Hitting the road on your RV adventure brings excitement, freedom, and the joy of exploring the great outdoors. However, within the beauty of nature lies its unpredictability. One of the (many) challenges RVers may face is encountering severe weather while on the road. With the right preparation and mindset, storms can be weathered with ease.
In this guide, we’ll explore tips on RV camping in a storm with high wind conditions and torrential downpours and ways to storm-proof your next adventure.
Before the Storm – Preparation and Safety
There are some preparation and safety tips you should consider regardless of what the weather forecast says.
Pre-Trip Planning
Before hitting the road, probably the most important thing to do is check the weather forecasts diligently. Numerous apps and websites offer up-to-date information on weather patterns and warnings, allowing you to plan your route accordingly and avoid areas prone to severe storms.
One of the best ways to storm-proof your RV is to avoid the storms altogether.
RV Readiness
When you’re setting out in your rig, it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection of your RV to ensure it’s storm-proof. Do a walk around and check for any leaks, loose seals, or areas susceptible to water ingress. Additionally, inspect your tires, brakes, and engine to ensure they’re in optimal condition for navigating stormy conditions.
Packing Essentials
On any RV trip, it’s important to have all the essentials packed and ready to go. Your list of camping must-haves might be unique, but there are a few essentials that you should have in case of an emergency or inclement weather.
Assemble a comprehensive RV emergency kit containing essentials such as:
- Non-perishable food
- Water
- Battery-powered devices like flashlights and radios
- A first aid kit and necessary medications
- Extra blankets
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof gear to stay comfortable during the storm
Setting Up Camp with the Storm in Mind
When the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms and wind, you should set up camp with these things in mind to ensure your RV camping trip is storm-ready.
Choosing a Safe Campsite When RV Camping in a Storm
When storms are anticipated, selecting a safe campsite becomes paramount. Park your RV on high ground away from flood-prone areas and potential hazards like falling branches. The next safest place is a site with natural shelter options or nearby buildings for added protection.
While you might normally like to park your RV under trees for added shade, doing so in a storm is just asking for weak branches (or a fallen tree!) to damage your rig.
Securing Your RV and Belongings
When high winds and heavy rain are forecast, it’s important to prioritize securing your RV and outdoor belongings. Ensure you retract your awnings and stow away any loose items like your camping chairs or table. Large and small objects like these can become airborne projectiles, causing severe damage not only to your RV but also to your neighbors.
DIY Comforts and Entertainment When RV Camping in a Storm
Now that the outside is secure, it’s time to ride out the severe weather event on your RV adventure. Here are some tips to keep you comfortable and entertained while the storm rages on.
Keeping Dry and Warm
Don’t let the storm ruin your trip. Whether you knew the storm was coming or were surprised, there are some ways to keep your RV dry and warm. If the weather is cold, insulate your RV against the elements using DIY methods such as draft stoppers for doors and windows, keeping the curtains drawn, and sealing any gaps or cracks.
It’s very important to manage the moisture inside your RV. Keep a dehumidifier running to pull out water from the air and keep ventilation openings clear.
Entertainment and Morale
A surprise storm can really put a dampen on your RV adventure. Instead, try to embrace the storm as an opportunity for quality family time and adventure. Engage in board games, storytelling, or arts and crafts to keep spirits high.
DIY Lighting Solutions
Storms of all sizes can cause power outages at campgrounds and RV parks. Prepare for potential outages by creating ambient lighting solutions using LED candles, solar-powered lanterns, or battery-operated string lights.
No matter how dark it gets, ensure your safety by avoiding open flames inside your RV and using fire-resistant materials.
Staying Safe and Connected
If you’re surprised by the storm or if the situation escalates, there are some things you can do to stay safe and stay connected should an emergency arise.
Emergency Communication Plan
Don’t put yourself in a situation like Aron Ralston from 127 Hours. Before you leave for your RVing trip, alert someone about your plans and share your itinerary. You should also establish an emergency communication plan with family or friends. Plus, designate a meeting point or contact person in case your group is separated or there is an evacuation.
Stay connected by keeping a fully charged cell phone and a backup power source available.
Health and Safety Tips When RV Camping in a Storm
While the storm rages outside, keep healthy and safe by staying inside your RV. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand and familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures.
When you do venture outside again, avoid potential hazards such as downed power lines and flooded areas.
After the Storm – Assessment and Moving Forward
Once the storm has passed, conduct a thorough inspection of your RV for any damage or leaks. It’s important to address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure your RV is roadworthy for the next leg of your journey. Water damage can quickly spread and wreak havoc on your RV.
As you experience storms and different scenarios on your RV camping trips, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on your experience and take note of what worked well and what could be improved. Use this information to better prepare for future storms and refine your storm-proofing strategies.
Wrapping Up RV Camping in a Storm
While RV camping in a storm may seem daunting, with proper preparation and a positive mindset, it can be transformed into a memorable adventure. Pack your essentials, secure your RV, and embark on your next adventure with confidence, knowing you’re prepared to weather any storm that comes your way.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your tips and experiences with storm camping in an RV below. Your insights could help fellow campers navigate their journeys more smoothly.
We stayed in a campground in Iowa one night with a tornado sighted in the area. Thankfully we were safe, but each of our party’s families had different ideas of what to do or where to go in that scary situation. After that night we started planning for storm shelter at every site.
It’s also a good idea to disconnect from shore power , we didn’t and it cost us 18,000.00 dollars took out the entire 12v system. The surge guard 35550 wasn’t as fast as the lightning.