Tips for Minimizing Travel Trailer Damage During Hurricane Season

Tips for Minimizing Travel Trailer Damage During Hurricane Season
Learn how to secure your RV during a storm.

By: Becca & Brian Roy

Our Winnebago Micro Minnie FLX has offered us unparalleled access to the great outdoors. Being in the middle of it all or in the middle of nowhere, you have the freedom to connect with nature. However, as nature can be unpredictable, it's crucial to be prepared and protect your camper during extreme weather events such as hurricanes. 

Important Note: You should NEVER remain inside any RV during a hurricane. These tips are for planning ahead to avoid hurricanes and how to protect a travel trailer if you happen to park or store your trailer in an area prone to hurricanes. You should seek a safe shelter if you are at risk of experiencing extreme weather while living in or traveling in an RV.

By implementing safety measures and taking proactive steps, you can significantly minimize damage to your Winnebago and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. In this article, we will guide you through essential steps to keeping your trailer safe during a hurricane.

With the official hurricane season beginning on June 1st and ending on November 30th, staying aware of the weather impacting the area is very important so you can be sure you’re prepared. The following are a few steps that we take during the unpredictable hurricane season. Although we have a travel trailer, many of these tips would help motorhome owners as well!

Stay Informed and Plan Ahead During Hurricane Season

Knowing when hurricane season falls and booking accordingly can help avoid being in a potentially dangerous situation due to a storm. A lot of campgrounds will have very flexible policies when it comes to rescheduling due to a hurricane, so ask! 

For those of us living and/or camping here in Florida (and other hurricane hotspots) regularly, staying well informed of weather forecasts becomes almost second nature. This is easily done by monitoring reputable sources like the National Weather Service, The Weather Channel, or your local news station for updates. 

You should always observe any evacuation orders or warnings issued for the area and create an emergency plan that includes alternative routes, designated shelters, and contact information for emergency services. Early preparation is key to a safe outcome, and you should NEVER attempt to ride out a hurricane in your travel trailer.

Secure Your Winnebago Travel Trailer for a Hurricane

Hurricanes are often slow moving, closely tracked storms that provide ample time to prepare for their potential impact. The best and safest option, if available to you, is to park your travel trailer in a designated storm-safe location (such as a secure storage facility) or evacuate the area, if necessary and time permitting. 

We stay home during storms unless their intensity is so much so that it requires evacuation. This does put the trailer in the potential path of a storm which leads us to take additional measures when securing the camper to try to limit the risk of damage, which we've outlined below.

Note: These measures can help to avoid damage, but there will always be risk during a storm. You may also want to take additional measures, depending on your situation. This list is based on how we prepare with our trailer parked at our house.

Anchor the Rig.

To minimize wind exposure, we park our rig close to our house with a six-foot fence protecting the opposite side. In addition, we anchor our camper down to six tie-down points embedded in the concrete driveway. With the use of these straps anchored to eye bolts, we further reduce the chances of our trailer turning over in the high winds.

Lower the Center of Gravity.

We fill our gray and fresh water tanks in order to put additional weight at the bottom of the trailer, again reducing the risk of tipping due to wind shear.

Reinforce Windows, Doors, Slides and Awnings.

If you haven’t caulked those seals in a while, now is the time to do so! With sustained winds carrying heavy rain, water ingress is a high probability - especially if seals are past their usable lifespan. 

Ensure that not just the handle to your camper is locked, but also the deadbolt, if equipped. In addition to the door, make sure all windows, passthroughs, and outdoor kitchens are locked. 

Remove Potential Projectiles.

Clear the surrounding area of any loose objects that could become airborne projectiles, such as patio furniture, recycling bins, or yard equipment, and ensure they are properly secured. Trim surrounding trees and remove any overhanging branches that could potentially fall onto your camper during the storm.

Disconnect Water and Electric.

To avoid damaging connections or equipment and to minimize the risk of electrical damage or fire hazards, disconnect all utilities connected to your Winnebago. This includes electricity, water, and gas to prevent accidents during power surges or leaks caused by the storm.

Secure Internal Items.

Inside your Winnebago, secure any loose objects by storing them in cabinets or secure compartments. For larger items, such as kitchen appliances, consider storing them in the kitchen sink or using non-slip mats to prevent items from shifting during high winds or sudden movements. 

Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best. 

Regardless of the hurricane, take geotagged photos of your camper and the surrounding location before the storm hits. Ensure your insurance policy is up to date and covers damage from storms.

Protecting your Winnebago during a hurricane requires careful planning and preparation. By staying informed, securing your trailer, and taking steps to minimize damage, you can focus on the safety of your family and loved ones and getting back out on the road. 

When it comes to hurricanes, never try to travel or ride it out in your trailer. You should seek shelter in a dwelling or approved evacuation site. Always remember to stay safe, be prepared, and keep looking forward to your next journey.