Here is a picture of a RV sitting on it's side, so it is easy to see the tanks.
RE: How strong a wind to tip over an RV?
The original post was made a couple of years ago, by Clifford, and he found this RV on it's side. I thought that the picture was pretty cool, and makes it easy to show people how the tanks are mounted, because the owners put it on the side yard, wind funnels through the houses, increased speed due to venturi effect, and well you have easy to see tanks.
Wayyyyy back in November someone asked if they'd stay in a parked RV in a high wind advisory. The general consensus was that most people would, a few argued that winds sufficient to tip an RV are very rare. I knew if I waited it would happen and I didn't have to wait long. I took these pictures today after this weekends High Wind Advisory. Officially we didn't reach a gust over 53 MPH. Officially the official records are full crap. We went wayyyy over 53 MPH.
People are always asking about how the tanks are attached to the bottom of the RV, this is a great example, with the forward tank having the 3" line to the black tank, middle tank is 1-1/2" line for grey water, next tank looks like the fresh water, with the rearmost tank probably being a gasoline tank in this toyhauler.
How nice of them to flip it on the side like this, to get such a great view! LOL
Once the winds are this strong, it is time to park the RV, not consider driving in it! And if in a RV park, consider filling the tanks for ballast! Or get out and spend the night in the restrooms, hopefully they are block wall construction, that is common in Toronado Alley. Fred. If it is that windy, I want to be in a sleeping bag or wrapped in a heavy blanket, sleeping in the block wall rest rooms. The RV is replaceable, you already agreed on a replacement price if the RV is totaled with your insurance agent. Fred.
You can see the whole story at this web page.
LinkBack to your question. If the fuel tanks are located toward the rear, then fill them to take away weight from the pin. Leave them empty if forward of the rear axle, until you are near South Dakota. Leave the forward fresh water tank empty, but spend a night in a campground a day's drive from Sturgis and fill it there.
By the way when at Mt. Rushmore, there are 4 tunnels lined up directly with the monument on highway 16. Stop at tunnel #2 or #3 for the least crowds, tunnel #1 from the south or north will always be much more crowded.
Also as you leave Mt. Rushmore, turn to the right and go about 1/4 mile to a small parking area, where you can get a nice side shot of Washington.
Have fun at Sturgis!
Fred.
Fred.