Very High Winds? Tucson to White Sands

[timelinex]

I'm considering a trip from Phoenix to White Sands/Carlsbad (New Mexico) next week. I would be towing my 43ft 20k pound 381m.

My main concern is that it looks like that route (I-10) has really high winds through NM this time of year. Weather forecast shows 39mph winds this Friday! Is that an issue?

I remember driving this thing through high winds before and it was very unpleasant. But that was when I was towing it with a SRW. I've got a dually now and it usually handles this thing like a beast.

 

[txloser]

Really subjective, but I’d do mid 30’s direct crosswinds. That’s been fine with my DRW. You can feel it, but not uncomfortable. Much different than with my same trailer and a SRW truck. 40 and over would give me pause. I’d probably still go and just keep an eye on things. Slow down if doesn’t feel right. Watch the truckers and other trailers.

I got mixed up in a microburst this past summer and stayed upright during the direct crosswinds portion, but couldn’t get over 30-35 mph. Winds so strong that when it became a tailwind I was getting 30mpg on a slight incline doing 60.

 

[Grandesigner]

Those winds down there can kill, so if sand blowing...stay away is my advice. No matter what TV you have.
Good thing is that there are breaks in the wind that can be taken advantage of...

 

[Second Chance]

There was an 11-car pileup on I-10 near Lordsburg, NM, a couple of days ago with three fatalities due to poor visibility. I have towed Reflection and Solitude 5th wheels in 45 MPH winds without stability issues. On days like that, I make sure the fresh water tank is full for extra ballast down low and keep my speeds to 55 - 60 MPH. If it's a poor visibility day, I don't drive.

Rob

 

[RV2600RB]

Dust storms can also close down I-10 anywhere from the AZ border to past Deming towards Cruces. Been there, done that.
I avoid it during the March windy season.
Rich

 

[JKJavelin]

This is our 7th year of Snowbirding to the southwest from Wisconsin. This is the first time we hit a dust storm while traveling. 2 of them actually, heading west in January in western Texas on I-10 before El Paso. The second one was sudden and so thick I couldn't see past the windshield. Absolutely 100% blind. They tell you to pull over, but when you're blinded you can't see where the shoulder is. I slowed down hoping no one was stopped in front of me.
Then it was over. Less than 5 seconds, but man...

 

[txloser]

Today I ran into the same issue as the OP. Got all packed up and then determined I couldn’t outpace the 50mph winds we’d find as we got into Texas from Arkansas. Portions of it direct crosswinds looking at wind info. I pulled up some aviation weather(TAF) at DFW and one other airport along the way to nail down the times. Just wasn’t going to win this one.

Fortunately we got lucky and got another full hookup lake site for one more night at this Arkansas state park. Better parked and wishing you moving than the reverse.

 

[BobinICT]

We did 47 at 10 o'clock last fall and we stayed stable but kept it down to 55 to 50. It was doable but the MPG went from around 10 to 4-5. We do run heavy though.

 

[txloser]

Next time I’ll make the drive. Seems a bit north of 50 is where it really gets dangerous.

This plan backfired as we experienced 30-40mph winds all day off the lake. Trailer rattling and shaking all day.

Then that night it kicked up to 50ish for a bit followed by crazy storms and a “seek shelter” order from the rangers for a potential tornado. Fun times.

 

[Grandesigner]

This time of year here is a drag for sure...