Wind and slides....

[thomas861]

Since we are on the Gulf coast just across from the beach and it's hurricane season I have a question. Obviously if the area was expected to be impacted by a hurricane we'd be out of here. In the case of a tropical storm at what point would you bring your slides in or consider leaving ? We've experienced wind gusts in the low 40s both here and in New Mexico with no problem but I'm not sure I'd want to subject the slides to sustained winds even in the 40s.

[sinder]

When we had our RW we experienced two big wind storms. One in Needles, CA and another outside Las Vegas NV. Both of them had wind gusts between 55 and 60 MPH. Not fun at all as the RV was broadside to the wind and we were exposed in the desert. Plenty of shaking and noise. I did not pull in the slides, but did have fine sand/dust seeping through the slide-out rubber seals. We've been in several severe thunder storms/wind in the past with 40-45 MPH winds in Minnesota during the Spring.

[atom ant]

You do much better with a solid footing. We had our fifth wheel survive several windstorms at the lake in Nebraska while on the campground concrete pad, only to wake to see dozens of 5ers laying on the side that were at the beach with no solid ground. Winds were strong enough we had tent trailers blow apart next to us.

Slide toppers typically cause the biggest issue, as they tend to want to billow and pull in the top of the slide breaking the seal which lets in rain and dirt. Often they just fail and tear off. Had to help many a fellow camper cut off the topper so they can get home after it partially tore. If you have toppers, bringing in the slides helps prevent some issues.

[excapt1259]

We survived Hurricane Matthew last year in NC just off of 95. Sides were out did have some shaking winds were 60 mph. Could not move as 95 was closed due to flooding for 4 days after the storm. Would not want to do that again.

[GTXRAS]

Our left side was hit with 40+ mph winds a couple weeks ago in SD. The kitchen slide started bouncing in and out at the top, we do not have slide toppers. Had a pot of water on the cook-top and it was sloshing water out. I stood between the pantry and the island and held the slide out until the wind quit. Thought about bringing in the slides but I did not want to change the center of gravity and take the chance of getting blown over.

Now I am wondering what to use to brace the slide top if it happens again.

Rick

[spindrift]

I think one of the best defenses against high winds, regardless of whether or not you're in a campground or in the process of traveling is to hook-up and have your TV and RV at an angle to one another. This "V" footprint should keep you from rolling over in most cases. When it comes to sustained hurricane force winds, all bets are off.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by spindrift

I think one of the best defenses against high winds, regardless of whether or not you're in a campground or in the process of traveling is to hook-up and have your TV and RV at an angle to one another. This "V" footprint should keep you from rolling over in most cases. When it comes to sustained hurricane force winds, all bets are off.

Tom, I don't think that would help because the pin is not enough of an anchor to stop the tilt - and most hitches allow a significant side tilt. All that may do is damage your truck as the 5er rolls over.

I can tell you the 6pt leveling helps a ton - because it eliminates the lean on the springs. If you were traveling and had to park because of wind, the first thing I would do is set the jacks.

[travelin' texans]

And turn into the wind.

[sinder]

I agree the 6pt leveling jacks help significantly. I doubt we would have survived the 60 mph gust without the leveling jacks.