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

Remember it’s more about you than what you are hauling

 

Winds usually peak in the mornings and evenings. If you're not sure about the winds on your route you can check WY wind sensors on I-80 for current readings.

 

I am so glad I don't drive that lane anymore. I despise that Interstate......as well as where it ends up heading west!

 

Blow-over risk is possible once winds reach about 50-60 mph and the angle it hits the vehicle. When the WY DOT issues "road closed to light, high-profile vehicles" it's not a closure of the road. If you choose to drive you are not breaking a law. However if you blow over and block the road or other traffic you get to pay a big fine and the costs of the vehicles that respond to clean up the mess you caused.

 

Pull a tanker. The high winds are just something you read about online and hear drivers complaining about on the CB, until you can't open your truck door or can't walk to the door of the truck stop.

 

The wind might seem okay at 35-45mph but when you get to a spot where the terrain funnels it into a ravine you'll wish you hadn't tempted fate. If anyone gives you grief for parking just try to have the conversation with them while standing outside.

 

Hello Harry Flashman,

"Large Sail Trucking".

Updates??

 

I wouldnt move it. Few years back when i was doing mail runs i had 18k in the box woth 60ph gusts and what was likely a 70mph side gust lifted my trailer and nearly rolled me. As a rule if your under 25k dont move in 60mph gusts. All it takes is one 65 or 70 mph gust to throw you on your side. Better a late load then a rollover or jackknife into a ditch

 

I rolled with 8,000 lbs of plastic playground equipment from Fargo to Bismarck a few years ago in 50 mph gusts from the south. Even though the speed limit was 75 and I had a 73 mph truck I never went over 55 mph with it and kept it upright. The trailer was off-tracking onto and occasionally over the fog line. Would I do it again? I don't know. I got through it ok, but it was a bit stressful, never knowing if a gust is going to be the one that lays it over.