Forum Discussion

Boozecamp's avatar
Boozecamp
Explorer
Aug 04, 2014

Lightning and RV'ing

Today, lightning hit a little too close for comfort. It made a direct hit on an 80' tall pine tree 30' feet from my rig. I think it took out my Winegard Pathway X2 which was sitting on a stand near the 5'er. Did not hit the 5'er, thank God!!!
Question: if I'm parked long term, should I consider putting in a ground rod and connecting it to the frame? What do others do to safeguard against lightning?
Seeking Advice
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2014
    Installing a ground rod and connecting it to your trailer frame will afford an excellent path to ground and offer lower resistance than the existing path through your shore power cord. This will be easier for any potential electrical charge (like lightning) to use your RV instead of continuing to earth through another path.

    It's difficult to isolate anything from lightning because of the massive charge but unplugging your shore cord may save some electrical items from stray charges if a bolt strikes close by.

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