Community Forums

gregb1812 · 09-26-2013, 09:10 AM

New RV owner hoping to get some advise on driving in windy conditions.

I'm hearing we have a high wind advisory on a bridge and am curious at what point (wind/MPH) the forum suggest is ok vs not ok? I drive a 26' class-c and am not towing anything. Is 10 MPH winds ok on a bridge still ok to drive in? 20MPH? 30MPH?

Guessing slowing way down would help?

Thanks!

-gregb

Go Dawgs · 09-26-2013, 09:38 AM

A lot depends on how you feel about driving in wind. I have driven in 40mph winds and it was not easy, but I just took it slow. We have a bridge here in near us that always gets 20mph or more cross winds and I just go slow. I also have spent 2 days driving across Kansas in 30 mph head winds and it was hard on the arms and concentration, but doable.

Luckiest Dreamer · 09-26-2013, 09:52 AM

Best way to handle wind is by slowing down. I will take more than 50 or 55MPH wind to blow you over but that does not mean that you will not lose control before that. Chances are that when it effects you most it will be when you come from a somewhat protected area and you come into a valley/space between fixed things that funnel the wind and surprise you. Not all vehicles react the same. Some has mechanical things that have been added to help and others are wearing out and need new steering parts etc. If it is feeling dangerous, get off the road and use the MH for what is intended for.

BFlinn181 · 09-26-2013, 09:56 AM

Slow down if the wind is pushing you out of your lane, but unless it's gusting over 50-60 you won't get flipped. Biggest effect of wind, besides tired arms, is empty wallet as mpg goes WAY down!

TeJay · 09-26-2013, 10:00 AM

Someone should mention all the suspension stuff. Anti-sway bars front & rear, track bar front and rear if possible, good shocks, tires with correct pressure & steer-safe. All of these items contribute to better handling and driving in all conditions. Anything that can resist coach body movement will help.

If you have some or most of the suspension stuff one very important item that often gets overlooked is the age, condition and quality of the anti-sway bar rubber mounts. Even brand new mounts if replaced with the blue poly mounts will improve the anti-sway control. The stock mounts just don't hold a candle to the blue-poly mounts.

The remaining is really about driver experience, comfort and confidence in your rig.

TeJay

MUME · 10-01-2013, 11:24 AM

If you do not feel safe and in control of your MH then any wind speed is not safe. A set of trees will block the wind as you are driving by but the open areas will catch you by surprise. A cross wind is worse than one you are running into. So if you are in doubt park or don't move that day. *Arrive Alive*

Big Bear Local · 10-01-2013, 02:04 PM

If it's pushing me around more than I am comfortable with I pull over and wait it out. Waited out high winds in Laughlin Nevada for three days. Cost me a lot at the slots.

George Schweikle · 10-01-2013, 05:46 PM

X2. If you are driving in a strong side wind, and are using steering correction to go straight, don't forget to "unwind" the steering wheel when you drive under an overpass, then be ready to correct quickly as you exit. I once drove our first class C Midas Mini across Kansas in a really strong cross wind, and the wind interruptions from overpasses and clumps of trees made me stay very alert to keep the thing in the lane. I had 90 degrees of steering lock cranked in, and the motorhome leaned so much the top of the fender was rubbing on the rear dual tires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MUME

If you do not feel safe and in control of your MH then any wind speed is not safe. A set of trees will block the wind as you are driving by but the open areas will catch you by surprise. A cross wind is worse than one you are running into. So if you are in doubt park or don't move that day. *Arrive Alive*