Has anyone had to

[sittersforyourkritters]

reschedule because of wind? I've had to reschedule a client twice in one week because of the wind. I'm not experienced enough and my van has waaay too much play in the steering wheel so it runs me into the other lane if I'm not on my toes. So driving 45-60 min in wind in my plus other people lanes just isn't my cup of tea. If I drive slow it almost wouldn't be worth the drive to groom 2 shih tzus and then come home. So if anyone has, please let me know what you said and if anyone got upset or understood. I'm planning on getting a smaller van soon but this beast is 22' long and about 9' high.

I'm kind of frustrated with it but I can't do anything about it.

[elizo]

I so sympathize with you! When I first started mobile, I lived in a super windy place and drove a PetPro....not being someone who was used to driving vans anyway, I had a heck of a time driving that thing in a straight line on the highway! I never cancelled a client because of wind, but I sure was late a couple of times. Remember, be SAFE. No grooming job is worth putting yourself in harm's way!

[PuppyFluffer]

Well, I don't think we get the kind of winds that you do in MO (tornado country, isn't it?), but I have had to cancel an entire days grooms ONCE due to an extraordinarily rough storm we had here a couple years ago. Gusts of up to 110 mph were really whipping. One caught my Sprinter side-on and lifted the driver's side of the truck right off the road! I seriously thought I was gonna tip over for a moment! Once I got her back under control, I pulled off the side of the highway, shook for about 2 minutes, called the Bossman and told him what happened. He not only insisted on rescheduling everyone on my books, he & my hubby drove out, 45 miles, to "safely" escort me home.

He explained exactly what happened to my clients, who were more than understanding about it. When in doubt, honesty is always the best policy in cases like these. Anyone who doesn't understand that you don't want to risk your hide so little Phluphy can be groomed isn't worth the effort anywho.

No harm, no foul, and we learned EXACTLY how much wind it takes to tip over a 5 ton MB Sprinter!

[mylady]

I was actually thinking about this last night while I drove home in high winds. How my van is like a big sail boat. I've never cancelled due to wind, but my next mobile is a shuttle bus that will be about the same size your current one is. It's really windy here today as well, but I'm not working today. But I also tend to drive in weather that I probably shouldn't be driving in, like snow blizzards and hail. I think someone had mentioned previously though that they have cancelled due to winds and I think they lived in Florida. Hopefully someone has some better advice. Just wanted to tell you that you aren't the only one who has been worried about the strong winds. I was being blown around quite a bit last night.

[MydogMissy]

LOL. I haven't cancelled yet, but it IS a bit like sailing.....eh? I just slow down and am a bit more careful. Btw, mines 10'6" tall. The only time I've had a real problem with the wind is when I light my water heater and the wind keeps blowing it out. I've had to use the backup elec. in those cases.

[Jedd]

You may want to invest in some anti-sway bars. They should help that a lot.

[luvpups]

I have done it. I have the WNT Pet Pro and it is 10'6 clearence. The customers totally understand. You could always offer for them to bring the dog to you and maybe charge a little less. I will not risk getting into an accident so I can groom some dogs, so I think you did the right thing.

[kats_melody]

We have rescheduled clients because of wind, namely tropical storms. While my husband is the driver and has a better feel for the van than I do, most times the decision is made for us. If sustained winds of 45 miles per hour or greater are reached, the Highway Patrol closes the bridges we need to reach our customers on the barrier islands. We're not the "bad guy" in that case, and our customers do understand. If a tropical storm is on the way our customers are evacuating anyway.

[Aussheplady]

My clients know I will reschedule if the winds are over 40 mph. I live in a rural area and without buildings to help block the wind, it is often not safe for me to drive. My van is 10.5 feet tall and is easily pushed into other lanes with high winds. My clients would much rather have me safe and reschedule them than risk losing their groomer completely. You would not believe the number of clients that now really worry about my safety and health after losing me for 3 months due to a broken hip.

I do try and only schedule Tues-Friday with only scheduling every ther Saturday and rarely on Mondays. This leaves me with some room to put people if I "have" to due to weather. (wind, heavy storms, or ice)

[Smart-n-Pretty]

You may want to invest in some anti-sway bars. They should help that a lot.

Please explain.

[A1Mobile]

I have cancelled due to wind. Not only for the driving hazzard, but the debris that flies at you. That's more dangerous to me.

[workingchihuahua]

as someone who has been pushed across 3 lanes of traffic, i reschedule. been there, done that, don't feel the need to do it again.

[Jedd]

Please explain.

Here's a link that can explain it better than I can.

http://www.khulsey.com/rv_info/review_anti_sway_bar.html

But think of your vehicle as a giant top heavy skate board. A little pressure moved to one side or the other (without even turning the wheel) will cause the vehicle to move in that direction. Anti-sway bars stiffen up the top heavy 'sway' preventing that 'skate board effect'.

They're not that expensive and should help a great deal.

[Fast Ellie]

When my weather alerts say High Wind Warnings I cancel my appts. I drive an Elite and won't take the chance to wreck my investment.

My clients know if the weather is bad, ice, snow and high winds I will reschedule.

[Starshan]

You may want to invest in some anti-sway bars. They should help that a lot.

My husband also suggests anti-sway bars. My camper van came with them in the back but not the front. When I first started driving it I felt like I was all over the place. Now that I am use to driving it I drive one handed most of the time. Last week we did have 30mph winds & it was 2 hands driving with the wind blowing me all over. I will remind hubby he told he would get me some for the front

Shannon
The Soapy Puppy