High wind question

[jillie]

We're going to be stuck in Vermont during Sunday when Irene passes. Winds here are expected to be 40-50mph with gusts to 70mph. We plan to pull in the slides. What about the levelers? With all the rocking this coach will be doing, what are the pros and cons of leaving the levelers down?

[Route 66]

I'd leave the jacks down for stability.

[golden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66 I'd leave the jacks down for stability.

x2 and good luck.

[GaryKD]

Hi jillie,
Like previously posted, slides in and jacks down. Do not extend the jacks fully. Lower the jacks like you would to level the coach. Add about an inch of height. Everything external should be closed. Don't forget the TV antenna. Park away from trees. Depending on where the storm is and you are, try to park with the rear of the coach facing the wind. Sometimes this is not possible, it just depends. I've done this many times, good luck.

[bdpreece]

I'd go with Gary's advice 100%.

[jillie]

I'm also thinking we should unhook and put away the sewer hose. Wouldn't want to have to chase that through the park!

Gary, I understand what you're saying. I usually use the Auto feature to level the coach so I'll have to get the book out to see how to do this manually.

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillie We're going to be stuck in Vermont during Sunday when Irene passes. Winds here are expected to be 40-50mph with gusts to 70mph. We plan to pull in the slides. What about the levelers? With all the rocking this coach will be doing, what are the pros and cons of leaving the levelers down?

Gusts to 70? Why are you staying there?

Don

[Triker56]

Jacks down to level. Fuel tank full. You will need generator after.
Sewer hose put away. Fresh water tank full.

Gray & Black tanks empty. All awnings up and you may want to wrap gray tape around both ends of rollers and to the arms. Patio & window awnings.

Put a 5 gal bucket under any exhaust fan openings. You probably will lose the vent lids and any Max covers over them. And they will be open to any rain.

I Went through Wilma

After all above done, go to a motel or friends stix & brick
Good Luck

[wa8yxm]

I'd leave the jacks down as well.... ONly I'd leave them down somewhat farther INLAND.

That said.. I've survived 100MPH+

[allynne]

Don't worry gusts will significntly less than 70 mph

[rgrstndgby]

Folks, keep in mind, that when you drive down the road, lets say, 65 mph, and you are driving into a 20/30 mph headwind, your vents/covers/awnings etc, are
"seeing" + or - 100 mph. I have done it for years, ( bet you have too), and suffered NO damage.....everything closed, retracted (except jacks, lite contact) if your tanks are full, leave them that way for some lower CG ballast, and ride er out, ...rgr...

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I would follow the above advice, but ADD put pads under your jacks as you are sure to get a lot of rain and they otherwise might get stuck.

[desertbound 1]

i would leave why stay there?

[jillie]

Now for the roundup. To answer one question, we stayed in this campground because it is high enough that it won't flood. Our site is not near tall trees and the back end of the coach was facing the expected direction of the highest winds. Campgrounds back in New York were either full or were beside rivers and had lots of trees. We also didn't want to take the coach back on the ferry with the winds picking up.

We pulled in and locked the slides, set the jacks, and added fresh water. It was pretty scary at times when the gusts rocked us pretty good. We lost electricity and water early Sunday and didn't get them back until Monday after lunch. The wi-fi was out but we used our iPhones and the iPad with 3G to keep up on what was happening with the storm. I-87 was closed this morning, according to NY state police, until bridges could be inspected. Hopefully we can get as far as Lake George, NY tomorrow. Exits further south of that are still closed today.

It's been quite an experience. Thanks for all your suggestions for staying safe!