Towing in wind stability

[Dam Worker]

After enjoying a nice LaborDay vacation at Lincoln City Oregon we had to pack up the Montana and head back to Tri-Cities Washington (Eastern Washington). Not a terrible trip but I did miss my I-84 turnoff from the 205 so I did get to go into Portland even though I was trying to avoid that. Over all pretty decent driving except my exit issue until about Hood River. That is when the driving became a lot more intense. The wind blows hard out of the west through the Columbia River Gorge pretty much 95/98 percent of the time. Unfortunately today was the exception due to a red flag warning put out by the weather association. Due to all the Forrest Fires we had a lot of smoke causing visibility issues and a very strong crosswind blowing from the north east. I was very happy that I had a fifth wheel and a dually with the extremely high winds we were encountering. Most all travel trailers and SRW towed fifth wheels were wobbling badly even with reduced speeds. Most DRW trucks towing both fivers and bumper pull units seemed to be able to handle the wind much better than the SRW tow vehicles and the motorhomes towing trailers or vehicles were basically wrecks waiting to happen. The big trucks were also having some wind issues. I was very happy to pull into the homestead this afternoon and get out of the truck. Some areas closer to home had dust from the farmers field reducing speeds to 20/30 mph on I-182. Major wrecks on I-90 and highway 395 just west and southwest of Spokane. One daughter and her boyfriend still stranded in Ritzville due to closed roads due to multiple vehicle wrecks from poor visibility and high winds.

Sorry for the long post but just a reminder to drive safe and be wary of nasty road conditions due to Mother Nature.

Happy and Safe roads to you.
Tom

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