[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"LiveBlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/driving-class-a-rv-in-windy-conditions\/#LiveBlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/driving-class-a-rv-in-windy-conditions\/","headline":"Driving Class A RV in Windy Conditions","name":"Driving Class A RV in Windy Conditions","description":"Driving an RV in windy conditions isn\u2019t something that regular vehicle owners think much about. It\u2019s rare for wind speeds to reach a level where SUVs and other auto owners have cause for concern. However, that\u2019s not the same with RV owners, especially Class-A motorhome owners. Table of Contents show Driving Class A RV in […]","datePublished":"2021-06-28","dateModified":"2024-01-11","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/#Person","name":"Pete","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/","identifier":2,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779859650","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779859650","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Living Pioneer","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","width":50,"height":50}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/windy-5940755_1280-600x400r.jpg","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/windy-5940755_1280-600x400r.jpg","height":400,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/driving-class-a-rv-in-windy-conditions\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r7LQIQuVuXE#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r7LQIQuVuXE","name":"Driving an RV in High Winds. Tips for Truck Campers and RV's.","description":"Safely practice driving in windy conditions.\nTips and information about driving in high winds.  How to drive in high wind areas.  Driving safety in high wind areas is very important to know.  Learn how to handle a high profile vehicle car, truck, RV etc when you\u2019re in a high wind situation.  These are suggestions and tips.  I am not a professional driver.  I do practice driving my truck camper in situations like these so I know how to react in adverse driving conditions.  We've had very high winds here in California lately.\nBe safe and courteous on the road.","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/r7LQIQuVuXE\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/r7LQIQuVuXE\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/r7LQIQuVuXE\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/r7LQIQuVuXE\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/r7LQIQuVuXE\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2019-02-27T18:42:36+00:00","duration":"PT13M40S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/r7LQIQuVuXE","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC-XemBKiUqT6lVnNyu2U0XA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC-XemBKiUqT6lVnNyu2U0XA","name":"Covet the Camper","description":"Join me as I document travel with my family in our truck camper setup.  Our Ford F-350 4WD Crew Cab Dually and 12 foot Fleetwood truck camper with one slide-out, bunk bed, solar power, inverter, large back patio and more. Whether it's to the beach in Pacific City, Oregon, Alabama Hills BLM land in CA... or the occasional Truck Camper or Truck Modification and maintenance video.  See you out on the road. \nCovet the Camper.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_lefzsGM8s5U6J5CV4DwsR0SQvh53W3rRYKbfdM9_WYtA=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r7LQIQuVuXE#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r7LQIQuVuXE#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r7LQIQuVuXE&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r7LQIQuVuXE#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":16027}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r7LQIQuVuXE#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":153}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EInKa6ktTjI#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EInKa6ktTjI","name":"\ud83d\udcaa Don't Let Your Awning Blow Away! \/\/  Save Awn Awning Reinforcement System","description":"\ud83d\udc96 We love this product and wanted to share it with you.  We have had our RV awnings blow up and down to the point they started to rip and we had to have our RV awnings replaced.  It's pretty easy to strap your RV awnings so they don't blow up, but we have had them blow down too and both directions are hard on our RV awning arms.  This awning reinforcement system by Save Awn is easy to install, easy to put up and take down.  Save Awn awning reinforcement system is good to up to 25 mph.  If you have awnings, we highly recommend this product to save your awnings for those surprise winds and gusts that come in.  Great even at lower wind speeds just to be safe.  Easy to remove and store when you pack up to move.\n\n\ud83d\udc4d COST 2025 is $229 and includes free shipping.  Well worth it.  Go to www.saveawn.com and use \"WOW\" coupon code and get $20 off.\n___________________________________________________________________________________\n\ud83d\udc96 \ud83c\udd83\ud83c\udd77\ud83c\udd70\ud83c\udd7d\ud83c\udd7a   \ud83c\udd88\ud83c\udd7e\ud83c\udd84   \ud83c\udd75\ud83c\udd7e\ud83c\udd81   \ud83c\udd88\ud83c\udd7e\ud83c\udd84\ud83c\udd81   \ud83c\udd82\ud83c\udd84\ud83c\udd7f\ud83c\udd7f\ud83c\udd7e\ud83c\udd81\ud83c\udd83 \ud83d\udc96\n\ud83d\ude0a Use these links to help support us:\nSHOP at our Amazon Store*:  https:\/\/amazon.com\/shop\/wattsonwheels \nTRACK your RVing costs & Campgrounds:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/WoWSpreadsheets\nTRY our homemade BBQ Rub & Seasonings:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/WoWBadass\nSAVE on diesel Fuel (EFS Application)*:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/FuelSavingsCard\nSAVE campground fees with Passport America:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/PassportAmer\nSAVE campground fees with Thousand Trails membership:  Contact Jim & Brandy Reneau at 770-622-4188 or email at brandy_reneau@equitylifestyle.com.