Towing a Travel Trailer in High Winds: Safety Guide

Quick Answer

Towing a travel trailer in high winds can be one of the most challenging situations an RVer faces. High winds, especially crosswinds, act like a sail pushing against the side of your trailer, increasing the risk of trailer sway, loss of control, and dangerous towing conditions. Towing travel trailer in high winds isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a safety concern that demands awareness, planning, and proper technique. These issues are frequently searched by RV owners preparing for long trips along exposed highways or in open landscapes where winds are common.

In this article, we’ll define key concepts, examine risk factors, outline safe wind thresholds for travel trailers, offer step-by-step guidance on how to tow in gusty conditions, and answer common questions experienced towers ask online.

I. Key Terms & Definitions

To understand how wind affects your rig, let’s clarify fundamental wind and towing terms:

Crosswind vs Headwind vs Tailwind

• Crosswind: Wind blowing sideways across your path — most dangerous for towing because it can induce sway.

• Headwind: Wind blowing directly against the front of the trailer, slowing you down but less likely to cause sideways sway.

• Tailwind: Wind from behind, which can push your rig forward unexpectedly.

Trailer Sway

Trailer sway occurs when the back of your trailer begins to oscillate side-to-side, driven by forces like wind pressure or unbalanced loads. Larger side surfaces on travel trailers act like sails, amplifying wind impact.

Tongue Weight (TW)

Tongue weight refers to the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch, ideally 10–15% of total trailer weight for stability.

GVWR / GTW

• GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, the maximum loaded weight of your vehicle.

• GTW: Gross Trailer Weight, the overall weight of your fully loaded trailer.

Wind Gust vs Sustained Wind

• Sustained wind: Average wind speed over time.

• Wind gust: Short, sudden bursts of stronger wind — often the most dangerous for onset sway.

Wind Shear

Sudden changes in wind speed and direction that can hit unexpectedly in open areas, mountain passes, or bridges.

II. Risk Factors When Towing Travel Trailer in High Winds

Wind impacts towing stability through several key variables:

• Trailer height & surface area: Taller trailers catch more wind like sails.

• Trailer loading & tongue weight: Heavy rear loads reduce stability; balanced cargo is critical.

• Wind direction: Crosswinds are most destabilizing.

• Vehicle wheelbase & suspension: Shorter wheelbases and worn suspension amplify side-to-side motion.

• Speed & aerodynamics: Faster speeds increase wind force exponentially.

Example: Traveling across the Great Plains or the open interstate corridors of Wyoming — known for regular wind advisories and gusty conditions — significantly raises the risk of trailer sway due to terrain-amplified winds.

III. Safe Wind Speed for Towing Travel Trailers

Knowing safe wind speeds helps you decide when to tow and when to wait.

Gusting winds — sudden peaks above sustained wind speeds — are especially dangerous because they cause abrupt onset sway.

On highways with open plains or mountain passes (e.g., Interstate 80 through Wyoming), even forecasted moderate winds can intensify, making towing risky. Planning around terrain and scheduled wind forecasts can prevent dangerous encounters.

IV. How to Tow a Travel Trailer in High Winds

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tow a travel trailer in high winds safely and confidently:

Step 1. Check Forecasts Before Departure

Before you start, consult detailed wind forecasts and high wind warnings along your route using weather apps and NOAA alerts. Tailor departure times to avoid typical daytime gust peaks.

Step 2. Reduce Speed & Increase Following Distance

Lower speed gives you time to react and reduces sway intensity. Maintain extra following distance behind vehicles, as turbulence from passing trucks can trigger sway.

Step 3. Adjust Load & Tongue Weight

Balance cargo evenly: heavy items should go low and near or slightly forward of the axle. Check tongue weight and adjust to the 10–15% target for optimum stability.

Step 4. Control Steering Inputs

Make smooth, gradual steering corrections. Avoid sudden turns; gentle steering helps the trailer track straight.

Step 5. Use Proper Towing Equipment

Technologies such as integrated travel trailer sway control in high winds systems, weight distribution hitches, and extended mirrors improve stability and control.

Step 6. Avoid Open Areas During Gusts

Exposed flatlands, bridges, and open coastlines can channel winds directly into your rig. If winds worsen, seek sheltered areas to wait it out.

V. Travel Trailer Sway Control in High Winds

When travel trailer sway control in high winds is critical, consider these approaches:

A. Mechanical Control

• Ensure tongue weight is balanced

• Use proper axle positioning and tire pressure

• Choose a tow vehicle with a stable suspension and appropriate wheelbase

B. Driving Techniques

• Do NOT accelerate if sway begins

• Use slight braking through the trailer brake controller — avoid vehicle brakes alone

• Maintain steady steering and avoid sudden corrections

C. Situational Avoidance

Be extra cautious of:

• Crosswinds

• Downdrafts in mountainous terrain

• Wind turbulence created by passing large vehicles

VI. Emergency Response: What to Do When Sway Happens

If your rig begins to sway:

DO:

• Maintain speed or slightly decelerate

• Steer smoothly in the driving direction

• Keep both vehicle and trailer within your lane

DO NOT:

• Brake the trailer axle only

• Turn sharply

• Accelerate aggressively

Smooth vehicle inputs allow natural correction of sway without amplifying the motion.

VII. Case Studies, Data & Global Insights

According to towing safety research, lateral wind forces are a major cause of tow vehicle instability and trailer sway. Travel trailers’ elevated surface area means that crosswinds have a stronger effect compared to standard vehicles. Professional towing operators often recommend not towing when sustained winds exceed 30 mph and to avoid gusts over 40 mph due to exponential increases in wind pressure.

In regions like Australia’s open coastal plains or the U.S. Great Plains wind corridors, drivers report uneven winds that require frequent speed adjustments and conservative decisions about when to pull over. Online forums consistently underline that even modest gusts around 20–30 mph can feel threatening and require calm, controlled driving.

VIII. Common Mistakes to Avoid

RV drivers frequently make these errors when towing travel trailer in high winds:

• Towing at highway speeds despite significant gusts

• Low tongue weight or unbalanced cargo

• Incorrect tire pressure

• Ignoring crosswind guidance signs

• Poor loading strategy or unsecured items

Avoiding these mistakes enhances stability and reduces risk.

IX. FAQs About Towing in High Winds

Can you tow a travel trailer in 30 mph winds?
Towing is possible but unstable; consider pulling over if winds are sustained and gusty above this range.

What wind speed is unsafe for towing?
Sustained winds above 40 mph and gusts even lower can be dangerous — always err on the side of caution.

How do you stop trailer sway in high winds?
Reduce speed, redistribute cargo, and use proper sway control systems designed for wind conditions.

Do headwinds affect fuel consumption?
Yes — headwinds increase drag and fuel use, but they are generally less destabilizing than crosswinds.

Are crosswinds more dangerous than headwinds?
Crosswinds cause more lateral force and sway, making them a bigger threat when towing.

X. Conclusion

Towing travel trailer in high winds poses real safety challenges, but with careful planning, awareness of safe wind speed for towing travel trailers, proper load distribution, and solid towing techniques, you can significantly reduce risk. Always adjust speed, check weather forecasts, and don’t hesitate to pause your journey when conditions turn rough.