Hi all,I have a 30' Coleman trailer pulled by F150 Crew Cab 5.5' bed w/ Curt 600 WD & Sway Control System. If not pulling in wind, my rig pulls like a dream, and I have no problem what so ever. This past weekend I was towing home in 13 MPH wind. I seem to experience a lot of sway in situations like that. It was to the point where I had to slow to 50 on the interstate to feel comfortable towing. As soon as I got off the interstate and out of the wind, I didn't have any issue (so doubt it is a weight balance issue). I also feel a pretty good bow effect from passing semi's.Does anyone else share this experience, or is it possible I need to fine-tune my WD hitch? I'm heading from IL to SD this summer, and am dreading the thought of wind over 10, which is most likely to happen.

It's just so hard to explain to folk who drive a 1/2 ton truck how far short those trucks fail under extreme conditions. And a 13 mph side wind is not even extreme. In your situation, you did the right thing. You slowed down and made all attempts to get out of the wind. And yes, I'm so sorry to say this, but size of truck does make a difference. A 30 foot trailer is a bit much for a 1/2 ton truck.My personal advise and my original coined quote:“You really need to think in terms of what is the ultimate extreme usage you'll be experiencing with your truck, not what is the lightest usage and hope it's OK when the extreme happens."

Thanks DutchmenSport. I'm seriously considering upgrading my truck next year to a 3/4 or a 1 Ton. Possibly upgrading the trailer to a 5th wheel. For those who pull a 5er's, do you ever have issues with wind?

All things are engineered/designed to the limited or max ratings and for the day Mr Murphy crosses your path Below those limits or max ratings...just about anything "CAN" tow it...like a half ton "CAN" tow a curb Space Shuttle...TV ratings does matter...especially tow at the spec ratings

“doubt it is a weight balance issue”Yes it is. Your TV is to, too, two light for your TT. 13 mile an hour winds? Come on out to the West. That’s a calm day.

You may well be better off in a bigger truck. But first check that you have correct tire inflation for the load and correct load range tires. Also check the trailer tire pressure.

Sway & Wind | Good Sam Community

DutchmenSport
Explorer
May 12, 2018
It's just so hard to explain to folk who drive a 1/2 ton truck how far short those trucks fail under extreme conditions. And a 13 mph side wind is not even extreme.

In your situation, you did the right thing. You slowed down and made all attempts to get out of the wind. And yes, I'm so sorry to say this, but size of truck does make a difference. A 30 foot trailer is a bit much for a 1/2 ton truck.

My personal advise and my original coined quote:

“You really need to think in terms of what is the ultimate extreme usage you'll be experiencing with your truck, not what is the lightest usage and hope it's OK when the extreme happens."
Frenchy33
Explorer
May 12, 2018
Thanks DutchmenSport. I'm seriously considering upgrading my truck next year to a 3/4 or a 1 Ton. Possibly upgrading the trailer to a 5th wheel.

For those who pull a 5er's, do you ever have issues with wind?
BenK
Explorer
May 12, 2018
All things are engineered/designed to the limited or max ratings and for the day Mr Murphy crosses your path

Below those limits or max ratings...just about anything "CAN" tow it...like a half ton "CAN" tow a curb Space Shuttle...

TV ratings does matter...especially tow at the spec ratings
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 12, 2018
“doubt it is a weight balance issue”

Yes it is. Your TV is to, too, two light for your TT. 13 mile an hour winds? Come on out to the West. That’s a calm day.
coolmom42
Explorer II
May 12, 2018
You may well be better off in a bigger truck. But first check that you have correct tire inflation for the load and correct load range tires. Also check the trailer tire pressure.
bid_time
Nomad II
May 12, 2018
You more than likely didn't have enough tongue weight. Did you have it loaded unusually heavy behind the axles? Weigh the tongue, ideally you need 12% or more tongue weight.
drsteve
Explorer
May 12, 2018
coolmom42 wrote:
You may well be better off in a bigger truck. But first check that you have correct tire inflation for the load and correct load range tires. Also check the trailer tire pressure.

Tune the hitch in, if it is not already. You don't mention what year truck either. If older, are shocks or other suspension parts in good shape?
BB_TX
Nomad
May 12, 2018
Frenchy33 wrote:
Thanks DutchmenSport. I'm seriously considering upgrading my truck next year to a 3/4 or a 1 Ton. Possibly upgrading the trailer to a 5th wheel.

For those who pull a 5er's, do you ever have issues with wind?

You will find a 5er is far more stable in high winds. Even more so than motor homes. We have towed our 34’ 5er behind two different F350 crew cab long beds across the high plains with 25-30 mph cross winds with little effect. Except significant reduction in fuel economy. Have had TTs and MHs in front and behind us in high winds moving back and forth in the lanes while we barely noticed the wind. And I am not exaggerating it.
Frenchy33
Explorer
May 12, 2018
I have a 2015 F150. I don’t fully understand adding tongue weight. Wouldn’t that in turn take weight off front truck axle? Also, tire pressures were all good.
Second_Chance
Explorer II
May 12, 2018
Frenchy33 wrote:
Thanks DutchmenSport. I'm seriously considering upgrading my truck next year to a 3/4 or a 1 Ton. Possibly upgrading the trailer to a 5th wheel.

For those who pull a 5er's, do you ever have issues with wind?

If you're thinking of a fifth wheel, skip the 3/4-ton and go straight to a 1-ton SRW (DRW if considering 14K or heavier fifth wheel).

Answering your other question, we often tow in 25 - 35 MPH winds with gusts to 40 and above - mostly when we're in the southwest as we are now. The truck and trailer track straight down the road and I don't have to fight the winds at all. If the winds are headwinds, it hurts fuel economy, though.

Rob

Forum Discussion

Sway & Wind

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

California winds

wind

Wind Noise

WIND DEFLECTOR

wind speeds