\n*Affiliation links in which we make a commission from your purchase without costing you any money.\n___________________________________________________________________________________\n\ud83d\udca5 \ud835\uddea\ud835\udddb\ud835\udde2 \ud835\uddea\ud835\uddd8 \ud835\uddd4\ud835\udde5\ud835\uddd8\nWe are Dave and Karen and have retired.  We decided to sell our home in Georgia in 2017 to live full time in an RV to travel across America to see the beauty of our country and meet awesome people along the way. \n___________________________________________________________________________________\n\ud835\udde3\ud835\udddf\ud835\uddd4\ud835\uddec\ud835\udddf\ud835\udddc\ud835\udde6\ud835\udde7\ud835\udde6 \ud835\ude06\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude02 \ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude06 \ud835\uddef\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude00\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf1 \ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb:\n\ud83d\udcaa Watcha Doin' Now Dave?:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/2wTVbTx\n\ud83d\ude8d HDT, DRV, Tote, Smart Car:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/2KlZSbE\n\ud83d\udd28 Maintenance & Repairs:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/2XRJcB4 \n\u26fa Campground Reviews & Tourist Areas:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/34OvQ9S\n\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83c\udf73 WoW Recipes:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/3cw32pq\n\ud83e\udd29 Interviews:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/2KgtmrD \n\ud83d\udef5 Can-Am Spyders & Rydes:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/2VG5KSx \n\ud83d\udc40 Interesting Stuff:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/3eyI2QB \n___________________________________________________________________________________\n\ud83d\udca5 \ud835\udde6\ud835\udde2\ud835\uddd6\ud835\udddc\ud835\uddd4\ud835\udddf \ud835\udde0\ud835\uddd8\ud835\uddd7\ud835\udddc\ud835\uddd4 \ud835\udddf\ud835\udddc\ud835\udde1\ud835\uddde\ud835\udde6       \nContact Us:  Email us at 2wattsonwheels@gmail.com\nWebsite & Blog:  https:\/\/www.wattsonwheels.info \nFacebook:  https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/wattsonwheels    \nInstagram:  https:\/\/instagram.com\/watts.on.wheels \n___________________________________________________________________________________       \n\ud83d\udca5 \ud835\udde9\ud835\uddd8\ud835\udddb\ud835\udddc\ud835\uddd6\ud835\udddf\ud835\uddd8\ud835\udde6\nRV Hauler: 2009 Volvo 780 HDT with I-Shift transmission, D-16 Engine tuned to 535hp, Singled out with a 2.64 rear end ratio \nRV: 2015 DRV Mobile Suites 38RSB3        \nTrailer: 6-foot Freedom Hauler (Idaho Tote)     \n___________________________________________________________________________________","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/EInKa6ktTjI\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/EInKa6ktTjI\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/EInKa6ktTjI\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/EInKa6ktTjI\/sddefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2022-02-24T16:00:35+00:00","duration":"PT12M34S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EInKa6ktTjI","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCDI5BzLwVMd65P5pxlSEQpQ#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCDI5BzLwVMd65P5pxlSEQpQ","name":"Watts On Wheels","description":"Watts on Wheels \u2013 Roll. Camp. Play.\nWe\u2019re Dave and Karen, retired in Georgia and always chasing the next great adventure. For years, we crisscrossed America full-time in our 76-foot rig\u2014complete with a heavy-duty truck, fifth wheel, two Can-Am Spyders, and a Smart Car. These days, we\u2019ve settled into a custom-built home base and downsized to a Renegade Explorer Super C, towing our trusty Jeep \u201cWilly.\u201d\n\nOn this channel, you'll find:\n* Honest campground and RV park reviews\n* National and state park adventures\n* Quirky tourist stops and small-town gems\n* The good, the bad and the ugly of RVing\n* DIY RV and truck repairs (often starting with \u201cWhatcha doin' now, Dave?\u201d)\n* The occasional laugh, cold beer, and practical RV tips\n\nWhether you're a full-time RVer, weekend warrior, or just dreaming of the road\u2014subscribe and come along for the ride.\nGet out there and Roll. Camp. Play!\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/AwO3UIrtxwOzeIpNeuaTAxQb6ue-QL4ECcMF256P0R79VD1q8lw1RDptp6v0Rt4Rr_wvWzJnzQ=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EInKa6ktTjI#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EInKa6ktTjI#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EInKa6ktTjI&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EInKa6ktTjI#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":28567}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EInKa6ktTjI#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":649}]}],"about":["RVs"],"wordCount":2003,"articleBody":"Driving an RV in windy conditions isn\u2019t something that regular vehicle owners think much about.It\u2019s rare for wind speeds to reach a level where SUVs and other auto owners have cause for concern.However, that\u2019s not the same with RV owners, especially Class-A motorhome owners.             