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Old 01-12-2025, 03:09 AM   #1
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Towing in high winds

Being new to pulling a 5th wheel and as we are about to depart on our first trip, I was wondering what your general thoughts are on towing and wind conditions.
As you’re approaching your departure date, whether it’s from your home to head out or to depart to head back home, what predicted wind speeds give you pause to consider delaying the departure day, or moving it up if possible, to beat the wind?
For me, I’m driving a GMC 3500, SRW, Duramax pulling a 35’ 5th wheel at 13’ 6” high. I realize the SWR will provide less stability in the wind than a DRW, but a SRW is what I have.
Luckily, we’re retired so we typically will have some flexibility to adjust the dates on either end.
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Old 01-12-2025, 04:55 AM   #2
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The closest I came to pulling over and waiting for wind to die down was a couple years ago towing doubles with my srw. The strong winds were blowing snow across sections of highway creating extremely icy conditions. When the truck came across these sections of road the wind would often blow us into a skid. Fortunately the highway wasn’t busy but there was a number of vehicles in the ditch. I think we got 6 mpg on that trip. You have to make your own call. It takes quite a wind to blow you off the road but not much more than a breeze in the wrong direction can affect your fuel economy and handling. I think avoiding a 20 mph headwind would be worth waiting a couple days if you’re in no hurry but I’d welcome a 20 mph tailwind.
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Old 01-12-2025, 07:21 AM   #3
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You'll have to search for your trailer's max recommended wind speed. I used to own a 20' enclosed car hauler and anything above 20mph winds made for some white-knuckle moments. Topography (nearby hills, tree lines, overpasses, large trucks, etc.) will funnel and increase the prevailing wind speed. Have you heard of the Santa Ana winds? Topography.

I have altered travel plans then w/my car hauler and now in my coach, but if you must drive, keep both hands on the wheel, slow down, use extreme caution in underpasses, and only drive on a dry road. BTW, wind speed limits are provided for both dry and wet conditions so you need to find your specific limits.

And if it gets too dicey, pull off the highway and wait until conditions improve. Better safe than sorry.

Drive smart. Hindsight is 20/20, but then it's too late.
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Old 01-12-2025, 08:23 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by just dee View Post
Being new to pulling a 5th wheel and as we are about to depart on our first trip, I was wondering what your general thoughts are on towing and wind conditions.
As you’re approaching your departure date, whether it’s from your home to head out or to depart to head back home, what predicted wind speeds give you pause to consider delaying the departure day, or moving it up if possible, to beat the wind?
For me, I’m driving a GMC 3500, SRW, Duramax pulling a 35’ 5th wheel at 13’ 6” high. I realize the SWR will provide less stability in the wind than a DRW, but a SRW is what I have.
Luckily, we’re retired so we typically will have some flexibility to adjust the dates on either end.
I pull a 36' 5th wheel with my Chevy 3500 SRW Dmax. I have pulled with a crosswind of 35(ish) mph, I also slow down in those conditions. Anything above that, generally I do not. If I see semi's pulling over due to winds, so do I. As far as headwinds, you need to plan your fuel stops more carefully with a headwind as you can see 6-8 mpg on your Dmax with a good headwind.

It comes down to your comfort level. You may only feel comfortable in 10-15 mph crosswinds now, but as you get more experience, it could be 25 or more.

I also have Timbren springs on the rear of my truck to help with the side to side motion (lateral). Some use airbags instead, I don't as my truck squats just about level with the 2,800 lb pin weight I have and no maintenance with the Timbrens.
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Old 01-12-2025, 08:32 AM   #5
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with our 42' 18,000 lb 5th wheel I wouldnt think to mush about 20 mph wind. Both truck and trailer are stable at that speed, If your seeing rest area full of Semi trucks thats your clue its time to slow down and park if your in the plain states. heads winds and fuel economy are your big concerns slow down to 55~60 mph , Cross winds are a bigger hazard then head winds. High bridges over water or deep valleys are cause for conserns. watch the road signs and the commercial trucks , enjoy the trip and only delay the trip if the weather many says wind gust are over 50 mph all day is how I drive.
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Old 01-12-2025, 11:05 AM   #6
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Ultimately it's the driver's judgement call. If you feel unsafe, slow down and find a rest area to relax, eat or even sleep until this does down.

With my DRW and heavy-ish 5th wheel (for its length), I've driven through 60-80km/h headwinds and 60km/h lateral gusts without sweating it much. It's very stable, but I could notice semi trucks changing lanes and some with the trailer leaning as much as to almost lift on one side. Glancing at the fuel gauge and consumption, I was up to 40l/100km.

Although I wanted to get to warmer weather ASAP as this was a winter trip for us, I wanted to be able to get back as well. I was afraid a truck would slam us or flip, and the fuel costs were way up, the road speed way down, we weren't making much headway. We parked for the night well before 5PM.
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Old 01-12-2025, 11:28 AM   #7
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I check the wind and weather at various places along my route. I drive 5-8 hours per day when traveling. IF the wind is going to be faster than 25 MPH anywhere along the route at the time I would pass through, I delay my trip. The weather predictions I use are just google weather that show 5 days weather and show the wind without mentioning the gust speeds which are going to be higher than the predicted winds. Note that it used to be rare for there to be sustained 25 MPH winds for days at a time. These days though, it's happening more and more often in my estimation.

