To GROUND or NOT to GROUND, that is the question?

[Mustang65]

To GROUND or NOT TO GROUND, that is the question! Not sure how to approach this topic. While camping, we have encountered some REAL NASTY electrical storms and of course, I lowered my TV antenna along with my external WI-FI extender antenna (10' above the TT). I have a Lightening arrestor on the main service, but it has no where to go when I am dry-camping. Now I am wondering if I should ground the TT while dry-camping? The only parts of the TT that are in contact with the ground are the stabilizers and the tongue jack and I am not really sure if that is really considered a good ground connection. I am wondering if maybe I should invest in a ground rod and cable, only to be used if one of those nasty electrical storms is forecasted? I have not heard of anyone's TT taking a direct lightening hit, but I am sure it has happened.
Your thoughts
Don

[chipper]

You might find some info here. >> Lightning and RV's.<<

[Mustang65]

Thanks Mike,
Well worth the read.. Everyone should read this.. Very educational
Don

[RoyBraddy]

After reading the point paper above I guess I have probably used up my three free passes already. We camp off the power grid alot and have never really had to do any of those things listed above...

There are times I am grounded to earth ground through a ground rod that is used with my Ham Radio/Emergency Comms exercises but that is not the norm. At regular camp sites we are only frame grounded using the camp ground pedestal.

I'm guessing the only thing that saved the day is the tall trees and other tall object close by and just hope you don't take a direct hit. We have gone to the camp ground bath houses on a few rare occasions when heavy duty thunderstorms come up especially if associated with high winds. When the winds get to the 40MPH level its not much fun being inside a POPUP. Always have my NOAH WX Radio activated when camping just for these reasons.

I would vacate to the truck in a heartbeat if the situation presents itself...

Roy Ken

[edatlanta]

If you take a direct hit it won't matter what type of ground you have or don't have. It will be equally bad either way.

[OnTheGo]

Originally Posted by chipper

You might find some info here. >> Lightning and RV's.<<

Very interesting and informative, Chipper. Thanks for the link.

Based on that information and Ed's post, if a TT takes a lightning hit, I hope the people had removed themselves and they are probably coming back to a mess.