Table of Contents                                    show                                                Driving Class A RV in Windy Conditions: A Good Idea?                            1. Class A RV Side-to-Side Movement                            2. How Much Wind Does It Take to Flip an RV?                            Driving vs. Stationary in High Winds                            What About RV Slide Outs in High Winds?                            Driving Class A RV in Windy Conditions: How to Do It?                            Drive More Slowly                            Expect to Get More Tired                            Drive with Both Hands on the Steering Wheel                            Don\u2019t Get Distracted                            Look for Road and Off-road Obstacles                            Keep Your Distance                            Swap Drivers or Take Regular Breaks                            Distribute Weight Better in the RV                            Get Alerts Before the Wind Arrives                            Use Rest Stops or Other Places to Park Up                            5th Wheels in High Winds                            Closing Thoughts                            Related Articles        Driving Class A RV in Windy Conditions: A Good Idea?An RV sits much higher on the road than an automobile. Let\u2019s face it, it\u2019s a moving, rectangular object that isn\u2019t exact ergo dynamic!So, windy conditions will buffet the RV around on the road when the wind speed gets up there.There are two main issues with driving a Class A RV in windy conditions:1. Class A RV Side-to-Side MovementWhen driving on a major highway that\u2019s open enough to funnel the wind from one end of it to the other, it becomes torturous.Also, there\u2019s the possibility of a crosswind that can push the motorhome either to the left or right and out of your driving lane too.Being pushed across the road due to high winds becomes an issue in the 10-20 MPH range.At that point, and especially when the winds are not coming straight at the Class A RV, it will get pushed around.This requires constant vigilance and driving direction corrections to keep the motorhome traveling in the correct lane.2. How Much Wind Does It Take to Flip an RV?How much wind can an RV withstand? A wind speed of approximately 40 MPH is too much for a Class A RV to handle.At this level, it can completely flip over due to sudden extreme gusts of wind that exceed this limit.Therefore, under 40 MPH is best, and preferably considerably below it.As you may have seen in RV accidents (and truck accidents too), RVs don\u2019t usually survive getting tipped over.They typically come apart at their weakest point, spewing their contents all over the road and roadside as it does so.At this point, the RV is a write-off. It will also endanger anyone inside, even if they\u2019re wearing a seat belt.There\u2019s a good question to be asked about RV insurance and whether you\u2019re breaching one of the clauses in the insurance contract when driving a motorhome RV in high winds.It could be seen as reckless and irresponsible, so don\u2019t count on the insurance paying out either.Also Read: How to Secure a Travel Trailer in High WindsDriving vs. Stationary in High WindsThere\u2019s a considerable difference between traveling in a Class A RV in high winds and the Class A being parked up at home or in an RV campground.As we mentioned earlier, anything above 40 MPH while underway is likely to tip over any RV, but especially a large Class A that will provide plenty of volume for the wind to slam into!With a stationary RV that\u2019s been parked up due to the local wind speeds or because that\u2019s where you were anyway, then it\u2019s different. A static or motionless Class A RV may withstand 75 MPH winds or more and not get tipped over.Sure, it\u2019ll rock left and right in strong gusts.You\u2019ll surely know it and should be disconnected from any hook-ups and lower the solar panels to fix them in place. But the Class A RV should hold its ground.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r7LQIQuVuXEVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Driving an RV in High Winds. Tips for Truck Campers and RV's. (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r7LQIQuVuXE)What About RV Slide Outs in High Winds?RV slides in or out in a storm? Anything exterior to the RV should be dismantled and brought inside or returned to its lowered position as if preparing to head out in your Class A.Specifically, RV slide-outs in high winds should always be fully retracted and secured as best as possible. Should the slide-out material get loose, it will flap and eventually become torn.Furthermore, any supporting poles or metal attached to them could snap off, work loose, and become a dangerous flying object at speed!If you\u2019re concerned about living in a windy area, then you may wish to purchase an RV hurricane strap kit or awning strap-down kit for added protection in the storms.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EInKa6ktTjIVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: \ud83d\udcaa Don't Let Your Awning Blow Away! \/\/  Save Awn Awning Reinforcement System (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EInKa6ktTjI)25-foot Awning Tie Down from JR Products (9253)Check at Amazon\u24d8 If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Driving Class A RV in Windy Conditions: How to Do It?When driving a motorhome in high winds or potentially high winds, here are some suggestions that relate particularly to your Class A (but apply to Class B and Class C RVs too).Drive More SlowlyThe speed of travel is a significant factor in how likely the RV is to tip over when driving.If you\u2019re trying to get to a specific destination and Class A is sliding around a bit, then drive slower.Yes, this means that it\u2019ll require more time in windy conditions to get there, but it\u2019s still much safer if you\u2019re unable to pull over at that moment.Expect to Get More TiredFighting the wind constantly while driving a large Class A RV is no mean task. It requires strong forearms, wrists, and handgrip strength to keep the motorhome steady.Depending on your previous driving experience, and with RV driving specifically, you may be less or more prepared for it. And if you live in a windy area where you\u2019re regularly driving in windy conditions, then your body will adapt to the requirements to handle it.  