Towing in High Wind

[OttawaBob]

Hi All;

Apologies if this subject has been posted previously...

Today’s weather forecast is calling for wind gusts up to 80kmh (50mph). I had planned to pull my X23F trailer using my Chev Colorado to a campsite this afternoon. Should I delay my departure?

Is there a reasonable safe maximum wind speed for towing at 100kmh (62mph) where you don't put yourself and others at risk?

Thank you!

[Midnightmoon]

There really isn't any set answer to your question. It really comes down to how your truck/trailer combination feels in these types or conditions and what your comfort level is.

Don't feel obligated to go if you are not comfortable with it.

[kblast523]

Originally Posted by OttawaBob

Hi All;



Today’s weather forecast is calling for wind gusts up to 80kmh (50mph). I had planned to pull my X23F trailer using my Chev Colorado to a campsite this afternoon. Should I delay my departure?

Thank you!

I've towed a Jayflite SLX 185RB behind a Ford Flex in 50mph (80kph) crosswind between Dalhart, Tx and Raton, Nm. I towed the same trailer from San Angelo, Tx to Perryton, Tx in a 40mph (62kph) headwind and it was worse for handling and control. I got rid of a 2016 FR Salem 241QBHL that was tail happy in ANY wind, although the TV did get 15mpg between Clarendon, Tx and Rhone, Tx with a 40 mph (62kph) tail wind, wagging like a dog. Coming home with my newest TT, virtually no wind and nose down was scary...Camping World OKC did not properly set the height or stabilizing on the hitch. Traveling nose down with inadequate chain tension on the equalizer was an experience. Lucky for me, the entire route was on I-40.

Once properly set up, wind does not adversely affect vehicle stability when the hitch does it's job, even when you can see the side of your TT in your mirror from crosswind. Steer into it and carry on....

[Jagiven]

Hard to answer. Do you have any sway control with your hitch?

I have towed in high winds many times. Only two times it was any issues where with head winds. Early on, I was not checking my tire pressures frequently, and I had low tire pressure (down about 5-10 psi) in the TT, and with a high head wind, I was swaying with each car that passed me. The only other time I had issue was with extremely high head wind, semi would push me around a bit, my fuel economy dropped to 4mpg. I also found when we got home my bolts for the pivot points on my Equalizer hitch where loose, so I was not getting the full benefit of the hitch design.

Cross wind has never seamed to bother my combination.

[andrewat]

50 mph is a heck of a gust. If your combo feels unstable in lower wind conditions, my personal opinion is why take a risk. If you're only towing a few miles, then maybe you can just white knuckle it there. If we're talking 300 miles, then I would say just wait it out. But, like everybody else has said, it really depends on how stable your setup is and how comfortable you are with it.

The fact that you're asking the question tells me you're probably not super excited about the conditions.

I tend to be on the cautious side. I'm towing with a much bigger truck and I don't even normally feel it when a big rig blows by me. But I'm not sure I'd enjoy towing in 50mph gusts...especially if they are crosswinds for a long period of time.

[NewBlackDak]

We see tractor trailers blown over all the time with 45mph and up gusts. No way I’d risk it in a travel trailer and a truck that small.

[russellrhinesmit]

50 mph wind will blow u over in a crosswind.

[Marcm157]

I agree with others who have stated it comes down to your ability and comfort level. I drive commercially and I am comfortable driving in all weather conditions. IF you felt the need to post here asking whether you should or shouldn't tow its probably better if you err on the side of caution and delay your trip. I mean no disrespect in saying that...

[12ptdroptine]

Dont risk your life and others. Some fools would just load up and go. I ways allow myself time to stay a day or 2 if I have to avoid any dangerous conditions on the route home
Safety first
Drop

[RAurand]

Like the fortune cookie advice that Captain Sullenburger carried said:

"A “Delay is better than disaster”!