skyhawk0450
Ohio
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Joined: 11/15/2008
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I've heard about all the safety ideas if you are in your home and get a warning that severe weather is coming, but what's the best solution if you are camped in your Class A? Most campgrounds we've used don't seem to have any type of tornado or storm shelter, and we hesitate to go find a ditch to lay in... Seriously, what do you all suggest as the safest thing to do?
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Skip and Norine
Fulltiming since Oct 2006
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We carry a weather radio with us and tune it in to the particular county we're staying in.
When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning, that warning is automatically broadcast to our radio.
If the affected area is the one we're in, we move to a different area.
Traveling our country and seeing the sights, enjoying fun-filled days and campfire nights
See our travel pics
The rig: 2006 SportsCoach Cross Country SE
The toad: 2006 Saturn Vue
The Captain: Skip
The Co-Captain: Norine
Furry passengers: Penny & Biscuit
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rgatijnet1
Florida
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Joined: 06/22/2009
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Pull your level jacks up and retract all slide-outs and canopies. Retract any antennas and disconnect and store any loose equipment outside, including water, electric, and sewer hoses. Close all window shades and try to sit away from any windows. Hope for the best.
I've heard of some severe damaged being done to the frame of a coach that had the level jacks out and the coach was rocked on the jacks by the heavy winds. Best to let it rock on the springs, the way it was designed to do going down the highway.
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John&Joey
Northern MN
(Baby it's cold outside)
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Really a good question. I hope you get some good answers.
All I can add is the fact that the good news is a Class A has to pass a roll over test to be licensed road worthy. This is something that other RV's do not need to fulfill. So I'm guessing in a Class A the old adage of go hide in the bathroom area may still hold true.
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sum1
So-Cal
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Joined: 11/07/2005
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"Severe weather" varies seasonally, regionally, and even locally. The best action, as we all know, is to understand the dynamics of each type, be prepared to deal with them, and to keep thinking. For example, the sustained winds of a hurricane need to be dealt with differently than those of a tornado. Then, too, hurricanes can spawn tornados. That's why we need to keep thinking.
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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Severe weather is ONE thing but a tornado is something else. YOu can easily ride out a severe thunder storm in your RV by simply unplugging from electric grid (to avoid a lightning strike on a power line some distance away damaging your RV), and possibly lowering your crank up antennae. Make sure awnings are retracted when possible and lawn furniture and other outside items are put away. Listening to local weather sources should give you plenty of warning in case you don't NOTICE the weather moving in but since you're obviously CONCERNED it's hard to image you won't notice it coming.
As for tornados, again, early warning is very important. When a warning is issued go to a shelter if one is availalbe, if not find shelter in the strongest building you can find. It might be a shower building, local home or even a barn would be better than meeting the tornado in the open. As a last resort when the storm is bearing down on you find that ditch and lie flat covering your head. Under NO circumstances try to ride out a tornado in an RV (no matter what "class" it is. Semi trucks and even railroad cars are sometimes tossed like toys. The BIGGEST danger has nothing to do with rolling over but either being THROWN or having debris like planks etc. actually penetrate the sides of the RV.
Your ODDS are extremely long that you will ever BE in a tornado. Look around anywhere you are and notice the old trees standing. Be assured that these CAN'T move and if they're standing there they have never been hit by a major tornado 
Good luck / Skip
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles)
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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Joined: 02/19/2004
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Skip being from Kansas has the experience on this topic !!!
DeWayne & Judy
04 3810 Dutch Star
ISL 370 9.3 mpg
Frank's autoformer
01 Sahara Jeep-toad
Blue Ox Aventa II
F 374382
This is not the "GOLDEN-YEARS", it is the "RUSTY-YEARS" !
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wolfe10
Texas
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If a hurricane or other relatively slow-moving storm get out of it's way.
If severe weather where you are (like severe front, tornado warning, etc) as suggested stow awnings, put slides in, remove windshield covers, any outdoor items, etc. Put jacks down.
Most CG's DO have brick/block buildings-- offices, bathrooms, etc. Basically ask the CG manager where to go.
We have been caught in tornado warnings (and did experience winds over 70 mph) twice in MN. Both times we all (men and women) evacuated to the men's bathroom, as that was the most secure location. Made for some interesting phone calls to spouses who were out shopping, etc-- where are you. I can remember one lady's conversation with her husband about where she was, "Oh, in the men's room with 30 guys". He was at the local Walmart. They would not allow anyone (crazy enough to want to) to leave until the all clear was sounded. And they gave out free cookies to those "trapped" in the store.
Brett Wolfe
1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
Cat 3116, Allison 3060
Caterpillar RV Engine Owner's Club: www.catrvclub.org
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mccsix
Pensacola Florida
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Joined: 04/12/2009
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Pray
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Each park should have a designated server weather shelter... Often the family center or one of the other buildings.
You should find out what it is,, Cause if the worst happens.. You really need to know.
And as others have said. a Weather Radio (All hazard alert radio) can be a real life saver.. I'm serious. they are credited with saving many lives already.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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