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Old 04-03-2017, 01:07 PM   #1
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Towing in the wind

Yeehaw. Towed yesterday from Hot Springs, AR back home to Slaughter, LA down AR/LA 65. We were dodging some severe storms and bucking a 30+mph quartering headwind from the Southeast. (6 mpg at 60mph versus our usual 9-10)

Twice, the wind was actually able to blow the camper stairs out. (I thought the first time was a bump on the road/fluke until I happened to catch it happening in the mirror during a particularly gusty section.) I tied them in with a rope after the second time. Maybe I shouldn't lubricate them so well?

I was very happy how our setup handled the breeze. Really no drama and generally two-finger driving except for a few small stints where there were obstructions and then openings that allowed for some wind-tunneling. Even that wasn't white knuckle.

Happy to finally have a good windy day under our belts so DW stops worrying about it as much.
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Old 04-04-2017, 12:08 PM   #2
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I towed in similar conditions a while back except it was a side wind with gusts to 40, I can't say it was an easy drive but it wasn't too bad. The worst part was seeing the trailer leaning over in my rear view mirror which was making me wonder how much load was being put on the tire on that side.
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Old 04-04-2017, 01:03 PM   #3
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We have towed in gusts of up to 50mph cross winds going across TX. No fun and won't do it again. But that was when we worked and had time constraints. Now, if the wind forecasts approach 30mph we just stay put. No sense putting in a tiring day bucking the wind if you don't have to. We have found though that we feel the wind much less if we our fresh water tank is full.
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Old 04-04-2017, 02:23 PM   #4
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We've been lucky so far as we've not had to deal with gnarly true cross winds, mainly 45 degrees front or back. I'm thinking that your >30 @ 90 = Nogo is a good baseline.
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Old 04-05-2017, 01:45 PM   #5
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If your bucking a head wind,you're money ahead to stay put another day. You can usually pay for the extra day with fuel savings. Lot less frayed nerves.
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Old 04-05-2017, 02:13 PM   #6
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We have a lot of windmills and a lot of wind. It's ridiculous! Luckily the first outing was mild (only 15mph)
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Old 04-05-2017, 04:56 PM   #7
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Wind in NM

We drove back from the Bisti Badlands in NM a couple of weeks ago. Winds were 30 to 40 from head on to 90 degrees. I had no issues at all, even on I-40 with heavy truck traffic. A heavy diesel truck and a small trailer work pretty well. On the other hand, I remember seeing trailers and trucks on their sides in the median on the way to Kansas one time. Staying put in high winds is not a bad plan if you can.
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Old 04-06-2017, 05:33 AM   #8
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Not bragging but have towed across TX and OK multiple times with 45-50 MPH crosswinds on a 29' Coachman. Now have a 38' LaCrosse. I use a Hensley Arrow Hitch
that I have been moving from my previous 3 Travel trailers. Passed many TT and 5th wheelers traveling at 45 to 55 MPH on interstate due to the winds. I pull at 65MPH and can drive one-handed! Don't even feel semi's passing me! I would not tow with any other hitch! Retired and pull 7 months per year! Love my Hensley!
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Old 04-06-2017, 06:10 AM   #9
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The heavier your TV is, the easier it will be. You can also tighten up the sway control when the wind picks up.
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Old 04-07-2017, 09:58 AM   #10
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Towing in the Wind

Quote:
Originally Posted by NMWildcat View Post
We have towed in gusts of up to 50mph cross winds going across TX. No fun and won't do it again. But that was when we worked and had time constraints. Now, if the wind forecasts approach 30mph we just stay put. No sense putting in a tiring day bucking the wind if you don't have to. We have found though that we feel the wind much less if we our fresh water tank is full.
X2!

This "sport" we are in with various kinds of RVs is supposed to be fun! There are already enough dangerous, uncontrollable variables out there on the roads we travel. Serious time constraints notwithstanding, we will find a safe place to sit for a while. Thunderstorms here in Texas with their sometimes serious microburst winds are an occasional challenge as an example. Otherwise, managing the typical 15-20 mph crosswinds/headwinds are just a part of the towing experience. Our rig manages that kind of stuff easily. It's part of the "fun."
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Old 04-08-2017, 10:28 AM   #11
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Just got back from 2,500 mile cross country road trip, and a lot of wind....Was thinking, would it be better to slow down in cross winds or keep at speed limt of 65 mph? Thanks..
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Old 04-08-2017, 10:37 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paverdave View Post
Just got back from 2,500 mile cross country road trip, and a lot of wind....Was thinking, would it be better to slow down in cross winds or keep at speed limt of 65 mph? Thanks..
Depends on how gusty it is, how your rig pulls, and how nervous you are. Entirely up to you.
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Old 04-08-2017, 11:28 AM   #13
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I too have a 07 Duramax / pulling a 8299bs..9598 lbs.dry weight 5th wheel.....does good in the wind..thinking about stability in the wind...going faster or slower gives you more stability in a cross wind...How do you fill in your profile.....your rig and trailer at bottom of post....Thanks Dave
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