Community Forums

bobkathy95 · 03-25-2017, 07:52 PM

As we are planning our Spring trips, we noticed that many areas of the country can often experience fast and powerful Tornado's. Often they strike at night giving you little warning or time to escape the area. This is also true of severe thunderstorms and the damaging winds they contain.
So the question is: if you find yourself in danger of a tornado and no time or place to escape to - what do you do? Specifically in the case of a Class A motor-home with the slides extended. In order to get the most stability in the presence of damaging winds - is it better to have slides in or to leave them out. There is probably a scientific formula for this, but we have no idea what that might be. I realize that a direct hit on an RV park can well be fatal. But what steps can be taken to try to put the odds more in your favor. Sorry to be so morbid, but I'll bet we are not the first to wonder about this. Thanks for your help.

Dupdyke · 03-25-2017, 07:59 PM

Find where the block bathroom or shelter is and park very close . I spent 25 years in fire dept and have been thru several tornados and straight line windsover 50 mph. You only have a short time to run like hell. A mini twister pulled the center a/c off of the top of rig while driving on freeway never saw it coming I thought the rig was going to roll over. I have weather radio on in rig at all times

**TonyDi** · 03-25-2017, 09:17 PM

You definitely want to stop. If you can put a hill between you and the winds better yet.

This is what happens at 80 mph. Twisters can be much more than this.

https://sputniknews.com/videoclub/20...erturns-truck/

I also ask whenever checking into a CG where their safe place is.

gruelens · 03-26-2017, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobkatgifts

But what steps can be taken to try to put the odds more in your favor. Sorry to be so morbid, but I'll bet we are not the first to wonder about this. Thanks for your help.

When we started fulltiming, I realized how vulnerable we were in an RV to extreme weather. I bought a weather radio and wired it directly to the house batteries. It has been on for 14 years 24/7/365. Perhaps there are other electronic devices or apps today that "listen" for weather alerts. The key is whatever you use, have it on all the time scanning for weather watches and warnings. Having a couple minutes notice can make a big difference in the end result.

Note: When staying in Tornado Alley, always know where the closest storm shelters are. Also, know what county you are parked in as weather alerts usually speak of county location.

Old-Biscuit · 03-26-2017, 01:24 AM

IF parked.....get t a shelter, a building, a bathroom facility or lay flat in a ditch

If driving....pull off, get out and lay flat in lowest spot you can find

Material objects---RVs and contents---can be replaced and Ins. helps defray/recoup loss.

Do NOT try to 'ride it out' in the RV. They are NOT designed/built to be safe enough

biggcrisp · 03-26-2017, 08:34 AM

The worst tornado damage I have seen is where the tornado was moving along a river and throwing tree debris throughout the structures that were near. Nothing was spared.
I was near another small town that half of the structures were destroyed and half untouched.
Another small town had widespread damage with some structures completely untouched surrounded by flattened buildings.
Living in the Midwest you learn how fast these storms move and how narrow the storm path is. You can be a mile away from the storm and never know it.

MSHappyCampers · 03-26-2017, 09:27 AM

When we pull into a campground we ask about tornado shelters. Then we scout out the area to see what building might be suitable and accessible in case of a tornado!

joshuajim · 03-26-2017, 06:11 PM

Put your head between our legs and kiss your arse goodbye

Acker1 · 03-26-2017, 10:16 PM

I have an app on my cellphone called: "Where Am I". It will tell you what county you are in. Very helpful with weather radios. Or any other weather notifications where you are not sure what county you are in!

DICK

Cheezehead · 03-27-2017, 05:03 AM

We have a 36' Tiffin DP. Tiffin recommends pulling slides in and recovering leveling jacks during high wind events. Their suspension is designed to withstand high winds. I also stow the roof mounted satellite dish and listen to AM radio.