Rookie driver here...wind and bobtailing

I dealt with 25 to 35 mph winds all day today. It sucked and I understand your fear. You have to decide your own comfort zone. Here is my personal rule: " Am I in control and can I stay in my lane". If the answer is ever no....then I"m done.

 

You did the right thing. Over time you’ll get a better feel for the wind. I’m still very careful when empty especially. I’ve known 2 Drivers blown over in 50 mph winds. Also you never know exactly how high a wind gust can get, despite weather report. All it takes is one big wind gust. Some Trucks sway more than others. Volvo’s I’ve been told, especially so.

 

Bobtailed from Belgrade, MT to Coeur d'Alene, ID this winter after a storm. That was fun. Not. My truck is horrible when bobtailing. All my fuel weight is on the steers. Stopping is a challenge in that truck.

 

It takes a lot more wind to blow over a bobtail then it does to blow over an empty 53 trailer.

And empty trailer weights a lot less then a bobtail also.

While I feel you driving them condos, which suck more then a midroof. You're much safer without then with a trailer.

Eventually you'll get used to it and won't be parking anymore.

 

MASH ON IT!!!

 

I love bobtailing. I feel like Im in a race car when Im shifting those gears and blowing past cars.

 

Well I guess I am just nuts. I bobtail 15000 miles or more a year in a highhrise cab over with a 168" wheelbase.
Bobtailing is squirrelly. Worst is rain slick pavement with oil residue. Winds eh. Uncomfortable? Just stop. It's not like a load is involved. Guess I have gotten used to it.

 

I prefer bobtailing, not as easy to jack-knife.

 

Plus you can park at a Cracker Barrel!

 

I used to race V8 cars back in the day with one Bobtail in particular. If the bosses ever found out. I had to dispose mentally of the potential for clutch failure at launch. (5th high then 7th to 9th top which is about 90 to 110 before the fuel pump starved out prior to the 1/4 mile more or less...)

Some of those cars were really crappy back in those days. Now racing via a shifting walk away game with another driver? That's always fun. Some days it's all we can do to fight off the traffic light boredom on US 40 in Baltimore.