Despite being as in love with RVing as we are, there’s no denying that sometimes the weather isn’t exactly ideal. In fact, RVing during really bad weather can be dangerous if you don’t take precautions and know about RV safety for bad weather. But don’t worry, we’re sharing what you need to know about RVing during a storm. Below are tips for facing severe thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, or high winds. We’re also sharing tips for if you’re driving, camping, or boondocking.
General RV Safety Tips For Bad Weather
Before we look at specific scenarios, we’re going to cover some of the basics for RVing in bad weather. Follow these tips below to ensure you and your family have an enjoyable, safe trip:
1. Be Prepared
The single best thing you can do when RVing during a storm is know you’re RVing during a storm. What does that mean? Basically, you need to keep monitoring local weather forecasts before you even arrive at your destination or set off on your trip (and then keep monitoring it when you’re there for updates). If you know to expect bad weather, then you can be prepared for it.
We’re not saying that if the forecast predicts rain, you should cancel the whole trip and stay home. But if the weather is set to be severe, then you might consider delaying a day or two until the storm rolls through. Even if the forecast predicts a little heavy rain during your trip, you’ll be prepared for the bad weather and if things take a turn for the worst, you’ll at least have thought about how to keep safe.
You can also use weather apps that can notify you of any incoming bad weather. This allows you to be prepared without feeling glued to your phone.
2. Evacuate (If It’s Safe To Do So)
If bad weather while RVing catches you by surprise, then the best thing you can do is not be in the bad weather. So, evacuate – but ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO!
You can increase your risk of being injured or even killed by evacuating your campsite or RV park during a severe storm- you should only evacuate if you have time to do so and be well clear of the bad weather when it comes. You don’t want to be caught on the road in the storm. If you can’t evacuate, then follow the steps below to keep safe.
3. Think About RV Position
Any bad weather can cause flooding if the rain is heavy enough, so think carefully about where your RV is positioned. Is it parked in a low area at the campsite? Are there lots of trees surrounding it that could potentially come down and damage your RV? If the answer is yes to both or one of those questions, then move it.
The best place for your RV during bad weather is in a secure location that’s not surrounded by trees or exposed too much to the elements. Obviously, if you’re at an RV park, the chances of there being enough garage space for all of the vehicles on site is slim, but if there’s a parking lot in a high area that’s protected somewhat by buildings etc. nearby, then park your RV here before the bad weather hits.
Basically, you should find the most protected area you can, and then park your RV there when news of a storm reaches you, and it’s too late for you to evacuate.
4. RV Security = RV Safety
Finally, you need to make your RV as secure as possible. That means boarding windows, locking doors, making it as difficult as possible for your RV to move and cause damage to other people or other’s property, and ensuring you’re fully stocked on water, food, and gas if possible. Why are you doing all of this? Because ideally, you won’t be in your RV at all during bad weather.
If possible, you should make your RV as secure as possible before the bad weather arrives. Then, find a suitable shelter in a secure building. If there’s no such shelter nearby, then you can stay in your RV, using all the security tips above. But you and anybody you’re staying with should stay in a central hallway away from windows and doors with cover nearby (e.g. tables to hide beneath should the RV’s roof be compromised by the storm). It might seem like overkill, but bad weather can kill, so be prepared and have a plan in place to keep you, your RV guests, and your RV safe!
Keeping Your RV And You Safe In Specific Situations
Sometimes you need to think more carefully about how to stay safe when RVing during a storm in specific situations. Below we’ll cover some specific examples below so you’re as prepared as possible.
Driving
RVing during a storm isn’t a great idea, especially if you’re driving during one. Ideally, you should find a secure location to park and stay during a storm. Driving even a small car during bad weather can be dangerous, so imagine how much more difficult it is to drive some of the larger RVs out there.
RVs can become difficult to keep on the road in high winds. If possible, pull over the vehicle in a safe spot and don’t drive until the bad weather passes.
If you absolutely must drive during the storm, then allow yourself plenty of space between you and other vehicles. It’s also important to reduce your speed and take extra care when turning corners. Remember, you’re driving a large vehicle, so you should be extremely cautious when driving an RV in bad weather.
Camping
When camping during bad weather, you have to remain very aware of changes in weather. It’s easy when the sun is shining and the temperatures are up to forget about RV safety during bad weather, but you mustn’t. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and remain prepared.
And, if bad weather should hit, you’ll be prepared. You can choose to evacuate if it’s safe to do so or secure your RV using the tips in the general section above. Then, head for a more secure shelter with your friends and family. Picking the best spot for your RV on high ground in a position that’s sheltered from the worst of the weather is a great idea. Be mindful of what’s surrounding your RV too. Are there trees or structures nearby that could come down? If so, pick a better spot before the weather arrives.
Boondocking
If you’re boondocking, then you won’t have secure facilities nearby for you to shelter in after the RV is secure. The best thing for you to do is find a safe location away from trees on higher ground. Then secure your RV – boarding windows, locking doors, preventing it from moving, etc. After that, gather in a central hallway.
Types of bad weather
Certain weather situations need more thought. Below we’ll cover some of the main things to think about during different examples of bad weather. First up is thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms
With thunderstorms, your primary concern will probably be heavy rain and flooding. The most important thing for you to think about is securing your RV in the best position to prevent it from being flooded. Thunderstorms can also bring high wind, so check out our final section below for additional tips about keeping RVs safe during high winds and tornadoes.
Thankfully, thunderstorms are usually caught pretty early on weather forecasts. This means evacuating may be an option if you keep up with the local weather updates.
Lightning
Lightning can be scary, especially when in an RV, but the good news is that if your RV is hit by lightning, the electricity should go around your vehicle, not inside, so you’d be safe if you were inside. However, this only works if your RV is made of metal. If you have a wood and fiberglass RV, then you are safer in your tow vehicle or seeking shelter in a building.
The chances of your RV being hit by lightning are slim either way. Your real concern is the trees surrounding you. If a tree is hit by lightning, then the whole tree can come down or large branches can fall. This puts your RV at risk. So, again, the position is key, and you should keep your RV away from trees to be as safe as possible.
Tornadoes/High Wind
And finally, we have tornadoes and high winds. If a tornado or high winds are set to hit during your RVing experience, then it’s really important that you pick a secure location away from trees again. But it’s also really important that you do everything you can to ensure your RV won’t move during the high winds.
If your RV isn’t properly secure, then it can be moved by strong winds and tornadoes. This can cause damage, so make sure you secure your RV as best you can. Do your best to find a secure location away from your RV.
Final Thoughts
If you plan ahead, monitor the local weather forecasts, and prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario, then hopefully you’ll never have to experience the bad weather we’ve been talking about today. In RVing, as in life, it’s better to be safe than sorry though. So stick to our guidance and be prepared to keep yourself, your family, and your RV safe during the worst weather should you experience it.,
