enodreven Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi, For the purpose of the Road travel warnings in windy conditions and just for general knowledge are motorhomes classed as High Sided Vehicles, in particular those with over cab beds and just how stable are they. Is there a way of working out just how stable they are ? without waiting for it to be blown over ?lol I would be interested in any coments and expreiances ? Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJH Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 I just did a Google search and found a reference on a BBC Travel News page to a High Sided Vehicle being one which is "sensitive to bridge heights and lateral winds". As MHs fit into the first category then I should say that, yes, they are high sided vehicles. Dunno how one would work out stability but I think I'd take note of warnings on the radio and avoid problem areas. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Newell Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 I would say that coachbuilt and "A" class motorhomes definitely fall into the high sided vehicle category but not panel van conversions or micro motorhomes. As for stability, well some are more stable than others straight from the factory but then people alter the stability by loading things into and onto it. For maximum stability all loads should be between the axles and as low as possible. This is obviously not always possible but sticking a roof box on top won't help stability, nether will filling the roof box with heavy items. The only reliable method I know of to ascertain any given vehicle's stability in windy conditions is to try it out. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enodreven Posted November 1, 2006 Author Share Posted November 1, 2006 On the same subject any advice on driving methods that could/should be adopted if you are caughtout in highwind conditions, the reason i ask is that when traveling abroad you don't have the advantage of being able to understand the weather forcasts ? or I certainly don't ? so any advice would be helpful ? or road signs that may be displayed ?? Oh and by the way welcome to the site GJH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Madge Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 [QUOTE]enodreven - 2006-11-01 9:21 AM On the same subject any advice on driving methods that could/should be adopted if you are caughtout in highwind conditions, the reason i ask is that when traveling abroad you don't have the advantage of being able to understand the weather forcasts ? or I certainly don't ? so any advice would be helpful ? or road signs that may be displayed ?? Oh and by the way welcome to the site GJH [/QUOTE] In many places abroad they fly a "Windsock" in the areas prone to high winds. You usually see them on approaches to viaducts and high bridges. There is also the road warning sign of a windsock. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enodreven Posted November 1, 2006 Author Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi, Don I have seen the wind socks, what do you normally do if they are showing gusty conditions ? also I noticed on the Pont de Normandie it had some illuminated flashing signs I can't quite remember what the wording was but i assumed it meant there could be problems and it was blowing quite a lot ? albeit trafic was still going over ? do you know if they close their bridges if they are likely to have problems similar to what happens to the Dartford bridge ?? The reason I started the post was not just for my own benifit but I thought it would help other people when they are traveling in europe, as when you are in the UK you can listen to the weather forcast and it will tell you if/where/when they are expecting high winds (NOT ALWAYS RIGHT) lol . But what do other travelers do when they are away as i am sure it would be very helpful to everyone Brian Can we have a spell checker on hear please ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Madge Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 [QUOTE]enodreven - 2006-11-01 10:00 AM Hi, Don I have seen the wind socks, what do you normally do if they are showing gusty conditions ? Brian Can we have a spell checker on hear please ?? [/QUOTE] Brian, I usually "Evacuate my Bowels" (I'm a professional coward) 8-) 8-) After that I just play it by ear and hope for the best. 8-) I would suggest if you see that the trucks are banned I would follow suit. We have two bridges in our area (Humber & Ouse) that are notorious for high winds, on a very windy day you can feel the Humber bridge moving in the wind. 8-) 8-) Don PS If you want a spell checker I suggest you download the Google tool bar there's one on there :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel E Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 I suspect the most likely dangers will arise: - with a cross wind on a very exposed area such as a bridge - with a cross wind compounding an adverse camber on a bend. In the first case, if in doubt pull over and watch what happens to other high-sided vehicles crossing. In the second case, drive very slowly to minimise the centripetal force. As for weather forecasts, I've never had a problem getting hold of one in any country - either via TV or the Internet or a newspaper. All you really need is a synoptic chart showing isobars: if they're close together, you're going to have strong winds and rotten weather. Widely spaced or an area of High pressure and it should be fine (but possibly foggy at this time of year). I always try and update myself before any longish journey 'cos it