Maybe a dumb question

[Scott204]

This is my first year with a TT and this morning we had some severe thunderstorms roll through. Is it safe to stay inside a TT while a lightning storm is rolling through or would it be safer to sit in the TV?

[intheburbs]

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.

[dadmomh]

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.

[rfryer]

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.

[Old-Biscuit]

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

[Dog_Folks]

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.

[ADK_Camper]

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.

[azrving]

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.

[Cobra21]

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

[nomad297]

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