Severe weather and camping go together like ice cream and motor oil. Okay, that’s a pretty horrible analogy, but I’m trying to emphasize that RVs and emergency weather are not a good combination.
It’s obvious but it bears repeating. After a while, we tend to treat our “homes on wheels” as homes, and technically they are homes – but that doesn’t make them safe. I have yet to encounter an RV with a basement.
We’ve experienced a few harrowing storms while camping in our Airstream. Sure, a little rain is nice. Even a powerful rainstorm with heavy rain can be pleasant.
But a windstorm? That’s a different ball of wax. Suppose a tree gets blown into your RV? (Check out our video for the likely result.)
What about floods? It may sound bizarre, but many campers have encountered flash flooding. As you might imagine, RVs don’t fare too well when pitted against torrential waves of water.
I have somewhat fond memories of the lightning storm we experienced on the Gulf coast of Florida, when a gust of wind snapped our ceiling fan cover COMPLETELY OFF the camper in a torrential downpour. We taped a plastic bowl to the ceiling to keep our interior dry.
I have much LESS fond memories of the storm we survived in Michigan. The two words no camper ever wants to hear: tornado warning.
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Ron Alexander
What is an example of a ‘good’ CB. I bought one for the car and 2 hand-helds a while ago and I NEVER hear a thing. Has something changed?
catchesthewind
The simplest solution is a good CB radio with a weather NOAA weather channels. Not only do you get the weather alerts but you will also get road and traffic updates.
Kurt
It’s important to get a radio that has the SAME alert system, as they still do make standard weather radios that will only do you any good if you have them turned on are you are actively listening.
Yes, I sure think one of the GPS folks out to come it with a combo unit, or maybe just have a button feature on the GPS screen to tell you the code for where you are.
Tom Smith
Many mid to upper price range Family radios have weather channel capabilites
Sean Michael
I agree. A GPS-enabled weather radio makes a lot of sense for those of us who travel.
In the 2nd video for this piece (available at LongLongHoneymoon.com), I go through the process of plugging in the NOAA codes.
John O'Connor
Since motor homes travel, it would be nice if Garmin/Magellan/Tom Tom could get with a weather radio manufacturer and have a radio that would automatically adjust to the correct NOAA weather zone based on your location. Having a radio set for your home is worthless when you are 200 miles away