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dvitale300's avatar
dvitale300
Explorer
Apr 08, 2015

Thunderstorms

I have a new TT (30 ft) - 1st time owner. The trailer is in my driveway - flat - with the trailer jack deployed as well as stabilizers. Getting some thunderstorms and winds coming through. Is it safer to leave it on the jack and stabilizers, or retract the stabilizers so that it is on it's wheels and tongue jack?
thanks
david
  • Bulldawgfan, one of the reasons I got the TT was to "find" some awesome thunderstorms. Rare locally to say the least.
  • I would recommend retracting the jacks. The logic is that the rocking could damage the jacks. Try to have the nose pointed into the wind. They are designed to go down the road in excess of 65 mph.
  • I'm in a popup and my destination is forecast for thunderstorms. If I was in a hardside camper, I'd be less concerned, but I am considering postponing. Anyone with experience in a popup during a tstorm -- possibly severe?
  • I had a popup blown down in New Mexico. Storm came up quickly and could only get family in a shelter before blow down. Manage your exposure to the wind above 50mph. The rain and lightning are less problems
  • WheelofFortune wrote:
    I'm in a popup and my destination is forecast for thunderstorms. If I was in a hardside camper, I'd be less concerned, but I am considering postponing. Anyone with experience in a popup during a tstorm -- possibly severe?


    We had a pup for 6 years and went through many severe bouts of weather. We went through 2 different tornados, and the camper did just fine. I think that helps us, the campground was in a low area surrounded by trees everywhere. The trees blocked the high winds. The tornado passed by, but not "that' close, so while the world was whizzing by, that campground remained quiet and peaceful, except for a power outage and lots of noise from thunder and heavy rain.

    But ... "IT" could happen. This one is not ours and we were not here when this happened:

  • Travel trailers can handle a lot higher winds than if you had a 5th wheel. I love thunderstorms, and love the rush of camping in them with the trailer rocking back and forth. I usually grab my camera and head outside before the rain gets too heavy.

  • BulldawgFan wrote:
    I love camping in a good thunderstorm. Guess I am odd!


    Another odd one here too!

    But I wouldn't feel that way if our RV was anything towed - in a blowing storm I wouldn't care to be in a big box balanced on the three points of tiny right/left rear tires and a front tongue jack or PU bed hitch. :E

    I feel much more comfortable during storms in our small motorhome with it's low center of gravity engine, transmission, suspension, and frame weights helping to keep the box from blowing over. We have camped just fine in a wild desert nighttime squall and traveled down the highway in New Mexico cross-winds gusting at around ~50-60 MPH.

    If possible, keeping the RV pointing into the wind when parked during high winds is of course an excellent suggestion.