RV Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions (Part 2 of 2)

Last week we looked at driving in adverse weather, that most have encountered at one time or another.  Today we will discuss the chance encounter of coming face to face with a real severe weather event, a tornado.  (Link to last week’s part 1: http://blog.rv.net/2009/11/rv-driving-in-adverse-weather-conditions-part-1-of-2/ ) Tornados, as we know them today, are one of the most violent short term weather events out there.  With wind speeds as high as 300 MPH or more, there is no doubt of their possible affect to anything in their way.  One of the real issues is the lack of warning prior to it striking.  The weather services do however issue warnings of “the possibility of tornado development”.  But, these announcements seem so common across the country during the summertime that they seem to lose their punch. So, what are some of the possible tell-tale signs of an approaching tornado?  The following events have been seen prior to a tornado.  An unusual threatening green color in the sky. Clouds moving at a greater than normal speed in a rotating or converging pattern. If it hails during a period of tornado warnings, there is a strong chance of a tornado immediately after. If no warnings are posted there will probably be no tornado activity. A strange quiet occurring shortly after the passing of a thunderstorm. Observation of a funnel like image.  This could be a cloud structure or just debris spinning in clear air. The sound of rushing air or large waterfall. ... Read more

2005 Coachmen Freedom FR314SO

2005 Coachmen Freedom FR314SO Previously $41,975 – Now $39,975 31 ft. Superslide, Raised floor design w/ ext. basement. Sleeps 6-8. Equipped with 4.0 generator, manual jacks, microwave, awning, hitch, antenna. GREAT FAMILY FLOORPLAN! Offered from Lloyd Bridges Traveland in Chelsea, MI. Learn more about this 2005 Coachmen Freedom FR314SO! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

2007 Starcraft Aruba LITE 288RSBQ

2007 Starcraft Aruba LITE 288RSBQ Previously $18,900 – Now $18,900 29 ft. wheelchair-accessible trailer with Rear Queen Bed Slideout, Booth Dinette w/Storage, Double Kitchen Sink, 3 Burner Range, Sofa Slideout, Front Folding Double Bed w/TV Shelf, and more! Offered from Dave Arbogast RV & Boat Depot in Troy, OH. Learn more about this 2007 Starcraft Aruba LITE 288RSBQ! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

2009 Pleasure-Way Ascent TS

2009 Pleasure-Way Ascent TS Previously $100,810 – Now $100,810 Class B on Dodge Sprinter, leather furniture, wall mounted flat-screen TV, fridge, microwave, window coverings, patio awning, and more! Offered from Giant Recreation World in Winter Garden, FL. Learn more about this 2009 Pleasure-Way Ascent TS! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

2005 Coachmen CONCORD

2005 Coachmen CONCORD Previously $64,995 – Now $49,995 24 ft. gasoline coach w/ booth dinette, rear kitchen w/ 3-burner stove & microwave, sleeper sofa slideout, cabover TV, and more! Offered from Suncoast RV in Louisville, TN. Learn more about this 2005 Coachmen CONCORD! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

2008 National RV PC40E

2008 National RV PC40E Previously $257,198 – Now $257,198 Gasoline coach w/ full-length curb-side slideout, leather cab seats, leather pull-out sofa, dining table w/ 4 chairs, 4-door fridge, tiled floor, and more! Offered from Tennessee RV in Knoxville, TN. Learn more about this 2008 National RV PC40E! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

2009 Keystone Bullet 282BHS

2009 Keystone Bullet 282BHS Previously $21,995 – Now $21,995 31 ft. travel trailer sleeps 10, with Rear Corner Double Bed Bunk w/Exterior Storage Below, Rear Corner Bath w/Private Entry Including Tub/Shower, U-Shaped Dinette, Sofa Slideout, Front Queen Bed, Laundry Chute and More! and more! Offered from Dave Arbogast RV & Boat Depot in Troy, OH. Learn more about this 2009 Keystone Bullet 282BHS! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

RV Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions (Part 1 of 2)

Even though most RV’s will never see winter weather while travelling, they are exposed periodically to bad and possibly violent weather.  High gusting winds, torrential rains, driving hail and thunderous lightning bolts have all been experienced at one time by many of us.  The fear of visible or embedded tornados and like-cyclonic disturbances is real and RV’s are particularly vulnerable.  Almost all RV’s have a relatively high center of gravity and a poor vertical body structure to weight ratio.  In other words, they can be adversely affected by winds.     So, how do we deal with these trailers and motor homes when faced with an impeding storm on the open road?    Of course, the easiest way, depending on the storm’s severity, is to cancel that day’s travel.  But, many times you are already on the road, and it develops without warning.   Let’s look at each element and the best strategy to adopt. Wind – Can be an issue even on an otherwise nice day.  A fast moving front or a steep pressure variation can produce substantially strong winds.  Also geographical terrain, such as mountainous areas, can also deliver unexpected high winds and gusts.  The affect of these winds on an RV can cause difficulty in maintaining its lane when running down a road or highway.  This occurs when the wind speed is in the high twenties to the mid forties, depending on the size and weight of the vehicle.  Wind gusts, as opposed to a steady wind state, can amplify the problem... Read more

2007 Monaco Cayman 36PDQ

2007 Monaco Cayman 36PDQ Previously $142,000 – Now $120,000 36 ft. diesel coach w/ only 12,025 mi. Features 4 slideouts, sleeps 4, leather cab seats, 2 roof A/C, wood flooring and more! Offered from Enterprise RV in Kelowna, BC. Learn more about this 2007 Monaco Cayman 36PDQ! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

2009 Heartland Razor 3612TS

2009 Heartland Razor 3612TS Previously $50,239 – Now $35,967 38 ft. toy hauler sleeps 8, w/ 3 slideouts, glass-enclosed corner shower, oven, microwave, ABS, Audio Upgrade Package, loft bunk and more! Offered from Vacationland in Big Rock, IL. Learn more about this 2009 Heartland Razor 3612TS! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

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