Drive with Both Hands on the Steering WheelWhile you may usually drive the Class A one-handed much of the time, it\u2019s not the time to do so now.Keeping the RV steady and on the correct path will require all your strength to do so.Don\u2019t Get DistractedAny corrections to the driving direction, especially in the wind, will require considerably more time to get to where you want to be.As such, it\u2019s necessary to begin the directional adjustment much earlier to fight the wind and get the RV back on course.You cannot make corrections early enough when you\u2019re distracted by the kids, your partner, a mobile app notification, or anything else.This is the time that driving must have 100% of your focused attention and nothing less will do.Look for Road and Off-road ObstaclesWind causes branches to snap off trees and lie on the road.Sometimes, they can get blown from off the roadway onto it just as you\u2019re traveling through.If this happens to a car, they may swerve to avoid it which creates a knock-on potential collision for you. Therefore, greater vigilance is required at this time to react to the unexpected.Think about falling debris from an overpass, trees, and more. Don\u2019t get complacent.Keep Your DistanceClass A RVs require more time to come to a complete stop. This is worsened when fighting the wind, possibly rain, or hail as well.Other drivers may brake suddenly and unexpectedly too. So, keep your distance \u2013 more than usual \u2013 to allow sufficient braking time to not get caught out.Also, be aware of vehicles on either side of you too. They can easily get blown sideways into your path or the side of your Class A.Swap Drivers or Take Regular BreaksIf you have more than one potential RV driver on board, then swap driving duties to give each other a rest from it. Alternatively, if one driver in a couple is more experienced, then let them drive while it\u2019s windy.Also, take a driving break at least every hour.It gives the weather a chance to calm down, but it also ensures that the driver will stay alert when behind the wheel. Driving too long can make you feel drowsy and less attentive to what\u2019s happening. And that\u2019s not good at all!Distribute Weight Better in the RVWith a more evenly distributed weight inside the RV, it\u2019s going to sway back and forth less than it otherwise would.It adds to its overall stability and reduces the chances of it tipping over.Get Alerts Before the Wind ArrivesUse a desktop solution like Wind Alert to check on the wind from your laptop before setting off.Also, use your weather app of choice to keep updated on wind speed changes and receive local storm alerts while driving.Use Rest Stops or Other Places to Park UpIf you can do so, park at a rest stop, a gas station, or another place that allows RVers to park without any hassle.As mentioned earlier, in high winds, Class A\u2019s will do far better when they\u2019re stationary than when they\u2019re on the move. They can withstand almost double the wind speed when stationary, especially if you can find a place that\u2019s behind a building or otherwise in a wind-sheltered spot.Get creative about where to park. You can always ask the manager if you can park there for an hour or more until the wind calms down to avoid the RV tipping over while driving.Few people are going to object to that when they see how bad a storm has become.5th Wheels in High WindsWhile this article is about Class A RVs, towing 5th wheels in high winds is worth mentioning because they\u2019re a similar size.Towing in windy conditions is a high-risk venture.The same rules do not apply to a Class A RV. We would strongly recommend not towing a fifth wheel in high winds at all. Even towing a travel trailer in 20 mph winds is likely to cause it to tip over.With a fifth wheel, as little as 10 MPH could potentially cause it to rock around and eventually tip over.At the very least, the tow hitch is likely to get broken and the 5th wheel could come free from the tow while in transit. This could be disastrous.Closing ThoughtsDriving an RV in windy conditions is never recommended. It is always best to let the storm pass, secure the Class A, and live to fight another day.When this isn\u2019t possible, follow the above suggestions for how to drive safer and take precautions to avoid an accident or sustaining storm or hail damage to the RV.As a side note, towing any camper, trailer, or even a 5th wheel in windy conditions is not recommended. These don\u2019t have the stability of Class A, B, or C motorhomes, and will tip over even in relatively light winds. So, please just don\u2019t risk it.Related ArticlesHow to Protect RV Skylights from Hail?Charging Trailer Battery from Tow VehicleHow to Secure a Travel Trailer in High WindsRV Toilet Leaking at Foot Pedal"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Driving Class A RV in Windy Conditions","item":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/driving-class-a-rv-in-windy-conditions\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]