Various Rv types and wind

[winnietrey]

OK, so 24ft class C, 15 years, 70 K miles all over the western US.
So hear, is my question? A 25mph cross wind, just bounces us all over our lane. But yet at times I see 5ers, TT's and the occasional class A just roar by us.

So do you guys not feel the wind? (based on your rig and setup) or does being bounced around, just not bother you as much as me?

[myredracer]

winnietrey wrote:
OK, so 24ft class C, 15 years, 70 K miles all over the western US.

Things that come to mind: What condition are shocks in? Maybe upgrade to some heavy duty ones. Get alignment checked. Check front end for worn parts in steering like ball joints, track rod, steering box, etc. What tire pressure? Higher psi could help.

I would expect a class C to be much more stable while moving than a TT because of where the axles are positioned on a TT relative to the hitch. Each gust of strong wind wants to pivot a TT around the axle location and will strongly affect steering in the TV compared to a FW. A FW will feel fairly stable due to hitch being over the rear axle in a truck but being taller has more sidewall area and is more susceptible to being tipped over.

There is very little scientific study available on comparison of high wind & overturning vs. RV type. Wichita State university did a study for stationary (parked) RVs and found "minimum overturning wind speeds (perpendicular to the vehicle) of 24 m/s (53 mi/hr) for a 5.5 m travel trailer, 29 m/s (65 mi/hr) for a 9 m motor home, 33 m/s (73 mi/hr) for a 13,600 kg semi-trailer, and 45 m/s (101 mi/hr) for a 5 m camper van. ". No mention of a FW and the study did not address sidewall area of different RV types.

Towed on I-90 between Spokane & Seattle once in high gusting winds. Felt like driving on marbles and hard to stay centered in the lane even when slowed right down. A truck driver at a rest stop told us that even semis pull over in winds like that. Someone at a CG told us he has seen numerous FWs blown clear over there!

If it feels unsafe in high winds, slow way down or pull over for a while until the winds die down. Just because some idiots fly by you at insane speeds doesn't mean there's something wrong with your RV or you.

[BB_TX]

I don’t think there is a pat answer to the question. I have towed our 35’ high profile 5er in high winds without realizing how high the winds were until we stopped and got out for a rest stop and had to lean into the wind to walk. And been behind MHs watching them “walk” back and forth when I barely felt any wind. But some say their 5ers and TTs do sway. And some say their MHs don’t. So the answer is “it all depends”.

[Ivylog]

Best TT I’ve ever pulled was a 31’ Airstream with a Suburban. Tag axle DPs are the best MHs...rock solid at 42,000+ lbs.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

One of the best pieces of advice we ever got with our 28' Class C, was to load it up like we were going on a trip; and then get the wheels aligned. The original chassis is aligned with no weight on it. A loaded RV is thousands of pounds heavier, and it affects the suspension/steering.

After the alignment, our Class C endured many high-wind situations with a lowered level of vigilance on our part. I'm not saying it tracked like an arrow; but in 35 mph crosswinds in Wyoming, we didn't feel like we shouldn't be on the road.

[jplante4]

Distance between the rear dualies is probably the most important factor.

[Cobra21]

Our 21' Class C, short wheel base is also terrible in strong winds. We won't drive it in over 20 mph winds period! We had a 17' travel trailer prior with weight distributing hitch. The wind didn't phase this rig towed with a suburban. So yes, short class C's can be white knuckles all day long.
Brian

[scbwr]

Just too many factors that affect how a rig handles in wind and semi push. I've owned two trailers, a 28' Sunline with a Hensley hitch (Dodge gas dually)and a 27' Winnebago Minnie with a 4 Point Equalizer (Toyota Tundra) hitch and both were very stable on the road, even in crosswinds. Our Bay Star does get some semi push, but does pretty well in cross winds. I've just added a steering stabilizer to help....haven't driven it on a long trip yet to evaluate its effectiveness. But, if there are high wind warnings, I'll keep it parked!

Trailers: It's about weight distribution in the trailer, quality of hitch and anti-sway system and size, wheelbase, etc. of the tow vehicle.

Fifth wheel: Seems that few folks have trouble unless they have an undersized truck. But...I have no experience with this category.

Class C and Class A: weight, wheelbase, weight distribution, tires, tire pressure, aftermarket gear to improve performance (Summo springs, stabilizer, shocks, track bars, CHF (cheap handling fix), and ??

And, I'm sure I've missed some factors....you could write a book on the topic!

[IB853347201]

Our Class A is somewhat affected by wind but not to the extent that our class C was. Our class C was 30 ft and between the wind and trucks passing, it was work to keep straight!

[fitznj]

I've had 3 TTs from 20ft to 27ft towed with 3 different TVs.

They have all been affected to some degree by side winds. However, I've found
that the longer the TV, the less it is affected by the winds. My current TV is
the longest wheelbase I have owned and even semi's do not bump me around.

Not sure if wheel-base affects Class Cs to the same degree.

I do try not to drive in a cross wind though, it makes for a tiring day.

[Tvov]

Sure, I feel crosswind with my small(ish) setup - 21ft TT towed by F250 super duty. Doesn't really bother me, just reminds me the TT is back there.

Those campers that "roar" by you will end up with blown tires, off the road, and/or having a chat with the nice trooper on the side of the highway. Don't let them bother you.

Oh, and they'll be paying a small fortune for the horrible fuel mileage they are getting!

[js218]

Rig is solid as a rock, crosswinds, semi's no problem but I am basically driving a class 8 truck .

[craig7h]

I used to have a 96 35' Southwind with tag axle. Crosswind would not bother it at all. One time with 35' 5th wheel during a driving rain storm with cross wind I could see the 5er swaying back and forth. Now it was not a lot but still did happen. Now in my 30' class A (the lightest of all) I do notice the cross wind. However it was not enough to stop going down the road. Yes people pass me as I go 60-65 on interstates but at that speed I feel under control of the rig.

[valhalla360]

We try to avoid heavy cross winds but at least between TT and 5er...it's night and day better with the 5er.

I suspect a lot of lower end MH handle pretty horrible in normal conditions, so a big cross wind can make it a challenge.

[doxiemom11]

We try not to drive with a 25 mph crosswind. We can do it, you do feel it in our 22,500 lb class A, but it makes for a tiring day.

[Grit_dog]

Probably a little of both reasons.