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Topic: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers (Read 398 times) previous topic - next topic
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LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
I am researching LD models and would like to know how the 24’ and 27’ models handle strong winds and those drafts created by passing 18 wheelers. My current rv is a class C but it had special springs and anti-sway equipment added by a previous owner. It tracks well despite winds and passing vehicles. Would love current LD owners’ input. Thanks!
Re: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Rquaid  - 
I am researching LD models and would like to know how the 24’ and 27’ models handle strong winds and those drafts created by passing 18 wheelers. My current rv is a class C but it had special springs and anti-sway equipment added by a previous owner. It tracks well despite winds and passing vehicles. Would love current LD owners’ input. Thanks!
I've been in some very strong cross winds, particularly in Wyoming, and yes handling can be affected. However, I've never felt out of control or in danger. Same thing for big trucks. Not fighing the steering wheel works for me. I don't have any aftermarket anti-sway equipment. I do have Bilstein shocks.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Rquaid  - 
I am researching LD models and would like to know how the 24’ and 27’ models handle strong winds and those drafts created by passing 18 wheelers. My current rv is a class C but it had special springs and anti-sway equipment added by a previous owner. It tracks well despite winds and passing vehicles. Would love current LD owners’ input. Thanks!
I have a 24 and in a recent trip hit some horrible winds east of Ellensburg WA. It handled great, very impressive. Trucks give you a slight push but not near as bad as my old slide in camper on an F250.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Rquaid  - 
I am researching LD models and would like to know how the 24’ and 27’ models handle strong winds and those drafts created by passing 18 wheelers. My current rv is a class C but it had special springs and anti-sway equipment added by a previous owner. It tracks well despite winds and passing vehicles. Would love current LD owners’ input. Thanks!

I see that you are new to this neighborhood and so we'd like to welcome you.  This Forum has more than a decent amount of information on all things related to Lazy Daze and has a very nice Search Feature.  The handling of LD and Class C RVs seems to be one of those topics that pops up from time to time.  The following topic might help answer part of your question.

Steering Improvements - Alignment

I'd suggest you pay special attention to the #4 reply.  Best of luck to you.


Re: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Rquaid  - 
I am researching LD models and would like to know how the 24’ and 27’ models handle strong winds and those drafts created by passing 18 wheelers.

All LD currently are built on the E450 chassis - stock as it comes from Ford, as for all other coachbuilders. However, LD builds its coaches much lighter than most, and with a lower profile, so inherent handling without improvements will be better. However, if you take advantage of the extra payload to load them to capacity, you will not notice much difference without adding enhancements. The one chassis option the factory offers is Bilstein shocks.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
Reply #5 –
IMHO handles well considering its size and weight.    An E450 at max is 7 tons - a heavy duty truck is at max 40 tons.   40 tons of wind will push 7 tons no matter what.    Is it a problem IMHO its personal.   Some folk like me have no issues others are very concerned.  They have added are sort of  after market equipment.   I just keep an eye on the road for the big guys and try to be aware when they pass.   
As for wind conditions -- same issue.   LD handled as it should.   After all its a big wood and metal  sail.    <smile> you can't out muscle nature.  Listen to the State Police for warnings of high wind.   When the winds get bad we just pulled off the road and wait till the storm passed. 
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
Reply #6 –
I have a twenty seven foot Mid Bath model (2003).  I find it to be very stable in high winds.  The only time I've really felt uncomfortable was when on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel last November in some high winds.  The wind jostled me quiet a bit on the fifteen miles of the bridge portion.  Within twenty minutes of my crossing the bridge authority shut down "high profile vehicles" from crossing.

The amazing part of how my LD handles is when meeting big tractor trailers going through the two lane tunnels.  The CBBT tunnels are each a mile long with just two lanes and oncoming traffic.  I feel hardly any wind sway from these oncoming big trucks.  The only time I notice a wind push is on the interstate when some gypsy trucker blows past me going twenty miles faster than me.  You feel a slight wind bump as the trucker reaches your back corner.  Been driving my rig long enough (119,000 miles) to use my mirrors looking for them.

I have regular NAPA RV replacement shocks.  IMHO the factory shocks from Ford are more than adequate.  The Bilstein shocks ride too hard and you don't need to spend the extra money for them.


2003 MB
Re: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
Reply #7 –
When I pulled trailers a passing truck would create a wormhole in the fabric of space and time with the gravity of a black hole.

That still happens but only a small fraction of what it was pulling a trailer.
1996 Twin King
Re: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
Reply #8 –
I don’t fret the Big Rigs. What slows me down fast are the high cross winds while heading out to Twenty Nine Palms.

I can go from 50 to 25 in very short order. I don’t blame the LD but a high wind can push it around a bit more than I care for.

Hasn’t stopped me yet. Gotta a week in December at Indian Cove with the moon and the coyotes.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: LD performance in strong winds and drafts by 18 wheelers
Reply #9 –
Kent said, "I don't fret the Big Rigs. What slows me down fast are the high cross winds while heading out to Twenty Nine Palms.
I can go from 50 to 25 in very short order. I don't blame the LD but a high wind can push it around a bit more than I care for.
Hasn't stopped me yet."

I have had similar experiences coming across the High Plains of Kansas on my treks across US 36 to Denver...slowing down gave me the comfort of improved reaction time, and since time is what I generally have plenty of, I don't mind slowing down.

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm