Community Forums

mfredm · 09-10-2018, 09:08 AM

the baystar is currently parked in a secure lot. theres a hurricane coming. im in columbia sc, so it probably will get only trop storm winds. i'll put the slides in, but im wondering about the levelers. is it better to retract or leave them down. i read somewhere that the jacks can twist in high winds.

GaryKD · 09-10-2018, 09:23 AM

Hi mfredm,
Is the coach between other coaches or out in the open? If between other coaches consider jacks up. If out in the open consider jacks down. In the open, the jacks will help stabilize the coach when hit broadside with wind.

micbob4 · 09-10-2018, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfredm

the baystar is currently parked in a secure lot. theres a hurricane coming. im in columbia sc, so it probably will get only trop storm winds. i'll put the slides in, but im wondering about the levelers. is it better to retract or leave them down. i read somewhere that the jacks can twist in high winds.

This is great question and our concern as well but we are located in VA so hopefully not in direct path. We should however get heavy wind. Should cover be removed during storm? Assume it will rip apart. Almost tempted to head out until storm passes through. lol

C.Martin · 09-10-2018, 12:31 PM

The problem with hurricanes is that when they hit land, they spawn tornadoes.

My first choice would be leave early.

Secondly, bring all awnings and slides in...park so the rear is into the wind, if that can be predicted...to prevent windshield getting hit by debris...or high wind loading to the broadside of the coach. Survey what's above you and around you...look for potential trees that may be uprooted or dead limbs which may fall. Add weight low...like fresh water tank...turn off and secure propane appliances, close all vents, windows, take down antennas, turn off/disconnect hoses/water. I see people in Florida that leave their large 5th wheels on seasonal sites...they use hurricane anchor straps to secure the rig and keep it from tipping over or sliding sideways. They leave Jack's, landing gear/levelers extended.

Of course, there might be time to investigate option one again...Leave.

mfredm · 09-10-2018, 02:41 PM

i dont know where im agonna go when the hurricane a blow. maybe georgia

GaryKD · 09-10-2018, 02:48 PM

Hi micbob4,
The cover may be destroyed and doesn't protect the coach much in a hurricane. Consider removing it. You will need to wax the exterior once the storm passes.

GlampDaddy · 09-10-2018, 02:54 PM

If you have been in a hurricane before, you know to leave. lf you haven't, take some advice from someone who has...leave.

C.Martin · 09-10-2018, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A11yGuy

If you have been in a hurricane before, you know to leave. lf you haven't, take some advice from someone who has...leave.

What he said!!!

wildtoad · 09-10-2018, 05:10 PM

Well, I’m in Columbia SC also (well actually Blythewood) and I’m staying put. Jacks are down for additional stability, stored under carport to help protect from any limbs that might come down, fuel tank full, water tank full, propane tank full (to be used if power goes out for extended period). From current information we may encounter outer bands of wind and rain. Hope we’re right as wife has hospital stay coming up...

stang37 · 09-10-2018, 06:52 PM

I would think its better to leave the jacks up. Sitting on the jack it can't absorb any of the winds energy. This could result in bent jacks. Sitting on the tires the springs and shocks can absorb some of the winds energy. My two cents worth.

MRUSA14 · 09-10-2018, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildtoad

Well, I’m in Columbia SC also (well actually Blythewood) and I’m staying put. Jacks are down for additional stability, stored under carport to help protect from any limbs that might come down, fuel tank full, water tank full, propane tank full (to be used if power goes out for extended period). From current information we may encounter outer bands of wind and rain. Hope we’re right as wife has hospital stay coming up...

You are assuming that the carport will survive the storm. That may be assuming too much.

Vanslam · 09-10-2018, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Martin

What he said!!!

Lets see there is a reason why there are wheels on the motorhome. I would leave like the 2 said above. Being through a couple already on Caribbean islands where there was no option to leave I would do what the they said above. But of course you are allowed to do what you wish. Best of luck.

gimlimike · 09-10-2018, 07:11 PM

I would think jacks up and let the shocks,tires absorb some of the wind energy ,I would think the jacks would twist and possible teist the frame and pop a front window

or worse. . Good luck everyone !

mfredm · 09-12-2018, 11:08 AM

well my brother in law works at camping world here and they said jacks up let the shocks absorb the wind. plus they anticipate large orders for bent jacks and have little inventory.