windows open in the wind?

[2_Retired]

DH asked me to post this question: When driving a Class A in higher wind conditions, is it best to open the windows on the rig so the winds can pass through, or leave them closed? He hates driving in windy conditions and would like suggestions on how best to cope. He has installed "steer straight" type assists. Thanks.

[2_Retired]

Yes, it was a real question and thanks to everyone else who gave me their advice. DH does stop driving when he feels it's too windy - he just wondered if opening the windows would do any good.

[wa8yxm]

I do not think it matters that much.

[2oldman]

zman-az wrote:
Is this question for real?

Probably. I remember a fellow years ago saying he didn't like wearing a seat belt and that he could simply open the door and jump out before he got into a crash.

[Jim]

I found that opening the large drivers window, and the large passenger's window on my mid entry Bounder, that the suction and wind push from vehicles like a semi passing me would not cause nearly the amount of sway (or that push/pull effect) having them closed does. But, I usually leave them closed.

[zman-az]

Is this question for real?

[Old_Blue]

This is just me, with the window open no matter what the conditions are it is just to much noise, not that the m/h is that quiet, it is just the added noise...
Have fun
Bill

[2oldman]

2 Retired wrote:
higher wind conditions, is it best to open the windows on the rig so the winds can pass through, or leave them closed?

Closed. Open won't make a hoot of difference. Slowing down or stopping will.

[gbopp]

mpierce wrote:
Ever see a semi pulling a flatbed trailer, loaded with plastic pipe going down the road, where the pipe is up above the sleeper height?

If you notice, most of the time they will have the top of that tarped on the front, to keep the air from going into the open ends of the pipe.

That air, going down the pipes, create a greater drag, than tarping it, and preventing the air from entering. I cannot explain WHY, but it is true.

My guess would be because the outside of the pipe creates drag while driving. Allowing the air to go through the pipe would double the drag surface?

[2gypsies1]

We have never drove with windows open... too much dirt, noise and yes, wind.

If it's too windy, park it and enjoy the rest of the day in a campground.

[DSDP_Don]

"2 Retired"......Many have an issue with driving in the wind. That constant fear of being pushed off the road or into another vehicle worries a lot of people. Even though people worry about it, it rarely happens.

The bigger issue is how it wears you down. You drive with a death grip on the wheel and soon your body aches from being so tense for so long. Everyone is different and so is every rig. Some rigs don't even feel the wind while others get pushed around. Only you can decide how much you can tolerate.

We recently went on a trip with another couple who drive a coach that doesn't do well in the wind, while mine is rock steady. We did a 500 mile day and it really tore up his bad shoulder. On the return trip we cut a large segment out of the drive, spreading it over two days. We typically don't do long drives in retirement, but needed to during this trip.

When it's windy, shorten your day and make more stops so your husband can get out and walk around. Have him do a little stretching and release some of that tension from the drive.

[dtucker3usa]

X2

[dons2346]

2chiefsRus wrote:
I can't imagine that opening the windows would make a significant difference.

+1

[crasster]

I would not do it. To much crazy will blow around in the coach and a nice day of driving would turn into a burden and beat down being hammered by wind all day.

[mpierce]

Ever see a semi pulling a flatbed trailer, loaded with plastic pipe going down the road, where the pipe is up above the sleeper height?

If you notice, most of the time they will have the top of that tarped on the front, to keep the air from going into the open ends of the pipe.

That air, going down the pipes, create a greater drag, than tarping it, and preventing the air from entering. I cannot explain WHY, but it is true.

Therefore, I believe opening the windows will have the same effect. It will actually make the problem slightly worse. I think it has to do with the fact that you are disrupting the air flow, and thus creating more drag. Either way, I doubt that it would make enough difference to tell.