ain't much fun driving in rotten conditions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norma Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 Well, I learn something every day. Thank you Don. I have never noticed the spellchecker that stares me in the face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enodreven Posted November 1, 2006 Author Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi, Thanks everyone for the info, albeit Don i know i asked for it but the bowels thing you could have kept to yourself ?? LOL. and thanks for the info on the Google task bar i have just downloaded it and it works a treat Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJH Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 [QUOTE]enodreven - 2006-11-01 9:21 AM Oh and by the way welcome to the site GJH [/QUOTE] Thanks. I like the advice about from Mel E about waiting to see if anyone else is blown over :-) Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly58 Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 Hi I used to drive a transit with a luton box just like an over cab motorhome the humber bridge was closed to high sided vehicles due to strong winds but me being me thought I would be ok to cross as I did not think high sided included medium size vans but when I arrived at the pay booths after crossing I was given an almighty rollocking from the authorities and brought to my attention that had I been blewn over the cost to me would be 1 closing of the bridge for recovery 2 cost of recovery 3 repairs to damaged road surface this would amount to a very expensive mistake so if the signs state closed to high siders it this also means us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 The old works 3l transit box van was always a worry in high winds as if into wind you might not make next petrol station (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Newell Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 I did once have a rather scary moment in a 7.5 Tonne curtain sider. I was returning empty from a run to Sunderland and a westerly wind had got up. As I approached the M1 from the M18 at 70 MPH and came round the curve from west facing to south I felt the truck rock violently in a strong gust and the speedo needle shot up to about 80MPH for a brief moment as the truck was rocked far enough over to lift one pair of back wheels off the ground! I slowed down rapidly and completed the journey at a much more sedate 50 MPH then stopped at Tibshelf for a change of underwear. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 There are certain sections of the M62 which are deadly in high winds, it just suddenly gusts at you from nowhere and you end up in another lane if you're not careful! On these particular stretches it even blows a normal car around. If in doubt, just drive carefully and slowly, if necessary stop and have a cuppa to see if it dies down a bit, if not see if you can find another route which doesn't involve such wide open/windy roads, eg some country roads will almost certainly be less blustery than a motorway due to hedges etc which block out some of the gusting. As for avoiding bridges, unfortunately if it looks like it's a breezy day you'd be best to try to use another route anyway unless there really isn't an alternative, make sure you allow yourself extra time as well so that you aren't in a rush and take unnecessary risks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJH Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 [QUOTE]Dave Newell - 2006-11-01 8:49 PM I was returning empty from a run to Sunderland [/QUOTE] Always was risky, driving a full wagon through Sunderland :-D [QUOTE]Dave Newell - 2006-11-01 8:49 PM I slowed down rapidly and completed the journey at a much more sedate 50 MPH then stopped at Tibshelf for a change of underwear. D.[/QUOTE] Was that because of the Mackems as well :-D Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supertractorman Posted November 2, 2006 Share Posted November 2, 2006 The tip for HGV Drivers with curtain sided vehicles is to open the curtains do you think it would help on Motorhomes !!!. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Newell Posted November 2, 2006 Share Posted November 2, 2006 [QUOTE]Supertractorman - 2006-11-02 2:17 PM The tip for HGV Drivers with curtain sided vehicles is to open the curtains do you think it would help on Motorhomes !!!. David[/QUOTE] Hi David, we were told by the company owner not to open the curtain sides for travelling as he had a roof blown off one lorry like that. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJH Posted November 2, 2006 Share Posted November 2, 2006 [QUOTE]Dave Newell - 2006-11-02 3:06 PMHi David, we were told by the company owner not to open the curtain sides for travelling as he had a roof blown off one lorry like that.[/QUOTE] That probably explains something that mystified me a couple of years ago. I was held up in jams because there was a series of empty wagons blown over on the A1 near Harrogate (I think there was a similar major problem on the A74 near Carlisle at the same time). I remember wondering at the time why the drivers didn't drive with the curtains open. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyishuk Posted November 2, 2006 Share Posted November 2, 2006 At a rough guess, if the wind is going to blow over a 30 ton vehicle, (7.5 ton at each wheel approx) Motor caravan with a ton at each wheel stands little chance.:D Thats why we have a kitchen for a brew up ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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