What do you do when you encounter rough weather??

**Steven@147** · 07-10-2020, 11:49 AM

Good feedback, we are the same as others. When we check in to a campground we ask about a shelter, usually its the office, laundry room, game room or similar. We use our cell phones and cell phone weather radar and weather radio. If we are in an unknown area we find out the county we are in and the surrounding counties and cities. Doesn't take much effort.
If not too severe predictions we stay in the RV, if moderate to severe predictions or a popup severe storm we would get in the truck or get to the sheltered area if there is time. Been through one bad quick popup storm, RV rocked a little bit, and it sounded like Hades outside, just about to get into the truck 10 feet away, when the storm passed and it was over.

**CaptDerek** · 07-11-2020, 07:12 PM

We rode out a tropical storm/weak hurricane in a 34ft class A moving it around a hospital to stay out of the wind.

Stayed at a campground in Indiana where we were told they would come get us in case of a storm and take us their shelter (had a big storm the week before we got there.)

We have been lucky to have not been through any major storms while on the road.

**orbiker** · 07-11-2020, 11:57 PM

Out in Oregon; snow or icy winter conditions is usually the only problems. Tripcheck is our internet road notification place to go. A little wind sometimes, but is usually in the forecast ahead of time.

I have a question.
What happens when an RV is struck by lightning with the jacks down?

KEN

**Silverado333** · 07-12-2020, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by orbiker

I have a question.
What happens when an RV is struck by lightning with the jacks down?

KEN

Great question!! What's the answer - anyone?

**powerscol** · 07-12-2020, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Silverado333

Great question!! What's the answer - anyone?

@orbiker

With jacks down the unit is grounded so lightning will go to ground. Could fry the jack hydraulics and other electrical items. If your plugged in the electrical side is grounded too so that is another path.

**orbiker** · 07-12-2020, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by powerscol

@orbiker

With jacks down the unit is grounded so lightning will go to ground. Could fry the jack hydraulics and other electrical items. If your plugged in the electrical side is grounded too so that is another path.

That what I thought. Pretty much no different then lightning striking a tree.

**RLK436** · 07-15-2020, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by powerscol

@orbiker

With jacks down the unit is grounded so lightning will go to ground. Could fry the jack hydraulics and other electrical items. If your plugged in the electrical side is grounded too so that is another path.

If the RV frame or siding is metal you may have some Faraday effect protection, but I'm not sure you have much with fiberglass and wood framing. I just put my head under the pillow until it goes away.

**orbiker** · 07-15-2020, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by orbiker

Out in Oregon; snow or icy winter conditions is usually the only problems. Tripcheck is our internet road notification place to go. A little wind sometimes, but is usually in the forecast ahead of time.

I have a question.
What happens when an RV is struck by lightning with the jacks down?

KEN

Originally Posted by powerscol

@orbiker

With jacks down the unit is grounded so lightning will go to ground. Could fry the jack hydraulics and other electrical items. If your plugged in the electrical side is grounded too so that is another path.

Originally Posted by orbiker

That what I thought. Pretty much no different then lightning striking a tree.

Originally Posted by RLK436

If the RV frame or siding is metal you may have some Faraday effect protection, but I'm not sure you have much with fiberglass and wood framing. I just put my head under the pillow until it goes away.

Most Oregon lightning storms are pretty quick traveling. There are usually tall trees too. If we were out in the high desert, it could get a little spooky. If the storm got close, I think we would need to go sit in the truck for safety.
Thanks all. KEN

**jkwilson** · 07-15-2020, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by RLK436

If the RV frame or siding is metal you may have some Faraday effect protection, but I'm not sure you have much with fiberglass and wood framing. I just put my head under the pillow until it goes away.

Little to no shielding from a wooden roof. The RV (or a house) is little different from the air the lightning is traveling through. The likely scenario is that it will enter the metal frame or electrical wiring. You’d do well to stay away from the anything electrical as much as possible and stay away from the walls.