Silverback 29re driving in windy conditions

[camper1999]

We were driving home yesterday in high winds. Approximately 25mph and gusts up to 40mph. The trailer handled fine except for at one point the stairs started to come out fromthe wind. What i was worried about even though the trailer drive fairly good what could be that tipping point. How high of wind have you drive in?

[B47]

Originally Posted by camper1999

We were driving home yesterday in high winds. Approximately 25mph and gusts up to 40mph. The trailer handled fine except for at one point the stairs started to come out fromthe wind. What i was worried about even though the trailer drive fairly good what could be that tipping point. How high of wind have you drive in?

Are you speaking of the stairs at the bottom of the entry doors? We have a 29rk and I am thinking the stairs are the same. If so, I have never experienced them coming out of the cavity if they are properly raised up and stowed.

I suggest checking the adjustment, brackets and mounting hardware.

[camper1999]

Yes it is the stairs to the entry door. My stairs normally stow very tight and have never come out before. But the wind was so strong that it blew them out.

[B47]

Originally Posted by camper1999

Yes it is the stairs to the entry door. My stairs normally stow very tight and have never come out before. But the wind was so strong that it blew them out.

I wasn't there when this happened, but I just don't see how the stairs could come out just because of windy conditions. As you know,when properly stowed, they are in a cavity that takes them out of the airstream. It is a completely mechanical system.

If the wind conditions were strong enough to make the stairs come out while traveling, then I would think that you would also have other problems.

Check the hardware -

[camper1999]

I checked the hardware and it is all tight. I am not worried about the condition of the steps but what is the highest wind speed is safe to drive in. The trailer handles fairly well but what could that tipping point be. With wind gusts at 40mph could the trailer take 50 or more without tipping.

[bakken]

I sure wouldn't drive in a 50 mph crosswind.
Even a headwind at that speed would be a concern, as the road seldom continues in a straight line, you have to turn sooner or later.
Our old low-profile fifth was a dream to pull, and we experienced a 50 mph wind in Montana. We were ok, but the drivers of all of the motorhomes and high-profile campers were visably shaken as they came off the interstate.
There is nothing so important that a chance like that would be worth taking.
On our new fifth, we have driven in approx 35 mph winds, and, for me, that was enough.

[B47]

Originally Posted by camper1999

I checked the hardware and it is all tight. I am not worried about the condition of the steps but what is the highest wind speed is safe to drive in. The trailer handles fairly well but what could that tipping point be. With wind gusts at 40mph could the trailer take 50 or more without tipping.

I don't know what the highest wind speed that you can drive in - my manual simply says to be careful when pulling in high wind speed ( I don't know what "high wind speed is")

I doubt that any RV manufacturer is going to state in their manual at what speed you can travel in windy conditions.

I would like to know what you find out regarding why your stairs extended.
You could call FR.

[camper1999]

I believe the steps came out due to the wind channeling under the trailer.if you look on the driver side under the trailer to the passenger side you can see how that could happen with strong enough winds.

[camper1999]

I believe the steps came out due to the wind channeling under the trailer.if you look on the driver side under the trailer to the passenger side you can see how that could happen with strong enough winds.

[Dave_Monica]

If it's any consolation, the stairs will stiffen up once there's a little oxidation on the mating surfaces.

I've towed once with crosswinds gusting to 45 mph...was the only time I felt uncomfortable towing.

Dave

[B47]

Originally Posted by camper1999

I believe the steps came out due to the wind channeling under the trailer.if you look on the driver side under the trailer to the passenger side you can see how that could happen with strong enough winds.

I guess anything is possible with Rv's. I would have never thought wind could cause properly stowed and mechanically sound stairs to come out when traveling.

That is another great benefit to this forum - you learn something new everyday.

[MC9]

Winds of 45 gusts to seventy on the beam crossing Iowa. Unrolled the awning 5 times but, never ripped. Duct tape fixed that. That Alpenlite wasn't affected by wind much.