How much wind speed would it take to blow over a parked travel trailer or RV?

Question

We're required to evacuate in a category 1 hurricane and we do have an evacuation plan. However, even during regular thunderstorms, which are frequent here, the wind can get very gusty.

About how much wind speed would be required to blow over a 30 ft. camper?

Answer 1

It would probably take alot of wind speed.

Answer 2

I have had to investigate and write reports on campers and mobile homes damaged in winds.

It does depend a lot on the exact size and shape of the trailer. The ones that seem to go over the easiest are those that are parked in very exposed areas like a ridge of a hill (nice view but very vulnerable exposure), or a wide open treeless area.

In those cases, it only takes a 10 second gust of around 50 to 55 mph to push one over. This is very true of a 5th wheel type that has a relatively high profile in comparison to weight. Even more troubling, if the awning is down and the wind comes in from that side, it could take even less wind than that.

On the other side, if the trailer is anchored or tied down on the corners to trees, and I have seen this type of thing done, they will survive quite a bit more. Maybe gusts up to around 80 mph. Anything above that, they have a rough time surviving intact if the wind hits them from the side.

Answer 3

A strong burst of wind might require winds around 200mph but a sustained wind of 100 might do that as well.. Trailers have to be tied down.