Tie down rule

[jillie]

Our park board in Florida is discussing a rule to require all RVs left on a lot over the summer to be tied down or be placed in the storage area. The reason given for this is to prevent damage to park models from flying RVs during a hurricane. Cars left on lots at park models are not included in this rule. I can't figure out HOW we would tie down our motorhome if we wanted to leave it here. Guess it would have to go to storage.

Any comments on the rule or how to tie down the MH?

[NukeRef]

Originally Posted by jillie

Our park board in Florida is discussing a rule to require all RVs left on a lot over the summer to be tied down or be placed in the storage area. The reason given for this is to prevent damage to park models from flying RVs during a hurricane. Cars left on lots at park models are not included in this rule. I can't figure out HOW we would tie down our motorhome if we wanted to leave it here. Guess it would have to go to storage.

Any comments on the rule or how to tie down the MH?

The park models all have tie-down straps that go over the roof under the shell. Your motorhome won't have straps. But you could get the same ground hardware (anchors) they use and run straps over the axles to keep the coach in place.

Another, and probably unpopular option, would be to run cables over the top.

[2Labs]

Originally Posted by jillie

Our park board in Florida is discussing a rule to require all RVs left on a lot over the summer to be tied down or be placed in the storage area. The reason given for this is to prevent damage to park models from flying RVs during a hurricane. Cars left on lots at park models are not included in this rule. I can't figure out HOW we would tie down our motorhome if we wanted to leave it here. Guess it would have to go to storage.

Any comments on the rule or how to tie down the MH?

I guess if the parking spots are concrete, the association could install tie-down eyelets into the concrete ... although they would have to be pretty large bolts going far down into the concrete.

Then you could use 10,000 lb straps or wheel nets on each wheel to tie the RV to the pad.

Kind of like how I tie down our VW on our car trailer

[Arch Hoagland]

Has the park board suggested how to do it?

Whatever you do would have to pass muster with them in any case.

[jillie]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Has the park board suggested how to do it?

No suggestions from the board as of yet. One resident contacted his insurance company and was told that he would still be covered IF the tie downs weren't permanent (like a park model's).

Would tying down the axles or wheels keep the coach part from blowing away in hurricane winds? IOW, is the coach that securely attached to the chassis? Yeah, I know it'll handle pretty high winds or some of those 'other guys' wouldn't be passing me on the interstates with intact coaches.

[Gadget63]

Originally Posted by jillie

No suggestions from the board as of yet. One resident contacted his insurance company and was told that he would still be covered IF the tie downs weren't permanent (like a park model's).

Would tying down the axles or wheels keep the coach part from blowing away in hurricane winds? IOW, is the coach that securely attached to the chassis? Yeah, I know it'll handle pretty high winds or some of those 'other guys' wouldn't be passing me on the interstates with intact coaches.

One would assume that since your coach does not fly off the chassis while driving down the interstate at 75 mph that tying down the chassis to the ground will not cause the coach to fly off during a hurricane

[FlyingDiver]

Any wind strong enough to move my 50,000lb RV is going to break the tie-downs as well.

[iRV4FUN]

Originally Posted by jillie

No suggestions from the board as of yet. One resident contacted his insurance company and was told that he would still be covered IF the tie downs weren't permanent (like a park model's).

I once looked a purchasing an RV that was in a hurricane. The seller disclosed the window was cracked from the storm. My guess is your board is scratching their heads hoping this is some isolated insurance adjuster thinking an RV is the same thing as a park model. Otherwise, I'd get the insurance company to provide their definition of tie downs for an RV.

[Pogo]

The tiedowns will probably have to be designed or approved by an engineer, saying that specific ones would meet the 120 MPH minimum Florida hurricane windload conditions, that a building has to meet. (Higher yet, in south Florida) Otherwise, it is anyone's guess what would be adequate to resist the 120 MPH winds.
Or does the board want to be specific about what mininum windload speed the tiedowns have to meet? How about 15 MPH?
That board has opened up a real can of worms and apparently don't know it .

[Gary RVRoamer]

If the winds reach 120, parts are going to fly off the RVs even if they stay in place on their lot. And parts will fly off the park models too. Not to mention parts from neighboring homes and apartment complexes. Debris everywhere, damaging things.

Sounds to me like another case of good intentions but no common sense. That doesn't mean they won't enact the rule, though.

[jillie]

You all have give me some things to think about and discuss with the board.

[TXiceman]

The A/C shrouds and vent covers will also need hurricane straps.

I would think the frame would need to be tie down. Strapping the axles would allow the body to rock and roll which could cause damage.

The biggest threat is airborn debris. If the RV is strapped down in winds sufficient to roll the RV, it will receive serious damage from the storm in any case.

Personally, I would arrange to get the RV out of the area. It has wheels for reason...so that it can be moved.

Ken

[ahicks]

Are they going to strap the trees down too?

[djbmsu]

So 25,000 pound plus RV's must be tied down but 4,000 pound cars do not ?
Who thinks of this stuff ?
Was there an engineering study done ?