High wind, light load, how long should I wait it out?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Harry Flashman, Dec 8, 2021.

  1. Harry Flashman

    Harry Flashman Medium Load Member

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    I’m running through Wyoming with a 53’ van and only a 10,900 lb load. Lightweight cardboard packing material for some bottle company. Load completely fills the trailer so not a low center of gravity.

    Wind was fine yesterday, but only had enough clock time to get halfway through the state.

    Woke up in the rest area to 60mph gusts of wind and truck rocking back and forth.

    How likely is this to tip over if I move this truck? What speed of winds do I need to wait for before moving.
     
    Flat Earth Trucker Thanks this.
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    I think that's enough weight for 60 mph gusts, anything more than that, I'd worry. It seems, trailers with those skirts underneath, have a higher incidence of rollover, only because, there's no place for the wind to go. I never trucked in that kind of wind, but I think you'll be okay.
     
  4. Ibapaine

    Ibapaine Bobtail Member

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    Which direction is the wind blowing? Which direction are you going in? Me personally I wouldn’t move till it was under 40-45 if they are sustained winds. Now if it’s just gusts up to 60, I would consider it. Really a tough call if it’s gonna be coming through the sides.
     
  5. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Bill? Is that you?
     
    Harry Flashman Thanks this.
  6. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    I wouldn't move. Good luck!
     
  7. TROOPER to TRUCKER

    TROOPER to TRUCKER Anything Is Possible

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    When in doubt wait it out
     
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  8. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    I would just add that I wouldn't deal with 60 mph gusts with 44k in the box!
     
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  9. Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

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    Same here! As a suggestion Wyoming has a good DOT site for road conditions. I got stuck last winter just East of Elk Mountain with a light load. Wyoming DOT had road closed for light, high profile vehicles. I'd check their web site to find out. Besides safety, if Wyoming DOT does have the road restricted for light, high profile vehicles, you're setting yourself up for trouble with the po po if you get on the road.
    And, as mentioned, much depends on wind direction and how gusty the winds are. Typically isn't the wind itself that's the real problem, it's the gusts of wind. If you have solid wind without alot of gusting, it isnas bad.
    Regardless, be safe. Much better to wait it out than risk it. There are MANY who have been blown over along I-80 in Wyoming that probably wish they had waited instead. It's known for eating rigs with the wind!
     
    MOBee, roshea, faux_maestro and 2 others Thank this.
  10. drvrtech77

    drvrtech77 Road Train Member

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    182B9B6A-0CA6-4AD2-AE3B-6375530E0D57.jpeg D60262E7-420C-49E3-A456-4FF2629C8292.jpeg

    Current info from wyoming dot..
     
  11. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    Is a load of cardboard worth a accident on your license and possibly an injury?
     
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