Camper Resilience Against High Winds: Understanding Safety Limits

Whether a camper can withstand high winds depends on a number of factors, including the weight of the vehicle, its design, whether it is a travel trailer or a motorhome, its size, weight distribution, how well it is secured, how much wind is blowing, and the direction and duration of the wind. While it is rare for an RV to be overturned by wind, it is important to take precautions when travelling or camping in high winds. When driving, it is recommended to turn off cruise control, reduce speed, and avoid crosswinds. When camping, it is advisable to point the RV into the wind, deploy stabilizers, retract awnings and slides, and fill tanks with water to add weight.

How much wind can a camper withstand when driving?

Driving in high winds can be a scary experience, especially in an RV. The first thing that comes to mind is, "Will my RV be OK or will it flip over?"

There are many factors that determine whether an RV will be able to withstand high winds while driving. These include the RV's weight, design, whether it is a travel trailer or a motorhome, its size, weight distribution, how well it is secured, and driving speed.

In general, wind speeds of 30-50 mph could flip an RV while driving. It is important to pay attention to your feelings and not force yourself to drive in gusty winds if you feel unsafe. If winds get to 30+ mph, don't drive—it could be dangerous.

If you are driving in high winds, do not use cruise control. Manage your driving manually and be prepared for side winds, which can push your vehicle sideways and make it difficult to keep the vehicle on the road. If you experience side winds, do not panic. Steer your vehicle in the opposite direction carefully and slow down.

If you are parked and your RV is being hit broadside by high winds, angle it in the direction from which the wind is coming. This will lessen the impact of wind pressure and help prevent your RV from toppling over.

Additionally, keep your stabilizers down and, if possible, stay hitched to your tow vehicle to help build strength and weight. Make sure your stabilising jacks are securely in place and on level ground. Distribute weight as evenly as possible to avoid swaying due to uneven weight.

Overall, RVs are far more vulnerable to tipping over in high winds when they are moving rather than when they are parked.

How much wind can a camper withstand when stationary?

When it comes to how much wind a camper can withstand when stationary, there are a lot of factors at play. These include the weight of the camper, its design, whether it's a travel trailer or a motorhome, its size, weight distribution, how well it's secured, and its surroundings.

According to a study on the effect of wind on vehicles, the minimum wind speed required to overturn a stationary RV is about 100 miles per hour. However, this varies depending on the length of the RV. For example, a travel trailer that is 18 feet in length would require a minimum wind speed of 53 miles per hour to overturn, while a motorhome that is 29.5 feet in length would require a minimum wind speed of 65 miles per hour.

It's important to note that RVs are more vulnerable to tipping over when they are moving rather than when they are parked. When driving in high winds, it's recommended to reduce speed, avoid using cruise control, and pull over if the wind becomes unmanageable.

To prepare for heavy winds while camping, it's advisable to point the RV in the direction the wind is coming from, put out slides, keep stabilizers down, and stay hitched to the tow vehicle. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid parking under trees as falling branches can cause significant damage.

What are some safety measures to take when camping in high winds?

When camping in high winds, there are several safety measures you can take to protect yourself and your camper. Here are some essential steps to follow:

• Position your camper to face the wind: Orient your camper so that the wind is hitting the front instead of the side. This will reduce the impact of the wind and help stabilise your camper.
• Deploy stabilisers: Use the stabilisers built into your camper or purchase aftermarket accessories to provide additional points of contact with the ground, increasing stability.
• Retract awnings and slides: Bring in any awnings, slides, or other extendable features to minimise the surface area exposed to the wind and reduce the risk of damage.
• Secure loose items: Put away outdoor items such as patio furniture, BBQ grills, and satellite dishes to prevent them from being blown away or causing damage.
• Close vents and windows: Close all openings to encourage airflow to wrap around your camper and reduce internal pressure.
• Fill water tanks: Filling your freshwater tanks can add significant weight to your camper, lowering its centre of gravity and enhancing stability.
• Avoid parking under trees: Falling branches can cause severe damage, so it's best to park in an open area away from trees or other objects that could fall on your camper.
• Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with weather alerts and forecasts to anticipate high winds and plan accordingly.
• Have an emergency plan: Know where to go if you need to evacuate, such as a nearby shelter or bathhouse. Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies in case of injuries or other unforeseen events.
• Use a weather alert radio: Invest in a battery-operated NOAA weather radio to stay informed about severe weather conditions, especially if your phone battery is low or you have a poor cell signal.
• Consider using tie-downs: In extremely high winds, tie-downs or stakes similar to those used for mobile homes may provide additional stability, although they are typically not necessary for campers.

What are some driving tips for high winds?

Driving in high winds can be extremely dangerous, especially for high-profile vehicles like campers and RVs. If you're driving in such conditions, here are some tips to help keep you safe:

Plan Ahead

Before setting off, check weather and traffic bulletins to be aware of any potential issues. Plan your journey to avoid exposed stretches of road, bridges, gaps in hedges, and overtaking high-sided vehicles, as these areas are more prone to strong winds. Make sure you have enough fuel in case you need to take an alternative route.

Slow Down

High winds can affect your ability to drive, especially at higher speeds. Slow down to a safe speed to maintain control of your vehicle. Driving with the wind is easier and safer than driving into crosswinds, which can hit your vehicle's broadside with full force.

Be Alert

Pay close attention to your surroundings and be prepared for sudden gusts, especially when transitioning between wind-protected and unprotected areas. Keep both hands firmly on the wheel and be ready to make steering corrections.

Keep Your Distance

Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially large or high-sided vehicles like trucks, campers, buses, or vehicles towing trailers. These vehicles are more susceptible to high winds and may have difficulty staying in their lanes. Give cyclists and motorcyclists extra room, as they are particularly vulnerable to sudden gusts and may veer across the road.

Take Extra Precautions

If winds are strong enough to be dangerous, avoid driving if possible. Pull over into a safe parking area away from trees, power lines, or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle. Turn on your headlights to improve visibility and help other drivers see you. Keep the radio volume low and put away your phone to ensure you're alert and focused on the road.

What is the Beaufort scale?

The Beaufort scale is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. It was developed in 1805 by Sir Francis Beaufort, a British admiral and officer in the Royal Navy. The scale was standardised in the 1830s and officially adopted by the Royal Navy.

The Beaufort scale starts with 0 and goes up to a force of 12, with each number relating to wind speed and observed conditions. For example, a force of 0 on the Beaufort scale would be a calm day with smoke rising vertically. A force of 1 would be ripples on the water with the appearance of scales, but without foam crests.

The scale was initially devised to help sailors estimate wind speed via visual observations. It was first used during the 1831-1836 "Darwin voyage" of HMS Beagle.

The Beaufort scale is still used today, particularly in weather forecasts for shipping and severe weather warnings to the public.

Frequently asked questions