Can an RV Tip Over

Can an RV Tip Over? Can a Camper and Bigger RVs Tip?

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Last Updated on April 15, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine

Are you asking, “Can an RV tip over?”

Yes, an RV can tip over. But it takes a particular situation for it to happen. 

As a high profile vehicle, RV’s are affected by the movement of the air around them. Class A’s are top-heavy and have large solid surfaces that can catch the wind.

RVs Catching the Wind Just Right Can Tip Over

The larger the surface area, the more likely the wind can tip you. So wind speeds are something you need to monitor and be prepared to handle so you can prevent tipping.

Your RV’s height, whether or not it’s in motion, and the angle of the gusts are some of the major determining factors for whether or not it will stay put during super-high winds.

It’s far more likely for a motorhome to tip over while driving than it is for it to be flipped while sitting still. Spend a super windy, stormy night in a travel trailer, and you may have your doubts, but it surprised me to find out just how unlikely they are to be blown over while not in motion.

When you’re asking, “Can an RV tip over?” on average, an RV can withstand winds of 50 – 75 mph while not moving and roughly 30 mph when traveling down the road.

While wind speeds as low as 10 miles per hour can affect an RV in motion, studies have shown that it would take a strong gust of at least 53 miles per hour to hit the side of an unhitched (18-foot) travel trailer perfectly straight-on for it to flip over.

If wind speeds aren’t that high and your stabilizers are in place, your rig should stay standing through a storm. Only in the rarest “perfect storm” of a situation is flipping over likely to happen when you’re parked. 

But, just because your rig stays standing, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be significant structural damage from an intense storm. Plus, your RV is in danger of hitting with flying or falling debris when winds are high. If a big enough branch breaks and blows right into your rig, you could have all kinds of damage.

Can an RV Tip Over? – Secure Your RV Awnings

Awnings are more likely to rip and tear when it’s windy, and they can cause you to be affected even more by the wind. Catch an awning at the right angle, turning it into a sail! So it’s wise to secure all your awnings when you see a storm on the radar or when you get a weather alert on your phone. 

There are multiple mobile apps that you can install on your cell phone, which will let you know when winds are high. Having an alert ahead of time is incredibly helpful and will allow you the time to get yourself secure. 

 (As opposed to scrambling to secure a manual awning as the wind is kicking up and debris is blowing by your head. Been there, done that!)

In the case of extremely high winds, some RVers will even bring in their slide-outs. 

The wind is something to take seriously. Even seasoned RVers will ponder pulling over and waiting for winds to subside when gusts reach 20 to 30 miles per hour. 

The Frightening Fishtail & Camper Tip

This phenomenon is terrifying, called fishtailing, jackknifing, or trailer sway. And is something to keep in mind when you’re asking, “Can an RV tip over?”

This petrifying phenomenon occurs when the trailer you’re towing begins to move independently from your vehicle, often ending up moving uncontrollably from side to side. One common factor for trailer sway is when any force, such as the wind, pushes on the trailer’s broadside.

If the wind speed escalates to the point where you’re having difficulty controlling your RV, pull over immediately!

Just because you can go that fast doesn’t mean you should. 

Properly Preparing For High Winds When in an RV Tow Vehicle & Beyond

So you saw on the news that the area you’re in will be affected by high winds. While there may be nothing you can do for a full-strength hurricane or tornado, you can do a few things to make your RV extra stable.

Position

You can prepare for high winds when you’re asking, “Can an RV tip over?” by positioning yourself near a windbreak, such as a large building or a hill. You don’t want to sit in the open when the wind whips through.

Also, positioning your nose into the wind helps reduce the likelihood that you will flip, as it isn’t hitting your RV’s broadside. 

Hitch It 

Another way to help your tow-behind be more sturdy is to hitch it up to your tow vehicle. Being hitched will give your trailer more weight and stability.

Use Your Stabilizing Jacks to Prevent Camper Tipping

Use your stabilizing jacks, wheel chocks, and/or an RV anchor. If you live in an area prone to high winds or hurricanes, you may want to use “hurricane straps” to anchor your RV to the ground via concrete footings, trees, etc. 

