Is RVing during hurricane season in states like Florida and Louisiana a smart thing to do? Simply put, motorhomes and towable RVs are not safe to stay in during a hurricane. Even if it fizzles out into a tropical storm, your RV can still be critically damaged. Stronger winds and excessive rainfall can either blow or float your camper away. And even just a foot of floodwater can lift your tow vehicle or motorhome. However, it is still possible to enjoy your RV and be safe during stormy weather.
RVing During Hurricane Season Safely
Yes, it is possible to RV and travel through the southeastern states during hurricane season without being caught in the storm. With great advances in technology, warnings can be issued days ahead of a hurricane making landfall. However, predicting the path of such storms is not an exact science. Considering this, caution should always be taken when RVing during hurricane season.
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Sticking with Your Camper & Traveling Cautiously
Trip Timing – Hurricane season is at its peak between August and October. When RVing during hurricane season, avoid planning to stay in campgrounds that are high-risk areas, especially coastal areas. These areas include the southeastern states along the Gulf and Atlantic. If you do, book places that offer free cancelations.
Track Weather – Hazardous weather can happen anywhere and at any time. From freezing temperatures that can bring snow and ice, to severe thunderstorms that result in tornados and flooding. It’s always best to look ahead and be alert. This can be accomplished through simple weather radios or smartphone apps that push notifications as dangerous conditions emerge.
Drive Away – If there’s time, evacuate your campground or resort if a hurricane is heading your way. Fill up on fuel and head out. The sooner you move, the better. Traffic will only get worse as people evacuate and run to gather last-minute supplies and gas. Driving conditions will worsen as the weather intensifies.
Avoid Flooded Roads – According to Weather.gov, a foot of water will float most vehicles. Two feet of rushing water will sweep away SUVs and pickup trucks! As you can see, it doesn’t take much from mother nature to put you and your rig at risk when driving or camping in bad weather. Don’t risk you and your rig to the uncertainty of floodwaters.
Abandon Ship – If there is no way to avoid the oncoming threat of a weather event, then be ready to abandon your RV. This is especially true with tornadoes, as RVs and motor vehicles are the least safe place to take cover in the path of a twister. Things like RVs and vehicles can be replaced, especially if properly insured. The lives of you and your passengers cannot.
Have Emergency Plan – You may not always be able to grab supplies last minute if you get stuck on the road in bad weather. Have transition items already prepared for pets and children, like carriers or leashes, to make moving easier? In addition, keeping all important documents (RV title, insurance, passports, cash, etc) all in one place or in a bag will save precious time. When RVing during hurricane season, having these items including a hurricane evacuation kit are excellent precautions. Evacuation kits cover your basic needs if you need to stay at a public shelter or another lodging that has limited
Hurricane Proofing Your RV and Seeking Shelter
A category one hurricane can sustain windspeeds of up to 95 MPH that can overturn semi-trucks, buses, and high-profile trailers. This means you’ll have to mitigate the strong winds and anchor your RV as good as you can. If you are leaving your RV parked during a hurricane and taking shelter somewhere else, here are some tips that will better secure your camper.
Take Important Items – The RV and vehicle titles, insurance information, birth certificates, driver’s license, and other important documents should be taken out of your RV as they may get damaged or lost if left inside. These are the exact things you’ll need in emergencies, and the last thing you want to have to find or replace after a disaster.
Proper Parking – Unless you have strong enclosed storage space for your RV or are able to park next to a building as a wind block, your RV will have to face the full force of the storm. Park your RV on the higher ground that’s level. Have the fore or aft end facing into the oncoming wind to reduce the surface area that the wind will be pushing against. As a result, you use the aerodynamics of the RV to keep it more stable. Also, keep your RV clear from trees or any object that could easily fall on it.
Put Away Decorations – If your camper is more of a park model home or destination trailer, then you may have a deck with outdoor furniture and décor. Box up what you can and tie furniture to the deck, so it doesn’t blow around or away.
Fill Your Tanks – It may be good to top off your propane and fuel. Keep gas tanks closed or off before seeking shelter. Gas stations may be out of order after a hurricane, so having some gas and diesel on hand will prove valuable, especially to power a generator or certain RV appliances. Plus, you’ll have even more water if you fill your fresh water tank beforehand.
Stock on Supplies – If possible, gather nonperishable food, water, medicine, batteries, and other items. Stored-up supplies should last about 3-4 days, as it may take time for utilities to be restored. Then after returning from a suitable storm shelter, your RV will carry all these additional resources if it’s still there.
Hunker Down – Keep all sliding elements and awning folded in. Board up windows, empty your black tank, fill the water tank, and tie down the RV. Adding water to your water tank gives extra weight and stability to your RV. You can even fill up all tanks with water to give more weight to help anchor your rig. Adding stabilizer jacks, wheel chocks, and RV anchors provides even more stability in high wind situations.
Check RV Insurance – Whether you are RVing during hurricane season or leaving your camper parked at home, it’s important to check your RV insurance plan. Things like flooding, wind, and any storm-related damage that can occur need to be covered under claims. Not all insurance companies allow for “last minute” add-ons like this, so update your insurance as soon as possible to minimize your risks.
As you can see, you can both protect your RV and enjoy a safe summer RVing anywhere. Your two greatest assets will always be caution and planning! If you are looking for help in the process, let Courvelle’s RV assist you. Being one of the best RV dealers in Louisiana, we have what you need to be prepared for RVing during hurricane season. In addition, we carry various RV parts and provide RV service for whatever rig you own. We also offer various new and used RVs for sale from popular brands like Crossroads and Braxton Creek. Contact us today for a quote or any question you may have about RVing!
