Maybe a dumb question

ADK Camper wrote:
You are safer in your vehicle. There is insufficient metal surrounding you in a typical camper. The metal in your tow vehicle forms what is know as a Faraday cage. It will shield you from the electrical charge of a lightening strike.

This. I know I'm completely surrounded my metal in my TV. Since I haven't seen how my TT is assembled, I have no idea how much metal is above my head when I'm in there. Exception of course is an Airstream. I'm guessing that AL skin makes for a good Faraday cage.

I'm thinking the TV is more structurally sound, too, from the standpoint of debris, branches, wind, hail, etc. I'd rather be in a 6500-lb tank than a 6000-lb sail made to be lightweight.

Not a dumb question at all. We've always stayed in the TT. If there were severe storm warnings/tornado warnings/etc most campgrounds recommend you move into the shower houses or similar sturdier building. We've never had to do that, but have always made a mental note, just in case.

If I were expecting lightening storms I wouldn’t camp in a meadow or under the tallest trees, both attract lightening. Other than that, I’ve been is some pretty ferocious storms and haven’t been concerned about it. I think the TV might be a shade safer, but I have no credible evidence to back that up.

Any metal skinned vessel can become a Faraday Cage

An elevator, coax cable, shopping bag lined with foil---all examples of Faraday Cage.

Now structurally.....vehicle better suited than any RV

I'm not an electrical engineer,and I did not sleep in a Holiday Inn last night so beware!

I alwyas believed that a trailer framed in aluminum produced a Faraday cage.

You are safer in your vehicle. There is insufficient metal surrounding you in a typical camper. The metal in your tow vehicle forms what is know as a Faraday cage. It will shield you from the electrical charge of a lightening strike.

I agree with the branches issue. I would be in the tow vehicle. I also try to make it a point to look at the trees when picking out a campsite.

Shouldn't make much difference. The vehicle should stand longer than the RV.
Many campgrounds have safe shelters for bad storms. RV parks are basically
trailer parks, so be careful.
Brian

They are both relatively safe. I would be more concerned with wind than lightning. In your TV you can drive somewhere without trees overhanging. Camper roofs aren't very strong, so I would worry about trees and branches.

Bruce