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Close All Vents And Windows

It will encourage airflow to wrap around your RV.

Don’t Drive If You Can Help It 

The last thing you want to do is hop behind the wheel when the winds are too high. The safest option is for you to stay put and get as secure as you can. 

If driving isn’t essential, why put yourself in unnecessary danger? 

Acceleration Can Tip Your RV

I get it. You want to get to your next location as quickly as possible. The only problem is that RV speed limits exist for a reason. RVs aren’t the same as cars, trucks, and vans. They have a large profile, and it’s easy for things to get really dicey very quickly. You might find that answer to your question, “Can an RV tip over?” faster than you’d like to find it out.

Most states limit RVs to 70 or 75 miles per hour. If you go much faster, you’re looking at serious troubles on the roadways. Nevada doesn’t care as much and puts RV speed limits at 80 MPH.

Keep in mind that just because something is legal, that doesn’t mean you should do it. Your RV could easily tip over if you have to stop too fast because of someone in front of you or something else that requires the brakes.

Whether you have a tow behind bumper pull trailer or a motorhome, both of these RVs need to have time to stop. If you’re in a tow vehicle with a pull-behind RV, it could take extra long for it to stop, and that alone could cause a wreck and might mean an RV tip problem.

What to Do If Your RV Tips Over

Let’s say that you do experience an RV tip over. What do you do when your RV tips over?

The best thing you can do is to get out of it as soon as possible. You never know when the rollover could cause a spark that causes a fire or even an explosion. You can let the experts deal with figuring out when it is safe for you to go back near your RV.

Best Ways How to Avoid a Trailer Rollover

When it comes to “Can an RV tip over?” you’ve learned a lot about what could happen, but here are some bullet points that will help you avoid a trailer rollover.

  • When your RV is parked, use stabilizer equipment like jacks, wheel chocks, and similar stabilizers.
  • Try to park your RV near a wind breaker like a tree, hillside, or wall so you won’t blow around as much.
  • Don’t park on a hill. Even if you think the view will be awesome, don’t park on a hill and hope that your hitch is going to hang onto your RV.
  • Drive at a safe speed.
  • If you’re driving beside a large vehicle, be careful of dangerous crosswinds.
  • Retract your awning in high winds.
  • Avoid driving in high winds.
  • Pull in your RV’s slides if the wind is too wild.
  • Drive with the wind if you’re driving the RV vs. driving against the wind. If you are driving against the wind, find a place to pull over and wait for the strong winds to pass.
  • Make sure the hitch on your vehicle is the proper one if you’re pulling an RV behind you or if you’re pulling a car behind your motorhome.

Can an RV Tip Over? – Frequently Asked Questions

Can RVs tip over when parked?

Yes. If the wind gets wild or you leave your awning out, an RV can tip over when parked. It’s not very likely for a camper to tip over when parked but don’t think it’s not possible.

Can an RV tip over if not level?

Yes. An RV can tip over if it isn’t level, but only if it is very unlevel.

How windy is too windy for an RV?

Most people agree that driving in any wind at 50 mph or above is dangerous.

Can an RV Tip Over? – Driving When It’s Windy 

But if you do have to drive your RV when it’s windy, driving with the wind is not only easier, but it’s so much safer than driving into crosswinds. 

Be wary of bridges and overpasses. Since they are so elevated, they risk being extraordinarily windy and experiencing crosswinds. Proceed with caution. Crosswinds pose a severe danger to your RV.

Plan your route ahead of time and identify where wind gusts are expected. 

Keep both hands on the wheel and be ready to react at a moment’s notice. 

Take breaks often and be willing to pull over. The increased stress from compensating for wind will zap your energy and may put you on edge. Give yourself periodic breaks.

Drive slowly / at a safe speed. It will depend on your unique circumstances, but many experienced RVers don’t go faster than 55mph in the wind. 

Be aware of where the other vehicles are around you, and create a comfortable distance between them. The wind really will want to blow you into the next lane.

Don’t be afraid to pull over if you feel even ill affected or unsafe.

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