Five Tips for Using Your Caravan in the Wind
Unfortunately, large vehicles like caravans are more susceptible to wind gusts than smaller vehicles. As a result, if you are driving or towing a caravan in heavy winds, you need to take special precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1, Change your travel plans.
The benefit of travelling with a caravan is that you always have a room to stay in. If strong winds are forecast for a few days, stay in one spot, and wait until they die down before travelling. Staying in a campsite is safer than driving through wind, but remember your caravan may also be affected by wind in the campsite.
To protect your possessions, remove antennas and other peripherals from the roof of your caravan. If possible, move your caravan to a covered and walled garage where it won't have to have contact with the wind.
2. Choose your route carefully.
If you need to get on the road, keep the wind in mind when selecting your routes. Some roads are more prone to gusts of wind than others. If possible, try avoiding roads on windswept open plains, and avoid areas with lots of bridges or overpasses, as you risk driving off of them in extreme winds.
In contrast, roads near wind breaks such as houses or bushes can provide relative respite from the wind. If possible, consider changing directions. For example, if the world is blowing from the east, go west so it's at your back. This can be safer than driving north or south and having the wind pummel your caravan from the sides.
3. Slow down and drive carefully.
The faster you go, the easier it will be for the wind to push against your caravan and cause it to destabilise. Ideally, you want to keep a slow and steady pace. This also makes it easier to react to the wind if it gusts against your caravan.
4. Make sure the interior of the caravan is balanced.
An unbalanced load may be more susceptible to wind gusts. If possible, look at the interior of your caravan, and make sure that your stuff is spread throughout it relatively evenly. You don't want lots of heavy luggage in the front of the caravan and nothing in the back to stop that from waving about.
5. Roll up awnings securely.
If your caravan has an awning, make sure that it is secure before you get on the road. If it is loose, the wind may rip and damage it. If the wind rips the entire awning off your caravan, it could even blow onto another car and cause damage to it.
For more tips on using your caravan in windy conditions or other types of weather, contact a caravan expert.