Towing in the wind.

[rbpru]

We just finished a 250 mile trip to down state Illinois. We had 20 to 25 + mph crosswinds all the way; so, we held the speed to 55 mph.

I was pleasantly surprised that the wind buffets were not that bad, but the gas mileage was a bit less than 8 mpg. :E usually it is closer to 10 mpg.:C Also at 55 mph everything passes you. We kept off the Interstate most of the way.

My TT is only 25 ft. and weighs about 6000 lbs. so it is not a huge wind sail. Still my driving sweet spot is normally about 60 to 62 mph. but it just was not working in the wind so slow and steady was the pace.

The question is, what speed works for you in a moderate cross wind, particularly the bigger TTs.

I am told the 5vers have less wind problems.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

azdryheat wrote:
Winds don't affect our toy hauler much at all. 35-40mph cross-winds and we're stable. 5th wheel towing is the only way to go.

🙂 Hi, wind doesn't seem to effect us either. (Airstream)

[azdryheat]

Winds don't affect our toy hauler much at all. 35-40mph cross-winds and we're stable. 5th wheel towing is the only way to go.

[Old-Biscuit]

We shut it down if winds are forecast to be above 35 mph. Our 5vr is 13'4" and IS a big wind sail

High profile vehicle wind warnings are issued when wind speeds are expected to reach 45 mph.

Steady wind can be dealt with it's them sudden 'GUSTS' that get ya!

[SDcampowneroper]

You did right, took your time and protected your family and those behind otherwise in a hurry that did not like waiting behind you. Ofttimes the slow way is right. Cudos!

[kknowlton]

In the wind speeds you mentioned, we would probably have slowed to about 55 as well. Generally speaking, we draw the line at winds over about 38 mph, especially if they're crosswinds. We'll just stay put when they get too high - it's not worth the white knuckles. As Scott pointed out, winds can blow you over. For extra stability towing, as it's almost always windy where we have lived, we usually fill the freshwater tank at least 1/3 before leaving home - good ballast.

Yes, gas mileage will drop into the wind. Anything that's taller than your tow vehicle is a sail. No experience with 5ers, but I would guess some of the big tall ones would be even worse in that respect, though they might possibly handle a bit better in wind.

[ScottG]

Too many variables, you just have to get a feel for what works for you at the present.
But keep in mind that the wind can blow you over if it's strong enough and the faster you go, the easier it is for the wind to topple you.