off.

[Beau2010]

About a year ago, we were on I-10 Eastbound out of LA and had to make a pit stop for the dogs. When I got out of the truck, the wind almost knocked me down. Turned on the radio and heard gusts to 45 mph out of the SW. I didn't even realize it was so windy. We keep speed below 65 in our 3500 dually and wind doesn't seem to matter. Obviously going into a headwind, would notice the lousy fuel mileage but not otherwise.

[Mudchief]

The wind have never been a problem pulling the 5th wheel. However I am like richfaa when I see the 18 wheelers weaving we get off the road.

[Dam Worker]

I've towed our old Fifthwheel in some pretty high winds going through Wyoming and into South Dakota. More of a angle from left to right so it was not a true cross wind. Blowing hard enough that I couldn't stay in overdrive and between the camber in the road and the wind our unit was at a pretty good angle. Still no problems other than crappy fuel mileage. I think you would be fine in most winds but I would pay attention to the posted signs that warn you of severe side winds as those will be the ones that can wreck your day. I have watched trucks blow over in the wind but that was big time winds of over 50 sustained and gusts up to 70/80 miles an hour. If you start getting pelted with the gravel from the shoulder of the road you better find shelter or get turned into the headwind. The truck would have made it if he could have made it another 1/2 mile as the road changes direction and it wouldn't have been a cross wind. He was pretty shook up mentally but fine physically when we stopped to assist.

Tom Marty

[vipermanden]

Good stories. I wish there was more of those digital signs on the highway warning of high winds. But like you guys said, I will keep my eyes on the big rigs. Thanks

[richfaa]

Many States like New Mexico have wind socks along the road is they are starched get off the road.Like Beau2010 above we were literally sucked out of out truck in New Mexico.

[mlh]

I don't have but one set rule when I'm on I81 at the Nc Va border at Fancey Gap and the sign says High Winds I pay VERY close attention. Tractor trailers are blown over a police officer was blown over the side of the mountain and I had an oak 2X10 sucked out of my truck while it was laying flat in the bed. Fancy Gap is a funnel from the Nc low lands to the Va high land. That increases wind velocity. In this case big time. It can be extremely dangerous or a very pretty ride. When the signs say high wind or fog ahead that is exactly what they mean. We live near Fancy Gap and it is a regular feature on the 6 o'clock news.
BE CAREFUL!!
Lynwood

[Bad Moon]

After seeing a few semi trailers and RVs laying on their side, we tend to heed the "high Wind" warnings. There is a video on Youtube of a semi truck that didn't obey the road closure on I-80 in Wyoming o few months back, and the wind blew over his truck. Right into a State Police car parked on the side.

[mlh]

A friend in Laramie WY told me the very days the wind blows in Wyoming. It starts on January 1 and ends on December 31.
Lynwood

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by mlh

A friend in Laramie WY told me the very days the wind blows in Wyoming. It starts on January 1 and ends on December 31.
Lynwood

So Lynwood, travel outside those dates are OK? Book it!

[WaltBennett]

Originally Posted by vipermanden

Grzly, I just stay out of Commiefornia, and all is well! :-)

Dude, you're giving away your political preferences!

[BB_TX]

I am like some of the others that didn't realize there was much wind blowing until we would stop somewhere (usually going across the TX panhandle), step out of the truck, and nearly get blown down. The crosswind is less noticeable with the trailer attached than without. But if I knew in advance the wind would be gusting over 40 I probably would not tow that day.

[mtheo]

I usually don't let wind stop me. If I know it is going to be high wind I do fill fresh water tank, weight in low center of gravity. Brother-in law drives semi for living, when you see them getting of highway they are usually empty trucks. He gets off highway early when empty, not much when full.