When you love RVing as much as we do, you might find yourself in emergency weather conditions from time to time. And what two things don’t go together? Severe weather and RVs. The weather is always changing, so the best thing you can do is to be prepared before you travel, but there will be times when the bad weather hits once you’re at the campsite. Here are some helpful tips you can use both on or off-road:

Be in the know

Do your part to get informed about where you are traveling and what the weather forecast will be. It’s easy to stay alert at home with weather reports on TV, but it’s a little trickier on the road. Back in the day, we just had the good ‘ole CB radio on the road, but now we have so much more. One of our favorite resources is a weather radio receiver. This is a great investment that you can even use at home when you’re not on the road.

If you have a smartphone with internet access, you can easily see the developments, radar and warnings on a variety of weather apps or websites. