Preparing for HIGH winds

[Jactravlusa]

Probably already plenty of threads on here somewhere about this but
just figured I'd throw it out once again.

We are having Tornado warnings for today, with high winds.

Other than running for the 'hills' what and when do you start your
preparation for the winds and storms, and what do you do in preparation?

We all may handle this differently, some more precautious than others, but maybe there is some middle grounds to take heed to.

Have heard some may get off jacks and pull slides.

What do you do?

Thanks !!

[Bigd9]

We put the jacks down, bring in the window awnings and make sure all outdoor furniture is secured. Also look up and make sure there are no dangerous branches about to fall.

Be safe out there, and be careful.
Good luck

[Hayman]

Start your preparations ASAP ! All awnings in, all slideouts in, jacks up and air up as I've always believed it's better to let the suspension handle the wind. Pick up and put anything away that can be blown around so to avoid damage.

[brobox]

I pull slides in above 30 MPH winds. The cotton fabric slide topper will not take the wind like Sunbrella topper will. Found out where the nearest storm shelter is if the siren blows. There is more surface with the wheels in the ground. If the wind is going to be that high, nothing will stop it from blowing over.

Call you insurance company to make sure your premium is paid and good luck. I went through one of those warnings is NE. I lost a set of slide toppers, so I learned my lesson.

[affreeman]

I think I would fill the water tank as well, to add mass to the rig.

[Jactravlusa]

Thanks for all good advice !! Heard there has been some deaths associated with this same storm front. All stay safe in the southeast with this storm rolling in.

[Cooperhawk]

I think I would try to put the rear to the wind so as to present less surface to the wind.

Also I would have the jacks down. If you let the suspension handle it, it could start the coach rocking which can increase until it goes over. I wouldn't want that to start.

I have had an awning try to open going down the highway into a heavy wind. If you can find some way to secure them, I would.

If you could park behind some substantial building to shield from the wind, I would.

[Jactravlusa]

will, let's see, jacks up or jacks down ? Just guess it all depends on what
the individual thinks about this. Anyway, I again appreciate the GREAT advice, so far so good on the winds. We will see.....Thanks !!

[dave&ginny]

Originally Posted by Cooperhawk

I think I would try to put the rear to the wind so as to present less surface to the wind.

Also I would have the jacks down. If you let the suspension handle it, it could start the coach rocking which can increase until it goes over. I wouldn't want that to start.

I have had an awning try to open going down the highway into a heavy wind. If you can find some way to secure them, I would.

If you could park behind some substantial building to shield from the wind, I would.

I agree with letting the rear of the MH taking on the wind. You have to protect the windshield from flying debris and you don't want the wind hitting the side of the rig because of role over concerns. I've stopped at rest areas before and positioned so the rear was in the wind

[brobox]

Walmarts have big walls for protection. Around here the leeward sides fill up early for an approaching hurricane outside of the hurricanes path.

[jbhobbs54]

Interesting suggestions. I think I would point the front to the wind if possible, you know it is designed for going into the wind at highway speeds. In other storms people have gone thru unplugged from electric to prevent surges, jacks up to help stop grounding for lightening.

If it just wind then I would have slides in, jacks down, nose pointed into the wind. Our old MH got caught in straight line winds once with the slides out and it wasn't pretty.

Most important part find the nearest building to ride the storm out if possible, mother nature is nothing to play with. The coach can be replaced if something really bad happens, lives can't be.

[DSL417]

Hate to say this folks, but OP says tornado warnings...from a former meteorologist:

1) if you get a tornado warning, take shelter; don't take time to move the coach around; also outrunning a tornado DOES NOT work.
2) tornadic winds are circular, so coach direction in a direct hit isn't going to make a difference (and it probably wouldn't anyway)
3) many tornadoes are embedded in a circularly moving mesocyclone which can be 1-3 miles wide (and more likely to hit you than a direct hit).That said, these mesocyclone still have winds gusting 60-80 knots, and you still don't have time to adjust the coach to circular wind flow as it passes (and you need to be in shelter).
4) jacks down or up isn't going to make a difference with a direct hit. I've had jacks both up and down in 60 kt gusts, I felt more stable with the jacks down, but keep in mind, the wheels are still on the ground, so there is a 10 point interface with the ground.
5) slides in over 50 unless you have some trees giving you a wind break; but, I would not park under tall trees with big limbs. Biggest risk is slide toppers.
6) as someone mentioned hurricanes (but also applies to tornados), hiding behind masonry or cinder block walls(especially if they are over 10 ft tall) opens yourself to collapsed walls. Post hurricane and tornado path pictures show these walls may be more susceptible to collapse (also not good to be inside the coach if this happens. BTW, taking shelter in these large cinder block buildings is not such a good idea as they are prone to roof collapse. A food freezer in a Quick Trip or grocery store might be better.

For some, this seems elementary, but a lot of mis-information is out there.My observations come from a lifetime of being a severe weather forecaster, and having chased tornadoes for several years in a previous life. Last, if it is your time, then it is your time. There are many other ways to be prepared for that eventuality in advance

[MRUSA14]

Good points, Dave. But please tell me that your statement in #5 "but, I would park under tall trees with big limbs" was supposed to have the word "not" in it.

[DSL417]

typo, corrected while you were typing a response