Wind Limit

[TXBart]

I searched the Forum and wasn't able to find any discussions on wind limitations. I know they are individual and dependent on your coach and experience.

What are your wind limitations? At what forecast do you stay another day in the park?

[lenkerb]

we are sitting in Fort Stockon Texas and are heading to Roswell NM..tomorrow winds are to be 30+ with gusts up to 50 mph...even fire trucks won't move with winds over 40 mph...we are spending another night here..too bad the pool isn't open...90+

[CLIFFTALL]

Here's a previous thread.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f84/how-m...ch-149065.html

[RickO]

Yeah, it's been discussed a lot... and it should be.

I'll probably stay another day if winds are forecast to be >25 mph. If I'm on the road and they kick up, I'll drive until the seat of my pants tell me to wait it out. They're pretty smart pants.

Rick

[chuckftboy]

Steady wind at 30 or more is no fun to drive in. Probably a little too dangerous for many. Time to stay another day (for most)

[TXBart]

We are headed across Wyoming Friday; winds are forecast now to be 24 mph from the west which will be a tailwind. I realize that on a 300 mile trip it won't all be a tailwind.

Last time we drove across Wyoming we had gusts to 50+ one day and 65+ the next. We were in a car so it didn't effect us a great deal.

[ecurb74]

Since I've lived in West Texas all my life I guess I'm somewhat used to driving in the wind. A good day here is anything under 25 mph in the spring. On a recent short jaunt we had sustained winds over 30mph with gust over 40 (cross wind). The sustained winds are managable but the gusts whipping through the hils and gullies coming off the caprock were something else. I usually drive in the 60-63 mph range but at times I had to slow down to 45 or 50. It was very tiring mentally because you can't relax and just drive. Dust devils play havoc also! I guess it all boils down to time, if you got plenty, wait. If you gotta be there, leave early and drive until it gets bad, pull over and wait a while. The winds in this part of the country and eastern NM usually don't pick up till noon and then die late in the evening. Main thing is don't over steer, go slow with your reactions. Anything over 30-35mph is risky. Hope this helps a little.

Bruce

[TdogKing]

Playing in the deserts of So Cal means I've spent plenty of time driving in the wind in our MH. I always pick a Big Rig and follow him even if its a side wind as he "punches" a hole in the wind. I always drive with 2 hands and reduce my speed accordingly to conditions. I don't think nobody can tell you what's safe for you, that has to be your decision.

[luvmydolphin]

On the prairies you have to be careful of the "Plow" winds. When it is really gusty, within the winds you may get a sustained gust that may even double the average wind speed. Last fall we had a 40mph tailwind heading south. There was a slight curve in the road taking us south east. As we were on this curve we got hit by a plow wind which tore off our awning and it flying around took out both drivering mirrors, air horns, AC shrouds, max air covers, shower sky light, and tore our rubberized roof (good thing for insurance). When talking to our insurance they stated that from that exact location they had over 20 claims over the summer to fall so they sent out a team to check the area out. Seems due to the topography of the area the winds gets funnelled through a natural spot. This gave me pause to ponder. If this natural occurance happens here then I'm sure it occurs in many other locations. We wander all across this continent and who knows if we will hit another one of these locations at just the wrong time. Hard way to learn a good lesson. Add on the lower mpg fighting a big wind, from now on, when the winds are blowing hard, I beileve we'll stay put.

[greatlakes]

I was driving my mh down US75 through Ohio when wind picked up to about 30mph but gusts around 40. Was able to keep the rig in my lane okay but then one huge gust caught us and bellowed out our 20ft awning turning it into a sail and ripping it half way back.
It was still locked when I pulled over. Had no idea the wind could do that. So now my limit is 35 winds.

[Mike_Harriet]

Years ago drove a small car/ trailer on the I10 , LA to Phoenix. Got hit with Santa Ana (local name) winds. They were awful. 40-50 mph and 90*. If its over 25 I just stay put.

[phays]

Here's a neat website that shows wind speeds for the whole country.

Wind Map

[Papa_Jim]

Originally Posted by greatlakes

I was driving my mh down US75 through Ohio when wind picked up to about 30mph but gusts around 40. Was able to keep the rig in my lane okay but then one huge gust caught us and bellowed out our 20ft awning turning it into a sail and ripping it half way back.
It was still locked when I pulled over. Had no idea the wind could do that. So now my limit is 35 winds.

Had exactly the same thing happen a couple of years ago, at Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. We were more fortunate, the awning didn't rip. As you said, it was a puzzle; the awning unfurled, but still locked. After that, we installed the awning clamps on the big awning.

RV Awning Clamp - Product - Camping World

[wimberleyman]

Lost our awning to wind gust on the way to Arizona. Fact is we weren't five miles from home when it happened. MPG also drops significantly due to wind. Get around 8 MPG in crosswinds whereas 10 to 10.5 when winds are not a factor. I drive a 37 1/2 DP with 300 CAT with a toad. I don't think I've ever had the luxury of tail winds! The last trip back from AZ we laid over and extra day in Junction TX due to 30 MPH+ crosswinds. Saw an RV turned over and heard about a 5'ver flipped due to wind before we got to Junction. It's not worth taking chances when driving something that large. Anything over 25 MPH I stay put. Wind is a large RV's worst enemy!

WM