{"id":7625,"date":"2021-09-26T11:46:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-26T11:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=7625"},"modified":"2023-03-22T11:16:58","modified_gmt":"2023-03-22T11:16:58","slug":"how-to-drive-an-rv-in-high-winds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/how-to-drive-an-rv-in-high-winds\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Expert Tips: How To Drive An RV In High Winds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing how to drive a recreational vehicle in high winds is probably the last thing that newbies will think of. However, if you are going to ask an experienced RVer, they will tell you that this is something that every RVers should know considering you are driving a high-profile vehicle that can easily get affected by crosswinds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, driving in an RV with winds that are more than 40 MPH (miles per hour) and gusting 60 MPH is dangerous. Longer and taller RVs and trucks towing a trailer increase the risk of an accident due to the wind. Driving with the wind is safer than driving in crosswinds.<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Driving in high winds can be dangerous! Due to the shape of an RV, it acts as a sail and catches the wind from the side. You can lose control and be pushed off the road or the trailer can sway. Even worse, a wind gust could catch the side of your rig and overturn the whole thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As an RVer myself, I know that getting caught by extreme weather conditions such as high winds while you’re on the road sometimes happens. Therefore, you must know what you have to do in case you will be in that situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With that being said, this article will help you answer the most common questions that you may have if you want to know how to drive an RV in high wind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ll also share with you a few things that you have to consider before going on a trip in high wind weather and I’ll give you 15 expert tips that you should know whether you are driving on the road or stationary in an RV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Driving slowly can keep you and the other vehicle safe when there is high wind. Because when you are driving fast, you don’t have much control over your vehicle and you have less time to act when anything happens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just one sudden burst of wind is enough to make heavy vehicles lose control. If you are driving fast, then it is harder to gain back control after the gust of wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another way to keep safe from high winds while driving an RV is to drive directly to the wind. This helps you not to get tipped over but make sure to still drive slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Driving directly towards the wind prevents being pushed by it. Just like swimming towards the current, the wind will divide and pass on the sides, instead of getting ahold of one of the sides of your vehicle and tipping you over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are on a highway and the winds start to get crazy, start looking for the nearest exit where you can pull off. It’s always better to stop driving in this kind of situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In case you are in the middle of the highway and far from the next exit, stop on the shoulder of the road. Make sure to be wary of incoming vehicles and that no trees and powerline are near where you will stop. Stay inside your vehicle and put your hazard lights on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can stop and pull off the road, look for a place where you can hide from the wind. It can be tall buildings or underpasses. These are the perfect places to hide from high winds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, if you are not able to stop. Be ready for sudden wind spikes when passing by buildings and bridges, which can cover you from the wind but can throw you off course when you pass by them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a good practice to always check and keep track of the weather condition while you are out to make sure you are going to be prepared for anything that can happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the date of your travel cannot be moved, try to plan your route where you will pass by open areas less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When there’s a high wind and you are stationary, you have to make sure that your RV slides are in. Having your slides out can be dangerous to you and can also cause damage to your RV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By putting all the weight at the center of your rig, you are keeping the balance and you will be less likely to be tipped or swayed by the high wind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tie everything down. I cannot stress how important this is. Things tend to move a lot in normal travel speed, what more when additional wind gusts are moving the RV. Keep all things in the middle of the RV to avoid tipping when unbalanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are stationary and a high wind suddenly comes, make sure to remove all the gears outside your rig. It can be tables and chairs or solar panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do a one-round sweep on all sides and close all windows, awnings, roof, and anywhere water and wind can seep in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your storage bays and propane basement are latched and closed. Your basement is full of important equipment for your rigs, so you have to make sure that this is safe during high winds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Always close your RV roof vents and windows or else, your rig is going to be full of dirt and dust. Most especially if you are on a mountain dessert. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are expecting rain and wind, make sure the enclosures are airtight shut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more roof articles, read these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hook up your tow vehicle to your trailer. By doing this, you are adding an extra weight anchor that helps your trailer not to get swayed and be more secured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To read more about towing, click this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Filling your Water tanks can also help put more weight on your RV. So it will be best to fill your freshwater, greywater, and even your black water tanks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On average, RV water tanks add up to 20-100 gallons of liquid weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More reading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t forget to crank in your RV awning. Many new RVers are learning it the hard way and not doing it when the high wind hits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More reading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is something that you should do regularly and not just during high winds. Do a regular check on your roof to make sure that the screws and joints are attached right and tight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More reading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is applicable when you are both driving an RV or stationary. You must check and be aware of anything that could fall on your RV roof like tree branches or debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a precaution, check with your insurance about the kinds of damages that they cover. Once you know these damages, you will have a clear list on your mind of what to check before calamities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n15 Tips to Drive an RV in High Winds<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Drive Slowly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Drive directly to the wind<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Look for the nearest exit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Hide in a safe place<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Check the weather before hitting the road<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Be sure that your slides are pulled in<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Put all the weight at the center of your RV<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Remove all your gears outside<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Close your bays<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Close your RV roofs and windows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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11. Hook up your tow vehicle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fill your water tanks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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13. Crank in your awning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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14. Check your RV roof <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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15. Check your surroundings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Which Type of RV Is Safest to Drive in High Winds<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n