RVs are built not only to provide adventure comfort during travel but security as well. It can pretty much withstand a lot of harsh outdoor elements. However, when we talk about winds, some owners can’t help but wonder how much wind can an RV withstand. If you are wondering about the answer to this question, then you are on the right page.
In this article, we will be discussing how much wind an RV can withstand and the precautionary things that you can do to avoid tipping over.
Table of Contents
Classification of Wind Speed
Many RV owners ask whether strong winds can flip an RV or not, but the answer to this question has to factor in a lot of elements. The first element that we have to discuss is what exactly is considered as “strong wind.”
Wind levels are categorized by using the Beaufort Scale. It is the widely used metric for wind velocity, and it has been used for ages. This scale classifies winds in 13 subcategories. Each category has a descriptive detail.
Basically, category 0 winds are considered as “calm.” Once the wind hits 25-31mph, it is then categorized as level 6, which is “Strong Breeze.” During Strong Breeze, you may notice that trees start to sway, and you can hear a whistling sound. If you see this, it’s a good practice to secure everything that may fly away that will cause damage or injuries. It also tends to go higher, depending on the overall weather conditions.
Once the wind levels reach 10 or 11, you should immediately vacate the area if you can because there is a high tendency of the occurrence of structural damages.
How Much Wind can an RV Withstand
There are several factors to consider when you calculate how much wind your RV can withstand. Here are some of them:
- Overall Weight and Design
I did agree with Camp Addict when she said that 18 ft. RVs can theoretically withstand winds that go up to 53 mph. This is because the structure of the RV has a substantial weight, and it would take at least a level 10 wind to flip it over. However, it does not mean that the RV will not experience any damage if it faces that much wind.
There is still the possibility of exterior awnings to fly off. Windows can also break due to small flying objects brought by the wind.
- The direction of the Wind
RVs are designed to be aerodynamic, mainly because they have to be navigated on the road. However, when calculating how much wind it can withstand, considering the direction of the wind is a significant factor. If the wind hits the sides of the body of the RV, its aero dynamism is basically rendered useless, and even though the wind is not as high as 53 mph, it can still flip over.
So, what’s the solution to this?. Well, if you are not able to vacate to a less windy location, you can identify from which direction the wind is blowing and park the head of your RV facing it. This way, the head of the RV can act as a windbreaker mitigating the risk of flipping over.
How to Secure an RV Against Strong Wind
Strong wind can cause a lot of danger and damage to you and to your RV, but there are several precautions that you can do to avoid unwanted scenarios and secure your RV. Here are some of them:
- Retract awning patios.
- Lessen the surface area of your RV by bringing in your slide outs.
- Use stabilizing jacks.
Take a look at this video from Love Your RV for more tips and tricks on how to deal with high winds on an RV:
Final Thoughts
How much wind an RV can withstand depends on several factors, but they are a few tips and tricks to help it deal with wind better. However, if the weather forecast states that strong winds are on your way, the safest thing that you can do is vacate to a location with the lesser wind. But, if you cannot do that, the tips mentioned above can help ease the effects of wind on your RV.
Hi, I am Tom Hank, an RV-er since 2014. Back then, I started without much help. As you can imagine, the struggles are endless. But now, you do not have to begin your adventures knowing next to nothing about RV lives.