Forum Discussion

McGoo's avatar
McGoo
Explorer
Oct 13, 2015

Cross winds?

Having owned both a 29’ 5th wheel (no problem) and a 40’ motor home, (big problem) crosswinds have become a large concern. I am downsizing to a 25’ travel trailer. I will be pulling it with a fully trailer equipped, 2015 F150. Will crosswinds be a problem?
  • As others have mentioned get a good WDH with sway control. I have been happy with my Reese Dual Cam.

    I ran across this thread on the tech forum. The idea is to reduce the vacuum immediately behind the trailer which is said to improve stability. I thought this was an interesting idea but have zero first hand knowledge. This would only serve as 'icing on the cake' after getting a solid WDH and sway setup installed correctly.

    AirTabs

    Good luck,
    Stu
  • Like others have said if it's to windy pull over and wait it out. I have traveled in high cross winds pulling a TT and it can be stressful. Another thing you can do if your going to be driving in high cross winds is fill your tanks fresh Grey and black. This will give you more weight down low where it acts as ballast.

    If the crosswind is over 50 mph I will just wait it out.
  • When we went out to the Grand Canyon using I-70 to cross Kansas, we ran into some bad crosswinds. Had to slow down to 55 to keep control, then the FedEx double trailer trucks passing me at 70 mph+ was always exciting. Am using a good WD hitch with sway control. Part of my problem is the short 5.5' bed/short wheelbase on my F150. I'll never do that again. In fact, just ordered a new 2016 F150, made sure it had the 6.5' bed and the extra 12 inches of wheelbase.
  • A really good WDH is a must, I have the Equalizer round bar, and I got to say, pulling through the Virginia and West Virginia mountains, severe storms in Illinois, was very windy at times, And not driving foolishly, You shouldn't have any problems. I used to tow our 26ft hybrid with a F150 V6, same WDH. You got plenty of truck for a shorter TT.
    We currently have 33ft TT huge profile, that we pull With The Toyota Tundra, We are always mindful of mother nature, no shame in pulling over side of road or Truck stop to wait bad weather out.
  • Wind also effects 5vers. You just don't feel it in the cab of the PU. Gives a sense of security. There was a post a couple of years ago RVer towing a Alpenlite 5ver on I-80 west of Cheyenne, WY. Ripped the 5ver right out of the hitch. Wind rolls semis over. No matter what you have don't be lulled into over confidence. Cross winds on I-80 can humble the best. I watch the weather reports no matter where I am.
  • At times, yes. I tow a 27' with my GMC 1500 and a Husky Centerline WD w/ anti-sway, and when there are really strong crosswinds, it is noticeable (but not unbearable) at interstate highway speeds. But I would say the winds would need to be in excess of 25MPH and driving in excess of 65MPH. Anything less than that, a non-issue.
  • Any large profile vehicle will be affected by crosswinds. Your setup will be as good as any. A heavier truck would add a bit more stability, but there comes a time when you need to pull over and wait it out.

    Look up a recent post of an accident in PA on I81. I believe that he never had a chance. I live in PA and that front came in fast and furious. Do a weather check when things begin to look bad.