Not A Great Weather Forecast . . .

[Chainplate]

We met some seasoned RVers as we were on our way to pick up our 2023 17B, our first time owning a trailer. They invited us to join them for an end-of-winter camping to Goblin Valley in Utah in early March and we accepted, weather permitting. We’re going to rendezvous with them at their home in northern Arizona and caravan with them and another couple to the campground. Since we live in Southern California, we thought we’d break up the trip to Arizona by spending the night in Joshua Tree NP, however, the weather forecast is calling for 25 mph winds with gusts to 47 on the day we’re supposed to arrive. What’s the most wind you’ve ever camped in? How much wind does it take to roll a 17B on to its side? Thanks for your advice.

 

[brroberts]

I don’t know exact numbers, someone could probably work out the numbers mathematically, but those wing speeds would be a bother for enjoying time outdoors, but not a safety concern to me. That does make for more tiring driving. I’d still go, but others might find it messes with their enjoyment.

 

[HABBERDABBER]

I've postponed by a day leaving with high winds predicted. I'd later checked, and an airport on the route did have gusts at or above 50 mph. The weather service did have warnings for high profile vehicles in effect at that time.
Your predicted winds sound about the same. It would be very difficult to predict when a tip over is to occur. Wind speed, wind direction, angle of attack, vehicle type, direction and speed, local/geographic channeling of hills, trees, trailer and tug loading, etc.....you get the picture.
Maybe a better idea to delay, until....things blow over than risk a catastrophe.
Mother Nature calls the shots.
Father Time says be patient, grasshopper.

On review & edit, if you're stationary, 50 mph wind speed perpendicular to the trailer axis is not likely to tip it. It sure would make being outdoors in the desert unpleasant.
It might be prudent to stay hitched to your tug in high winds.

And there's the Beaufort Scale, to take as a reference.

Beaufort Wind Scale

 

[Ron in BC]

, until....things blow over than risk a catastrophe.

It sure would make being outdoors in the desert unpleasant.

On our recent trip a side effect of the high winds were dust storms. Not pleasant.

Ron

 

[WillyB]

We were heading to Clark State Fishing Lake a bit south of Dodge City today but the wind forecast is calling for gust of 55 mph so we’re heading south.

 

[brroberts]

At 55-60 I’d be looking to hunker down or change directions too.

 

[caheaton]

We camped in 60mph winds last April in our pop-up (it was just a couple of months before we took delivery of our Escape). We were lakeside on Lake Erie with the winds blowing in from off the lake. It was unsettling, but the camper (and we) survived unscathed. Winds began the day in mid 40's and by nightfall had increased to around 60. It didn't subside until near sunrise. I would advise if you have anything under your stabilizers (I use jack supports) make sure they're tight...I had on blow out during the night when the trailer rocked and had to go out and tighten it (and the others).

Likewise, it goes without saying to not have the awning out, and make sure anything out doors is secured. A tip I saw online once suggested making sure your tanks are full to help keep the center of gravity low.

 

[Traverson]

We got home late on Sunday August 9th 2020, so I left my truck and trailer outside, which I never do, so I could wash it the next day after work. While I was at work that Monday we were hit by a Derecho. The highest unverified report I heard was 140 mph. We had several trees down on my property but the Escape 19 was still on its wheels. and yes, it was broadside to the wind.

 

[WillyB]

We got home late on Sunday August 9th 2020, so I left my truck and trailer outside, which I never do, so I could wash it the next day after work. While I was at work that Monday we were hit by a Derecho. The highest unverified report I heard was 140 mph. We had several trees down on my property but the Escape 19 was still on its wheels. and yes, it was broadside to the wind.

Many of my customer friends in and around Cedar Rapids really got hit by that. Wow!

 

[caheaton]

Wow...did you check, maybe it's clean now with all that wind! ;-)

 

[Iowa Dave]

We lost a number of trees. I’ve replanted some that are doing well and am going to plant a few more this spring.
Where we lost 6 trees on the south lot line we put the solar array in that December and now only have just under two years left on a full payback. Light bill went to $15 a month. Escape was ok in the pole barn.
Iowa Dave.