Windy Driving

dubdub07 wrote:

kalynzoo wrote:
Slow down is really the best advise. Living in Southern Calif it is not unusual to have winds in the 25mph range and gusts in the OMG range. Your driving a high profile, higher center of gravity, vehicle than your car or van. The wind makes a big difference, regardless of all the ad-ons people will try to sell. Just slow down. At 55mph I find than I am comfortable in most wind conditions. On occasion on the Pearblossom Highway or over the Canejo Pass where gusty winds can and have turned over semis, slowing down to 45mph keeps me comfortably on the road. I've seen RV's pushing their speed in these areas, passing me at 70+mph. Later I have seen a few off to the side with their awnings torn apart.
The trip should be part of the vacation and part of the fun, so slow down and enjoy the scenery...even if it is just the same old desert along I-5.
Happy Trails.

One of the reasons I went to a MH from a FW is wind. There is sound reasoning in a swaying RV whether a pull behind or drivable that dictates how fast you go. If RV.net-ers need to advise you to slow down, then you need to reevaluate your driving skills. That said, I am sure you DON'T need us telling you what you already know; windy driving is a real PIA. On the other side of the coin, I am one of those that will continue on at 70mph in the wind. No awning damage, not unsafe, and completely in control. My pusher handles the wind very well. But this comes at a price. I was not aware that there is such a disparity in the way a front engine handles vs a pusher.

WW

My front engine gasser handles the wind just fine. All I have to do is inflate the air bags up to 80psi, and I can handle the heavy winds without undue stress. I do not have a trac bar and see no reason to install one. I have also had a DP and had no serious problems in high winds. Since we travel a lot in the Great Plains states, especially during the Winter months, high winds are a daily occurrence. You get used to driving with the winds, or you sit for days waiting for a lull in the winds, that might not come for a long time.
Getting up before sunrise will SOMETIMES offer less windy conditions, but from my own observations, not too many people want to get up early to travel. I also notice no difference with or without the toad. Life is too short for me to sit around waiting for ideal weather because I don't know how to handle my coach.