Preparing Your Motorhome for Extreme Weather

Mar. 2 2020 Safety By ___

The weather forecast for your motorhome trip may indicate clear skies, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas. Extreme weather can creep up out of nowhere and it's important to know what you'll need to do in order to keep your family and your motorcoach safe. We've created the following guide to preparing your motorized RV for extreme weather. If you want more information or want to explore motorhomes for sale, visit Golden Gait Trailers & RVs. Our dealership is based in Concord, North Carolina. We also proudly serve those in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

1. Follow the Forecast

Your first line of defense is staying informed by keeping an eye on the weather forecast. Always check the forecast before you leave on your vacation. You may discover an impending severe storm and decide to stay home.

Once you arrive at your destination, check the weather forecast every so often. The sooner you uncover an impending storm, the more time you will have to prepare.

2. Make an Emergency Plan

It's much better to have an emergency plan built in advance, rather than trying to come up with a strategy in the chaos of the moment. Think about all the tasks that will need to be handled, such as taking outdoor furniture inside and locating all pets. Then assign the various tasks to different family members. You don't want to waste valuable time in an emergency situation deciding who is going to handle what task.

3. Know Your Motorcoach's Risk

If severe weather arrives, your motorized RV may not be your safest bet. High winds can tip over a motorhome and you may be better off hunkering down in your commuter vehicle. Spend some time learning about your specific motorhome and find out in what situations you do and do not want to wait out the storm inside it.

4. Scan Your Surroundings

When you pull up to the campsite, take a minute to identify storm hazards. For example, see if there are any low-hanging branches or weak trees that could fall on your motorcoach's roof. You'll also want to identify the nearest exits. If the campsite has an emergency protocol, familiarize yourself with it.

5. Get Your Motorhome Ready

If an emergency situation arises and you need to evacuate, you do not want your motorcoach holding you back! Always keep your motorized RV up-to-date on service checks to ensure it'll be ready to leave the area. You don't want a preventable issue slowing you down and adding stress to the situation.

6. Pack an Emergency Kit

Make sure your motorized RV is stocked with emergency essentials. This includes a first aid kit, flashlight, emergency blankets, two weeks of food and water, and tools for signaling for help. If you are traveling with pets, don't forget extra amounts of their food as well as a pet first aid kit.

7. Check Your Motorhome Insurance

Before your next motorcoach trip, give your insurance provider a call. Find out what specifically is covered and what you would need to pay out of pocket for. It helps to know in advance what your insurance coverage is. Depending on what is and is not covered, you may want to add on more coverage to your existing plan.

We hope you found this guide useful! If you need to get your motorcoach fixed up before your next trip, visit the service department at Golden Gate Trailers & RVs. Our experts can get your motorized RV ready for travel in no time. You'll find us in Concord, North Carolina, and we also serve those in Charlotte and Winston-Salem.