High Wind Problems

dickyn · 03-14-2004, 10:02 AM

I was reading an earlier post about high wind problem with the titan and I'm having the same problem. My previous truck was the sierra and no problems with wind. I was driving in about 20-30 mph wind the other day and had a hard time staying on the road. Of course I was traveling 80-100 mph. But anyway, does anyone else having this problem and is there anything that could be done about it?

LS1POWERED · 03-14-2004, 10:55 AM

I think wind is somthing you cannot controle. Thats strange your GMC was not affected by the wind.. I dont think there is much you can do except lower your truck. or just drive on nice days!

rrumaner · 03-14-2004, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ****yn

I was reading an earlier post about high wind problem with the titan and I'm having the same problem. My previous truck was the sierra and no problems with wind. I was driving in about 20-30 mph wind the other day and had a hard time staying on the road. Of course I was traveling 80-100 mph. But anyway, does anyone else having this problem and is there anything that could be done about it?

Where in the area were you driving 80 - 100 mph?

I regularly drive at or about 80 mph on the expressways but in the latest winds we had (30-45 mph) I had a little bit of a problem holding the line. I was cruising down I-294 and literally felt the truck lift off the ground. Granted I know it couldn't have, but it did shift left at least 3 feet without my turning the wheel.

Optimist · 03-14-2004, 11:47 AM

Besides the plastic door handles this my only current gripe. We had perhaps 20mph crosswinds & at posted Hway speed I do more correcting than I should. I thought perhaps wider tires or an after market sway bar but you can definitely feel it. A Semi flat out double digits above the posted really pushed me on over. It does a lot better than my old box & lifted SUV w/33's but not nearly as well as I expect.

ttz32 · 03-14-2004, 01:41 PM

A big truck will have a big surface area for wind to catch the truck and push it around. I don't know what design suggestions you'd have to counter balance a 40 mph wind to the door.

dickyn · 03-14-2004, 03:03 PM

rrumaner:
I usually drive on I-88 and 294 about 100mph daily.

The GMC truck does sit a little bit lower than the Titan. But you can certainly feel the truck shifting..

Briarman · 03-14-2004, 04:15 PM

Beware the Ides of March! Yeah, I've had some turbulance during strong winds on the Interstate going 80 MPH, but not as pronounced as the wind effect on the Frontier was...I have to admit I didn't think a big truck was susceptible to wind motion, but I learn something out in the world every day...

dman · 03-14-2004, 04:38 PM

Be careful out there when it is windy. Our slab sided trucks do catch a lot of wind and will get pushed around a bit. My Titan gets pushed around by the wind just like my Tundra used to. In fact, one stormy night I was driving through Waco, Texas (the hell hole that it is) and there were storms going through town as I was. Reports of tornados although I didn't see any. Going about 60 down the interstate, my Tundra all of a sudden got pushed over an ENTIRE LANE...10 feet! I think it was a case of wind shear (very high winds in a very localized area). My steering wheel did NOT move at all, but the truck did. That was the most frightened I've been in a vehicle. Luckily not many people were out that night and the lane I ended up in was clear of traffic. Scary stuff!

rrumaner · 03-14-2004, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dman

Going about 60 down the interstate, my Tundra all of a sudden got pushed over an ENTIRE LANE...10 feet! I think it was a case of wind shear (very high winds in a very localized area). My steering wheel did NOT move at all, but the truck did. That was the most frightened I've been in a vehicle. Luckily not many people were out that night and the lane I ended up in was clear of traffic. Scary stuff!

The only time I had that happen was on a trip through Ohio on I-90. My wife and I were cruising along in a combination snow/ice/wind storm in my Durango and all of a sudden we were in the next lane. I completely understand the terror that can cause because I experienced it first hand. My wife turned and looked at me with the strangest look and asked me what just happened. All I could think of was a case of wind shear while we were on a patch of ice. Fortunately, like you, there was no one in the next lane at the time.

karlconnell · 03-14-2004, 07:36 PM

You can attribute the side-to-side movement in crosswinds to the "P" rated tires. With such a large truck the sidewalls flex and tend to steer in the direction they are being pushed. This is the reason most people that tow heavier loads purchase LT rated tires with higher load range's as the sidewalls are much stronger and provide more stability. I recently purchased a set of LT's (load range E) and they make a tremendous difference in how the truck handles at highway speeds in cross winds and towing. It was windy in Phx yesterday and I watched a guy in a new Chev 1/2 ton getting pushed and pulled from one side of the lane to the other as he went down the highway. It's too bad they don't put LT rated tires on all fullsize trucks becuase they really do ride just as good.

Karl

Briarman · 03-14-2004, 08:04 PM

I guess as long as we don't have occurances of missing time or wind up on another highway, we'll be OK...

Optimist · 03-14-2004, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Briarman

I guess as long as we don't have occurances of missing time or wind up on another highway, we'll be OK...

Missing time? Your not listening to Art Bell now are you? Sorry I stay up late.

bighawaii · 03-14-2004, 10:55 PM

i thought we were crazy here lol mabe your going to fast?

driving a brick at 80-100 in 20-30mph wind now thats a scary sight to see in your rear view mirrow, especially with our '' 12'' of clearance '' lol.

Derwud · 03-15-2004, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ****yn

I was reading an earlier post about high wind problem with the titan and I'm having the same problem. My previous truck was the sierra and no problems with wind. I was driving in about 20-30 mph wind the other day and had a hard time staying on the road. Of course I was traveling 80-100 mph. But anyway, does anyone else having this problem and is there anything that could be done about it?

First of all, you are crazy! Illinois State Troopers are some of the biggest A-holes. After two speeding tickets in 6 months, I had to slow down in the State of Chicago. Do you what happens when you drive the speed limit in Chicago? You get run off the freaking road!!!!

Second, So you know why the wind blows West in Chicago? Because Peoria SUCKS! Sorry couldn't help it.

Lastly, when driving a brick at 80-100mph any wind gust no matter how small, (and in your neck of the woods, you get a lot of very strong gusts) will push your truck around. I would say, "If you plan to keep running at those speeds, get 20's and a lowering kit." Seriously, slow down, we don't need to see pictures of your wrecked Titan on this website or any other.

dickyn · 03-15-2004, 06:53 AM

Thanks for the advice Derwud, BUT............. its so hard keeping my foot out of the gas pedal. The TITAN is so much fun, especially when you go by a mercedes, BMW, FORD....

and look back in your mirror

. Have you seen the commercial for acura, where the guys goes to the doctor because of his lead foot, that me.