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Old 05-22-2018, 07:34 PM   #1
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Checking the winds?

What are you guys using to check wind conditions on the roads you're about to drive?
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Old 05-22-2018, 07:38 PM   #2
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Never have had an issue or problem. My 5th wheel is rock solid when towing. Two weeks ago I towed 2 1/2 hours in some pretty gusty winds and never felt a thing.
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Old 05-22-2018, 08:17 PM   #3
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Local weather on tv/radio, Weatherbug on my phone.
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Old 05-22-2018, 08:20 PM   #4
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Checking the winds?

iPhone / iPad app called Windy. Not only show direction and speed but also can fast forward a couple of days to see changes.
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Old 05-23-2018, 06:20 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by CamperJo View Post
iPhone / iPad app called Windy. Not only show direction and speed but also can fast forward a couple of days to see changes.
CamperJo. I just installed the app you mentioned called Windy on my Android phone. Looks very useful. In addition to forecasts, there is a menu with "reported wind" as one of the selections. Thank you for posting this.
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Old 05-23-2018, 12:43 PM   #6
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I’ll look at flags along the way as I drive. I used to crew for a hot air balloon and this was a fairly easy way to judge wind. Not accurate as far as exact speed but if you saw a large flag being held straight out you could bet it was about 15+. It helped when we were preparing to land. So I still use it today as a cheap way to gauge. Now I also have an app for that LOL go figure. [emoji16]

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Old 05-24-2018, 07:59 AM   #7
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Thanks for that app recommendation. I'm mesmerized by watching the wind currents across the state and/or country.
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Old 05-24-2018, 08:05 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Lecasmer View Post
Thanks for that app recommendation. I'm mesmerized by watching the wind currents across the state and/or country.
If you like that, here is one that shows the wind around the world.

https://earth.nullschool.net/#curren...=-1.145,52.280

Kinda neat, but more home computer than cell phone.

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Old 05-24-2018, 08:26 AM   #9
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I just look at the predicted gusts in the Weather Network app. But I do that at the campground to determine if a particular storm's going to be strong enough to warrant putting the awning in over night.

When driving, I don't worry about it. My schedule's not flexible enough to change my travel plans. Having to be back for work/kids back for school, we've gotta get home. The more windy it is, the more I slow down, but either way, I'm still on the road.
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Old 05-24-2018, 08:39 AM   #10
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Intellicast - WINDcast in United States
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Old 05-24-2018, 08:49 AM   #11
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Same here on the 5Th wheel it tows great in windy weather. The only thing I have to keep an eye on is my fuel gauge if it's a head wind.
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Old 05-24-2018, 09:25 AM   #12
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I don't want to say that I let the winds dictate when I go...

But there are times to be smart about it, too!

I spent three weeks in Elephant Butte, New Mexico in March because of the winds.

I was only going to be there for a week, but for the day I was going to leave the weather forecasts on TV were 70+ MPH winds for several days, so I decided to stay put.

Glad I did as it did that for almost two weeks straight!

Wind was blowing over semis and RV's on the highway...

I hunkered down and enjoyed my stay inside with my four cats and watched a whole bunch of movies!

I backed my truck up against the back bumper of the 5'ver to keep it from blowing way...it also kept it from rocking as the nose of the 5'ver was facing directly into the winds.
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Old 05-24-2018, 09:29 AM   #13
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Being wind aware is important, even a 20,000 lbs 5th wheel is no match for a sudden 60 or 70 mph wind gust from 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock.

We often travel through areas in SW Alberta across the Rockies that are known for high winds, where it is common for semis and rv's to get blown off the road. I had a baggage door ripped out in a 50 mph crosswind several years ago, that taught me a lesson.
I use local radio and the Windy app for android as well as the website.

IMO, some of the better known national (US and Canada wide) services tend to sensationalize and commercialize the forecast to much and produce rather generic forecasts for less populated areas out west, what's a weather warning good for after the bad weather has passed?
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Old 05-24-2018, 09:38 AM   #14
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In the southwest we pay close attention to wind conditions. Over 30mph sustained and we change our plans or drive at night. They close the highways around here fairly often due to wind and dust. Between 40 and 50 sustained (gusts up to 70) mph is when the semis starting falling over. We use several weather apps to monitor weather.

I get a kick out of all the comments about how my rig pulls great in the wind. I'm guessing you have never pulled in real wind yet, especially crosswinds. Do it once and you'll start paying closer attention. Worst (and slowest) trip I ever had was pulling across Texas with a 50mph gusty crosswind. But I was young and bullet proof and didn't know any better back then
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Old 05-24-2018, 09:42 AM   #15
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Enjoy having the weather display via SiriusXM Nav weather...........changes as I travel to local weather at current location. It shows windy conditions, and I adapt as necessary.
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