Windy days are inevitable on caravan days. High winds in trailers can be dangerous, and trailers can sway back and forth or even push into other lanes. In some cases, trailers can be blown over and flipped when driven in windy conditions. How much wind can an RV withstand?
The amount of air a RV can withstand depends largely on the type of RV and whether it is mobile or stationary.
Is There a Limit to How Much Wind an RV Can Withstand?
Safety Tip for Handling TRAILERS in High Winds: Every time you drive on the highway, your TRAILER will be hit by high winds. When the moving air hits the front of your trailer, it creates high pressure that transforms it into power. The strength of this force is called wind load, and all saloons can withstand a certain amount of wind load. You need to do the math to calculate wind load on RVs.
It’s also important to understand how your particular vehicle behaves on the road because every RV is different in terms of balance and weight. Therefore it can take different levels of wind before it becomes a problem. However, If you experience either of these situations pull over and wait for the wind to calm down. It’s not worth risking your life, or others, due to wind-related issues.
|
Wind Speed (MPH) |
Wind Speed (KPH) |
Effect on Moving RV |
|
10 MPH |
16 KPH |
Driving at highway speeds can be noticeably affected |
|
20 MPH |
32 KPH |
Driving at highway speeds can be dramatically impaired |
|
30 MPH |
48 KPH |
Driving at highway speeds is hazardous (especially with embedded gusts) |
Safety Tips for Handling Trailers in High Winds:
- Keep your hands on the wheel. Even if all goes well, a sudden gust of wind can panic you and leave your trailer teetering.
- Maintain a slower pace than usual. The faster your rv goes, the harder it is to control it in strong wind conditions.
- Reduce your speed when moving from a windproof area to a less protected area. For example, if you are crossing a wooded area on both sides of the road and then approaching open ground, slowing down will help you maintain control of the RV when suddenly buffeted by strong crosswinds.
- Be alert for all other traffic around you. Other trailers and those large RIGS are just as affected by wind conditions as your trailer.
- Get some rest. Whether you're driving miles from home or planning a trip that takes days, driving in high winds can put a strain on your body. Take frequent breaks and relax for 10 or 15 minutes every hour or so. Pull to the rest area and stretch your legs. Exercising the tense muscles in your neck and shoulders will allow you to handle your RV more easily in windy conditions.
- If wind conditions are too extreme, pull over and wait until they subside before starting your journey. It's best to cut your trip short and risk not getting there safely.
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