Center of Gravity Conditions

For many that may not have experienced extreme windy conditions while parked yet, here is a PDF that shows what you should consider doing....

Last weekend, we were caught off-guard when a thunderstorm squall line approached. According to the news and weather, winds approached 70 mph. The winds were a direct broadside hit to our 38GK and we did a lot of rocking and rolling. A lot of tent camping folks did not fair out so well.

After returning to work, I discussed "tipping" caused by high winds with a few Engineering buddies. Without specific weights calculated, this was about the best we could come up with and what you should probably consider doing when those extreme winds approach.

We're talking winds in excess of 50 mph. We might as well be safe. Don't wait until they hit 70 or 80. Redwood does not provide the actual center of gravity calculations and from what I can tell on the internet, neither does anyone else. And each model will be different depending on you RV weight and loading conditions.

Basic's to keep in mind...If the wind is strong from one distinct direction, pull the opposite slide(s) in to move the Center of Gravity into the wind side. It will take more force to tip an RV over. I've heard stories of pulling all slides in but that does not help move the center of gravity in the right direction and may lead to tipping.

If the winds are straight down the RV, pulling slides in on both sides could reduce the "push" effect. If your tires are chocked, that will also help. In this case, you're trying to reduce surface area. You can't do that when broad-sided.

If the winds are at an angle, you'll just have to use your best judgement.

Also remember that the front end will move easier that the back end. The wheels provide some surface friction. The front pin-box end only sits on jacks (maybe a tripod if you have one set up).

If anyone else has experienced extreme high winds, please share your stories of what you did.

As for the storm that hit 2 days later at 5am, we would not have been prepared for that one. However, the winds from that storm were only 50 mph...

We rode out a Hurricane in our SOB 5th Wheel a few years ago, luckily we had our nose almost directly into the wind, very little wind on the sides for the most part.
We did some rocking and rolling but it did not get too bad, guess we were lucky.

If you are concerned with tipping you also need to address the vertical CoG. This is addressed by shifting weights down. In the RV this is removing any heavy items from top shelves and filling the tanks.

Totally agree...We discussed that as well. However, with the way the RV is constructed, there really isn't anything to move down that would be of significance. Especially in a hurry. You'll see the CG horizontal and vertical on there. Without Redwood's input, ours is a best guess anyway.

If there were regulations, maybe they would have to provide these to us? I wonder if the RW Engineers have ever stopped to figure them out? For safety, I just want to know what to expect and when. I guess I might eventually find out...the hard way...

Our Engineer at work attempted to show me the formulas, but I couldn't provide him any numbers to start with.

One way to avoid worrying is to stay out of the Texas panhandle in the spring, fall is much better.

Well....After living here for so many years, you get kinda used to that in a sticks and bricks building. But this RV thing is a reminder of the good ole days of rock and roll!