Hurricane Preparedness

Barry Katz · 08-25-2015, 05:27 PM

What is the best way to secure a 33 ft Jayco Jayflight 26BHW if a hurricane comes? I have been thru every hurricane in Florida for the last 60 years and I have never had to deal with this as I only have had my trailer for 2 months. Do I anchor it, try to strap it down? Any tips would be greatly appreciated so if I need to get certain supplies I have some time.

Thank you.

**Crabman** · 08-25-2015, 05:48 PM

Have been through a few here in Va. including Sandy. I filled up the water tank for two reasons, have water to use if I lose power and need it and also to give the trailer ballast and weighing it down. Other then that I just chocked the wheels good. But a full blown hurricane in an open area may require somewhat more then that, I would think.

**Mustang65** · 08-25-2015, 06:12 PM

Been through a few hurricanes and I do not think there is any way to really secure a TT. Best bet is, if it looks like it is heading your way, tow it to a safe location.. which will also protect you. I know with the way storms change directions which is a safe location? Head for a Walmart or Homedepot that is out of the way. We are hiding from them in the Northern Georgia Mountains, will be heading back to Florida October 1st

When we were in Colorado a few years ago (fires everywhere), all the locals were parked with their TT's, RV's and horse trailers in all the major store parking lots.

Don

gcloss · 08-25-2015, 06:42 PM

I've owned 6 RV's and lived through many hurricanes here on Long Island and never had any damage. I'm more worried about damage to my home than my RV. I simply make sure the insurance premiums are fully paid.

edatlanta · 08-26-2015, 04:51 AM

My thought is the only good way to secure it is to the hitch on your TV while driving away from the target area. I had to evacuate the park I am now twice in 2012. I keep my fresh water tank full at all times and my TV full of diesel as well as the gas tank onboard full to keep my Onan happy. All of this in case I have to leave quickly.

Another reason for a full fresh water tank (I use it and refill monthly to keep it fresh) is when the park you are in has water issues and their water is off. We have gone through 10 water line breaks where I am now since May 15.

namusmc65 · 08-26-2015, 07:04 AM

I had the same problem in Plant City, Florida for years. In 2005 I think it was, 4 hurricanes crisscrossed in Polk County, Fl just 15 miles from my home. After I cleaned up all the mess, re-roofed the house, I hitched up my trailer, sold my house and moved to Georgia. No more problems! LOL

Chrislorl · 08-26-2015, 01:28 PM

If possible you can use mobile home tie downs. Basically big screws that go into the ground, then strap the RV/TT to the tie downs. Living in Central Florida this is what we do with the boat and now the TT too. If it is going to pick it up or damage it from there then insurance covers it.

Home depot carries them: http://www.homedepot.com/p/TIEDOWN-3...095L/100318601

**Mustang65** · 08-26-2015, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrislorl

If possible you can use mobile home tie downs. Basically big screws that go into the ground, then strap the RV/TT to the tie downs. Living in Central Florida this is what we do with the boat and now the TT too. If it is going to pick it up or damage it from there then insurance cover...

They would have to pour concrete blocks around the TT as Florida is mostly all sand, at least where we live near Clearwater.

Don

thomasmnile · 08-26-2015, 03:59 PM

What is the best way to secure a 33 ft Jayco Jayflight 26BHW if a hurricane comes?

Hey, neighbor. Probably the best strategy is to move it elsewhere or make sure your insurance is paid up! I'm guessing you have the trailer at home. Only thing I can come up with might be to pick up some of those 'hurricane anchors' that are used to 'tie' a mobile home strapping to the ground. Screw 'em into the sand and then perhaps wide ratchet straps over the trailer and hook them to the anchors?

Me? can't keep our WhiteHawk at home, it's in a storage facility in Deland. So, for me, here's hoping GEICO 'delivers' if need be.

