Crosswinds and a light load ?

My first trip solo out OK. was real windy and I was deadheading I pulled off 40 miles from home sent message on QC dm called asked if I was ok and I said yep just waitin on the wind. Nuff said

 

I've always wondered why more states don't do this. Nebraska has them too and I've always found them to be helpful. I was just thinking about this last night at the bottom of Cajon where it can get nasty.

 

It would be helpful if states had them in problem areas. I remember one that is on I-40 east of Gallup, NM. I always checked it out as soon as I spotted it. I do remember going by once and it was limp. All of a sudden I was hit by a very strong gust of wind. It nearly scared the life out of me. These gusts can come up with no warning. They hit and are gone as quickly as they hit the truck. The sock didn't move. I found that very odd. It did wake me up.

 

Lots of states have electronic billboards that post high wind advisories. Top states that you need to be concerned about are Nebraska, Wyoming,North and South Dakota's, Southern Utah, Southern Idaho, Eastern Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico. Yes there are others but these are the major ones you need to be careful in. Another good way to find out is to get on the CB and talk to drivers going in the opposite direction.

No matter what anyone says if you are in doubt pull-over! Everyone's loads and trucks are different so don't judge your safety by the Super Trucker next to you!

 

I was on 77s headed from Roanoke into NC and had to deal with the crosswinds, and rain with a small load. It isn't fun. I was close to calling it a night when they calmed down. Better safe than sorry IMO.

 

This was posted on the forum last year and I saved it.

Sustained Wind 30 mph or less
Gusts 35 mph or less Okay

Sustained Wind 30 mph or less
Gusts 36-45 mph Min 25,000 lbs. No empty

Sustained Wind 30 mph or less
Gusts 46-60 mph Min 40,000 lbs. No empty

Sustained Wind 30 mph or less
Gusts 61+ mph No Go

Sustained Wind 31-40 mph
Gusts 36-45 mph Min 25,000 lbs. No empty

Sustained Wind 31-40 mph
Gusts 46-60 mph 40,000 lbs. No empty

Sustained Wind 31-40 mph
Gusts 61+ mph No Go

Sustained Wind 41-50 mph
Gusts 46-60 mph No Go

Sustained Wind 41-50 mph
Gusts 61+ mph No Go

Sustained Winds 50+ mph
Gusts 0+ mph No Go

 

That can be a challenging piece of road. I remember some years ago driving north in a bad storm. High winds and heavy rain. On the southbound side, someone lost control and several cars got tangled up with an 18 wheeler. It shut the road down for several hours (I found out later). At one point, I topped a hill and a big crosswind hit my truck. It was so strong that it blew me into the other lane. I was very glad that there wasn't anyone in the other lane. That road can wear me out in the best of driving conditions. You have to be on your toes at all times in this business.

 

Try a Single Axle Day Cab, M/T.