A Dozen Semis Blown Over --THIS Is Why You Park It!

Wind isn't as big of an issue when your loaded heavy

But how strong is too strong even with a heavy load? 40k+ lbs

I pushed a load through on I25 last Feb that I probably should have pulled off for. I was at 45k in the box (Grain sacks so not top heavy). Sustained winds off of the Rockies were 30-40mph.

I've mentioned this before but there are two big indicators that will alert you that it's no longer safe. 1. Your trailer skirts start a sustained hum.. Look for a place to pull off 2. Your cab fairing starts moaning.. Pull off now!

If you have to plan your exits from underpasses because you know you're going to get rocked and knocked into the next lane when you catch the wind again is another good indication.

It is one of those things that there is no set formula for, just general rules of thumb.

Nobody can "Teach" you how to feel your truck. Not everyone is an instinctive driver, plenty are very safe technical drivers. And some are just steering wheel holders. (Put in gear and point without any awareness)

Wind isn't as big of an issue when your loaded heavy

But how strong is too strong even with a heavy load? 40k+ lbs

I pushed a load through on I25 last Feb that I probably should have pulled off for. I was at 45k in the box (Grain sacks so not top heavy). Sustained winds off of the Rockies were 30-40mph.

I've mentioned this before but there are two big indicators that will alert you that it's no longer safe. 1. Your trailer skirts start a sustained hum.. Look for a place to pull off 2. Your cab fairing starts moaning.. Pull off now!

If you have to plan your exits from underpasses because you know you're going to get rocked and knocked into the next lane when you catch the wind again is another good indication.

It is one of those things that there is no set formula for, just general rules of thumb.

Nobody can "Teach" you how to feel your truck. Not everyone is an instinctive driver, plenty are very safe technical drivers. And some are just steering wheel holders. (Put in gear and point without any awareness)

After id hit submit I realized the mistake I made. Even if you were loaded 45k there is always a point in which the wind will cause you to tip over. I havent had to deal with bad wind yet, but i will definitely keep in mind what you've suggested as an indicator it may be time to pull over.

One of the blow overs was from my company. I always look for indicators likes trees or flags (not as easy at night). A wind sock, as state DOT's have in places with frequent high winds, when full is a min of 35 mph...Wind direction obviously plays a big factor. If it "just doesn't feel right" stop and make sure you put your nose into the wind and truck away from traffic lanes.

When i feel the truck rocking i slow to 55mph. if im still rocking, i slow to 45mph. if im still rocking, i park. last time this happened to me, the tornado warnings started right after i parked.

go with your gut

One of the blow overs was from my company. I always look for indicators likes trees or flags (not as easy at night). A wind sock, as state DOT's have in places with frequent high winds, when full is a min of 35 mph...Wind direction obviously plays a big factor. If it "just doesn't feel right" stop and make sure you put your nose into the wind and truck away from traffic lanes.

Have you guys ever noticed how sometimes it feels like there's strong winds but the trees aren't even moving? What causes this? It drives me nuts because it feels like it's all in my head! Lol

Cross winds? if they get blown from both sides maybe?