Wind Speed

Gordon Craig Powell
Gordon Craig Powell Forum Participant Posts: 54
edited April 2016 in Motorhomes #1

OK, I know a lot of you old timers are going to laugh at this question, but what wind speed becomes a threat to stability and do you do anything in particular to "get through a bad night".

The questions comes from a horrendous night at the will of storm "Frank" at New Year. We parked nose into wind direction but it was an awful night of really bad gusts. I have the little tripod steadies but we ended the night relatively sleepless with my
wife almost "seasick".. needless to say we went home when it died down.

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #2

    It happens, CP. the wind causes the body of the MH to bounce on its suspension. The corner steadies help a bit but you pretty much have to grin and bear it. It does teach you to look for sheltered pitches on arrival at sites. 

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,867 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #3

    I am not sure there is a lot you can other than weather the storm if you will excuse the pun. Apart from trying to find a more sheltered part of the site it would be equally dangerous to get on the road. We have had a few nights where we have been buffeted
    by strong winds. Margaret is more concerned about it than me and she often uses her F1 ear plugs when she goes to bed!!! I try to reassure her that with me she has a lot of extra ballast in the van! Whilst it not impossible for a motorhome to be blown over
    I don't ever recall reported instances of that happening. Unlike caravans which are much lighter. 

    David

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,311 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #4

    Craig, we weathered 60 - 70 mph winds up at Durness in our caravan a few years ago. Not pleasant I suspect you might have felt the effects more than us as motor homes have more suspension than a caravan, and as David, says it can be equally as dangerous
    to try driving in a very high wind

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited April 2016 #5

    At least the wind doesn't whistle in the rigging like it does with a yacht.

  • Francis
    Francis Club Member Posts: 2,024 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #6

    When we were staying at The Ranch CC just before christmas we endured a very stormy night and the motorhome got battered about quite a bit and we didn't get much sleep but at the same time we have been out driving in the motorhome in very strong winds and
    that is even scarier a couple of months ago on our way back from Nottingham we were coming across the A66 and at the highest point the wind was horrendous and the van was getting buffeted about quite a bit.

  • Aspenshaw
    Aspenshaw Forum Participant Posts: 611
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    edited April 2016 #7

    Look at some of the high bridge restrictions for high sided vehicles and you'll get a feel. Me? I work on something like 45mph - 50 mph if I know what is coming. I've always been able to get out of the way before it is a problem.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited April 2016 #8
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Gordon Craig Powell
    Gordon Craig Powell Forum Participant Posts: 54
    edited April 2016 #9

    Thanks all! I think earplugs and a whisky is probably the order of affairs next time! Bizarrely the kids didnt even relise!!! I think staying put far safer than driving and like you say, back it right down if winds are high!!

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