I've seen several 5th wheels, RV trailers, and even semis on their sides alongside the road over the years the day after to be wary of high winds in my Class A. Because a giant box traveling at 60 MPH in a wind storm really rocks. If I had a 5th wheel or RV trailer, I would consider lowering my max wind speeds for travel.

There is a work around...slooooow down. If I have to travel in strong winds, I just slow down. And pull over if it gets rough at 35 MPH. Maybe pull into an RV park at 2 PM instead of trying to beat the wind for another 4 hours.
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Old 01-12-2025, 12:07 PM   #8
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Wyoming has an average wind speed of 21.5 MPH. Only, Alaska is slightly windier. If it's too windy there's warning overhead signs on I-25 in Casper and on I-80 in Rawlins and Laramie on the routes that we routinely tow on. It's normally quite windy.

Fines are steep for the first offense. Wreckless driving for additional offenses.

"The “Light and high profile vehicle closures bill” (SF0113) passed in the 2024 legislative session. The bill language notes that, “any person who willfully fails to observe any sign, marker, warning, notice or direction” for closures to light, high-profile vehicles is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, subject to a fine of $1,000 and potential imprisonment for not more than 30 days....

This new law does not just apply to commercial drivers; RVs, campers, moving vans, utility trailers and other large, boxy vehicles or trailers are also considered light and high profile and are subject to these penalties."
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Old 01-12-2025, 12:28 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by just dee View Post
Being new to pulling a 5th wheel and as we are about to depart on our first trip, I was wondering what your general thoughts are on towing and wind conditions.
As you’re approaching your departure date, whether it’s from your home to head out or to depart to head back home, what predicted wind speeds give you pause to consider delaying the departure day, or moving it up if possible, to beat the wind?
For me, I’m driving a GMC 3500, SRW, Duramax pulling a 35’ 5th wheel at 13’ 6” high. I realize the SWR will provide less stability in the wind than a DRW, but a SRW is what I have.
Luckily, we’re retired so we typically will have some flexibility to adjust the dates on either end.
I use Ventusky app when the weather in question it gives directions and winds speed costs me $8.00 / 5 years ago it’s worth it
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Old 01-12-2025, 02:03 PM   #10
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Thanks everyone for the positive and informative feedback and advice.

We head out on our first road trip in our new RV this Thursday, the 16th.
There is a winter storm coming and the winds may be in the 30's around the 21st when we are scheduled to leave and return home.
It is only a three hour drive from Shreveport to just east of Dallas, so nothing crazy in regards to terrain or bridges. Well, I guess we will cross the Red River coming and going, so that may or may not be an issue.
We are booked the 16th thru the 21st at Lake Bistineau State Park in Louisiana, for those familiar with that park or area. It will be our first trip there.
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Old 01-12-2025, 02:06 PM   #11
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Cross winds are the hardest to drive in, and will lower mpg the most. Just slowing 5 mph will make a difference.

I'm used to driving in the wind. To me, a 35 mph wind is not a big worry. When cross winds are 40+, more caution is needed. At 50 mph wind, extreme caution, low speed, or best choice, get off the road, unless you absolutely need to proceed.
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Old 01-12-2025, 03:26 PM   #12
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No hard fast rule. Problems arise from:
Wind speed
Vehicle speed
Wind direction
Terrain

Road conditions
Traffic, heavy light, cars or trucks
Your experience in towing winds
Your vehicle setup, length, height & weight
Variations over time in most of the above


I've towed a 14,500 lb 5th with a RAM 3500 SRW with 35-40 mph winds and did not know the wind speed until I stopped in route.


I've had troubles with the same rig at much lower wind speeds.


Now days if I see it's going t over 30 mph I'm looking for a hunking down spot. Just get off the road.
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Old 01-12-2025, 09:30 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by just dee View Post
Being new to pulling a 5th wheel and as we are about to depart on our first trip, I was wondering what your general thoughts are on towing and wind conditions.
As you’re approaching your departure date, whether it’s from your home to head out or to depart to head back home, what predicted wind speeds give you pause to consider delaying the departure day, or moving it up if possible, to beat the wind?
For me, I’m driving a GMC 3500, SRW, Duramax pulling a 35’ 5th wheel at 13’ 6” high. I realize the SWR will provide less stability in the wind than a DRW, but a SRW is what I have.
Luckily, we’re retired so we typically will have some flexibility to adjust the dates on either end.
Everyone has a different wind limit. Anytime I feel uncomfortable I look for a place to stop. We once spent three nights in El Paso waiting for the wind to die down. The wind shook the motor home so bad that the Wineguard antenna would not stay connected to the satellite
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Old 01-13-2025, 04:13 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by MooseCountry View Post
Wyoming has an average wind speed of 21.5 MPH. Only, Alaska is slightly windier. If it's too windy there's warning overhead signs on I-25 in Casper and on I-80 in Rawlins and Laramie on the routes that we routinely tow on. It's normally quite windy.

Fines are steep for the first offense. Wreckless driving for additional offenses.

"The “Light and high profile vehicle closures bill” (SF0113) passed in the 2024 legislative session. The bill language notes that, “any person who willfully fails to observe any sign, marker, warning, notice or direction” for closures to light, high-profile vehicles is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, subject to a fine of $1,000 and potential imprisonment for not more than 30 days....

This new law does not just apply to commercial drivers; RVs, campers, moving vans, utility trailers and other large, boxy vehicles or trailers are also considered light and high profile and are subject to these penalties."
Wow! I had not heard of this...we spent a good bit of 2024 in WY and I completely missed this. Good to know moving forward!
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