Hurricanes & TTs (how to prep?)

[exjay1]

So I started thinking since the tropical storm will pass (us) what/how to get the TT ready to weather a severe rain/wind storm? We keep ours stored on one side of out house but have a pretty large tree that somewhat overhangs the TT and worry about a branch coming off and landing on the roof. This is really the only location I have to keep it when not in use. What (if anything) do you do to help protect your investment durring a severe storm? We have a two story on one side our home and one story on the other (where TT is stored on side). It will be a tight fit but I guess I would just shoe horn the TT along the side of the two story part, double chock the wheels and read up on our insurance policy.

[norty1]

We hook up to the trailer and go the opposite direction from the storm.

[Seann45]

You have an RV ... get out of "Dodge" till the storm is over... mine is always loaded with the basics and ready to pull out within 15 min... just turn on the fridge hook up and GO...

[norty1]

Right, we never miss an opportunity to go camping!

[Crabman]

I would jack up the front of trailer so the water runs off the back fairly vigorously if you get the expected heavy rains. Last year when a hurricane came through I filled up the fresh water tank. This serves two purposes, it gives the trailer some ballast so it would be less likely to turn over in high winds, and gives you a fresh water supply in the event you lose power and water in the house. Also have propane and your battery charged.

[exjay1]

yea, unless its mandatory evacuation we will typically stay at home. I was getting at in the event of leaving the TT behind to go to a shelter and hoping for the best when we would return.

[norty1]

When we came home from hurricane Hugo in 1989, my TT was laying on its side in the back yard.

[Chazinn]

I've not had a camper in a hurricane, but have been in some nasty storms that have produced tornados! We've been very lucky that we haven't been in the direct path of one!

When I know a bad storm is coming I too load up on water. I also unplug from shore power. I lost an inverter several years ago when a lightening strike caused a power surge on the house lines. Finally i've been known to bring in the slide outs in order to keep the weight more centers on the wheels.

Other than that I say my prayers and hope for the best!

[Jagiven]

First, have you called your insurance agent, to review your policy?

Second, you could pour a few concrete anchors, then do a cross tie to the frame like they do with mobile homes.

I have been through a few hurricanes when we lived in NC, if I thought I was going to get evacuated an evacuation order, I would hookup and go inland a couple hundred miles.

[norty1]

Have you ever seen pictures of trailers after a hurricane? The straps are to hold the big stuff down so it won't do more damage elsewhere. Most of all, don't be inside it.

[exjay1]

Our TT is so light weight and small which is why this would concern me being left out in the open. In our situation (if left at home) I would hope between the sides of our house and the neighbors house would deflect most of the wind/rain. I would think also a couple sand bags infront of and behind the chocks would help keep them in place. What about securing a tarp over the top?

[Seann45]

A tarp will just do damage as when the wind blows it it will rub on the finish of the trailer.. if the wind can rip the roof off of a house and a trailer is smaller and lighter..........

[Roy W.]

I run the stabilzer jacks down tight to reduce the chance of sway and tip over.

[saintsfan]

I live 30 miles north of New Orleans in Slidell and as I type this thread the wind is blowing 40mph as Hurricane Isaac heads on shore. Decided not to evacuate based on the forecast strength. We evacuated seven years ago as Katrina flushed an 8ft storm surge through our house, so by comparison this hurricane did not seem to pose a threat to life or limb.
The TT is tucked between two houses with jacks down, full fresh water tank, charged battery, and a generator waiting if needed.

[exjay1]

^ Wow, be safe.

[norty1]

Hang on and be safe!

[tinlizzie23]

Without a doubt, if there is time, I would tow the trailer well away from the storm's path, then return to the house if necessary. Trailers and severe storms just do not mix well.