Towing in high gusty winds: filling the tank helped a lot
A week ago, we were towing over the Grapevine on Interstate 5 in Southern Calif. The forecast predicted the possibility of high winds -- not for sure, but possible. In anticipation, I filled the water tank (30 gallons) to lower the center of gravity. (Ordinarily, I do not tow with a full tank of water -- no reason to lift all that weight over the mountains.)
Sure enough, when we hit the Tejon Pass, the anemometer was showing gusts in excess of 50 mph. The trucks were not pulled over, so we kept going (slowly) the in the far right lane.
Bottom line -- no problem at all. The trailer did not move an inch, even in cross-winds. Rock steady.
I am not sure that filling it with water made the difference, but I think it did. If the winds had gotten much higher (or if the trucks had stopped), we would have pulled over, I am sure.
Sure enough, when we hit the Tejon Pass, the anemometer was showing gusts in excess of 50 mph. The trucks were not pulled over, so we kept going (slowly) the in the far right lane.
Bottom line -- no problem at all. The trailer did not move an inch, even in cross-winds. Rock steady.
I am not sure that filling it with water made the difference, but I think it did. If the winds had gotten much higher (or if the trucks had stopped), we would have pulled over, I am sure.
