Is It Too Windy to Drive Your RV?

One of the most stressful things someone might experience while driving their RV is the sudden gust of wind. Talk about white knuckles. It’s something everyone will experience and it’s important to know how to handle it.

It’s also important to know when it’s too windy to drive your RV.

If not properly prepared it could lead to an accident. But don’t worry it’s also very manageable if you take the proper precautions.

However, it’s always best to wait out strong winds.

Driving an RV in High Winds

The reason driving an RV in high winds can be difficult is because you’re driving a vehicle with a much larger surface area with no place for the wind to pass through. So, the wind pushes hard against the side of the RV which results in pushing the RV around.

The larger the RV the more you will feel it (especially true for Class A RVs).

RV trailers will cause more vehicle-sway during heavy winds. Sway can lead to drivers over-correcting and rocking out of control.

This leads to more wear and tear on your RV because you have to constantly correct and fight the wind. It also leads to fatigue on the driver.

You have to be constantly aware and ready for those gusts of wind and it can be very tiring. It can also be dangerous depending on how strong the wind is blowing.

Can Wind Flip an RV?

If you’re unsure if you can actually have your RV flipped in wind the answer is yes.

What causes an RV to flip is the gusts of wind that are much stronger than the constant wind and it also is coming off your side.

If you’re driving directly into the wind or its directly off your back you will fare better. But taking a heavy gust of wind off your side especially while doing something like making a turn can make you much more vulnerable.

How Windy is too Windy to Drive My RV?

So, how windy is too windy?

The answer can be until you’re uncomfortable.

But, for over-confident drivers, the answer is wait it out and don’t risk it!

If you’re not comfortable driving in the wind, then it’s time to call it. Just pull over for the night until the wind dies down and continue on your way.

There is no shame in being safe. Some RVs can withstand winds up to 80 mph when stationary, but when moving you’re much more vulnerable. 

Tips for Driving Your RV on a Windy Day

The best tip for driving your RV in the wind is just don’t do it.

If you know there is a storm coming in with high winds pull over and wait for it to pass. It could be just an hour or maybe a day but it’s worth riding it out instead of driving through it.

Another tip is to slow down. The faster you’re traveling the more vulnerable you are to tipping.

Also, take more breaks so you don’t get mentally burned out. The more fatigued you are, the more likely you are to make a mistake.

Lastly, take less-traveled roads. Part of the stress of driving in winds is the amount of traffic on the road. And usually, less-traveled roads have slower speed limits. 

The main lesson is…

When driving in heavy winds it’s important you take warnings seriously. At the end of the day, your safety is the number one most important thing and the safety of those around you.

If you can avoid travel days in the wind it’s highly recommended you do.

But if it’s necessary to drive then take it extra slow, take breaks, and only do what you’re comfortable with. An RV is a recreational vehicle and recreation isn’t meant to be stressful. 

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