Barry Katz · 08-26-2015, 04:24 PM

Sorry thomasmnile, but I am what they call essential personnel for the school board transportation in the area, so leaving is not an option unless we are told to evacuate. But thank you anyway.

thomasmnile · 08-26-2015, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry Katz

Sorry thomasmnile, but I am what they call essential personnel for the school board transportation in the area, so leaving is not an option unless we are told to evacuate. But thank you anyway.

Been there, done that. Was a firefighter for 31 years, and 'enjoyed' 4 hurricanes in that time. Retired now, wife is glad I'm not 'essential' for anyone but her!

Chrislorl · 08-26-2015, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomasmnile

Been there, done that. Was a firefighter for 31 years, and 'enjoyed' 4 hurricanes in that time. Retired now, wife is glad I'm not 'essential' for anyone but her!

Small world, I see Deltona, move here recently? I remember a year here ten years ago where we had 4 in one year. I did my tour as well.

Edd505 · 08-26-2015, 06:23 PM

When I drove a big rig they advised parking the truck & trailer at 90 degree angle from each other forming an L to stabilize the unit.

**Mustang65** · 08-26-2015, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry Katz

What is the best way to secure a 33 ft Jayco Jayflight 26BHW if a hurricane comes? I have been thru every hurricane in Florida for the last 60 years and I have never had to deal with this as I only have had my trailer for 2 months. Do I anchor it, try to strap it down? Any tips would be greatly appreciated so if I need to get certain supplies I have some time.

Thank you.

Looks like you have until this weekend to figure this out... Tampa is in the cone now...

Oh well

Don

thomasmnile · 08-26-2015, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrislorl

Small world, I see Deltona, move here recently? I remember a year here ten years ago where we had 4 in one year. I did my tour as well.

No, left Metro Orlando in 1986, been here 29 years. I'm a Michigan native here by way of Indiana and Pennsylvania. My wife has the native Floridian thing covered.

F14man · 08-26-2015, 08:28 PM

I was in Glendive, MT a few weeks ago with my fifth wheel a 28.5 RSTS and a storm came throught with wind guest of 120 mph. blew out three windows on the door side, moved the front landing gear about 4 inches on the ground. Glad it didn't flip it. Hurrican, think I'd take it to a safe place.

Chrislorl · 08-27-2015, 05:35 AM

As far as those tie downs, sure if you really wanted to you could drop them in concrete but all of the mobile homes and sheds you see around you in Florida are using these. True in Charley type conditions they will come out like tooth pics, but again that's what insurance is for.
Anyone that has riden out a few Hurricanes will tell you, there is no safe place unless you leave. Being a retired FF and living in Central FLorida for over 20 years I was not aloud to run away so I figured out what worked and helped protect my toys best I could. 4 or 6 of those tie downs set in the ground will make a difference, especially after they have been in the ground and settled. If you really want dig a hole, drop it in and throw a bag of ready mix in the hole. I just screw them in, then water it down and pack the dirt down. Screw them down to the ground, the further in the better they are. At $15.00 a piece it is an inexpensive way to add another level of protection.

**norty1** · 08-27-2015, 06:50 AM

In Charleston, SC where I live our homeowners ins has a $13,000 deductible rider for hurricane damage.

Iraqvet05 · 08-27-2015, 07:20 AM

Another thing to consider during a hurricane is the heavy amount of debris flying around that has the potential to do more damage that high winds simply knocking the TT over. I remember when Hurricane Allen hit Texas in 1980. We left Corpus Christi and went to Austin for a few days. We came back to find our house mostly intact but there was garbage and debris from other houses in our yard.

**Mustang65** · 08-27-2015, 05:08 PM

We live about 200 yards from the gulf and 18.5' above sea level. We would be in trouble with a strong surge. The only thing that helps us each year (knock on wood) is that the hurricanes have a difficult time making a sharp enough turn toward Clearwater Beach, once into the gulf and they keep heading north or northwest. Granted we have had our share of close calls and wind/damage, we lost 2 trees and an swimming pool in 2004 or 2005, when those hurricanes came rolling through Florida. One of those storms was heading straight into Tampa Bay, but it turned east before it got to us.

Don

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