Towing on windy bridges

[Weavery]

I will be driving to the Outer Banks of NC this weekend across several long, windy causeways. I have a 19' Scamp. I remember driving a VW bus across the Mississippi River as a white knuckle experience. Any advice or concerns here?

[honda03842]

We've only had one problem on a windy NC causeway. A side wind caused our awning to unfurl. After recovering we locked the awning arms so wind could not lift the awning off its arms.

In high side winds I tend to drive a little slower.

[LyleB]

Yep, speed is the major key. I traveled across the Mackinaw Bridge (5 miles, high above the straights) during a high wind warning - twice last month. I was towing my Scamp 13. The Bridge Authority had imposed a 20 MPH limit on Tractor Trailers and vehicles towing trailers. Had absolutely no problems with the side wind. No white knuckles - enjoyed the crossings. On severe wind days, they enforce the speed limit by requiring "high profile" vehicles to be escorted across, as a group.

The winds on this bridge get quite severe, a couple of decades ago a small car was literally blown up and over the side of the bridge. In 2015 a travel trailer was flipped over by an unexpected gust. Been many other wind incidents over the years as well.

Slow down and pay attention goes a long way.

[Raz]

Just back from OBX. We use the Chesapeake Bay bridge/ tunnel down and back with no issues. I suspect your truck with the added weight of the fifth wheel will be fine. Be aware Hatteras and Ocracoke got ravaged by Mathew. NPS campgrounds in Frisco and Ocracoke are open as are the grocery stores but many of the restaurants are closed. Enjoy. Raz

[Paul O.]

I would never expect the awning to start unfurling because of wind. Learn something new every day.
I am not surprised that the WV bus was bad in cross winds. (Large, light weight box.) Jean mentioned Scamp 19. It should be quite stable in cross winds, being 5th wheel. Pulling mine, I feel the cross winds, but the trailer does not affect the steering. It feels about the same as the truck alone. I would still exercise all care, and concentrate on driving without any distractions if there are any wind warnings posted or the wind socks are straight out.

[jfleming]

Originally Posted by Paul O.

I would never expect the awning to start unfurling because of wind. Learn something new every day.
I am not surprised that the WV bus was bad in cross winds. (Large, light weight box.) Jean mentioned Scamp 19. It should be quite stable in cross winds, being 5th wheel. Pulling mine, I feel the cross winds, but the trailer does not affect the steering. It feels about the same as the truck alone. I would still exercise all care, and concentrate on driving without any distractions if there are any wind warnings posted or the wind socks are straight out.

Living in Wyoming and many a high wind day here with 50-60 MPH winds, we have high wind warnings and often close the roads to high profile vehicles. Thus said, I am glad that I got the Scamp 19 as the rounded corners make it a dream to pull in high cross winds compared to my last 29" fifth wheel that would actually go up on 2 wheels with the winds. The design of most of the fiberglass RV's help with stability in the wind. I don't think you will have any problems and the bigger and heavier truck helps also.

[Mike_L]

The best thing to do is SLOW Down!

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Weavery

I will be driving to the Outer Banks of NC this weekend across several long, windy causeways. I have a 19' Scamp. I remember driving a VW bus across the Mississippi River as a white knuckle experience. Any advice or concerns here?

Jean,

Yes, I have concerns! You really shouldn't be hauling a trailer with a breadbox!

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I used to run a '65 split-window. Even after going through the mechanicals thoroughly, there were a lot of times when I would lean on that steering wheel and just sort of 'rock the baby' to keep it in my lane as I drove along.

Everyone else is providing good advice; listen to them, not me.

[Janb313]

Having had my awning start to unfurl in a wind I now always keep a couple of Velcro straps wrapped around the metal case and have never had another problem. Have seen too many trailers by the side of the road with folks trying to get their torn awnings back under control in the wind. Not fun!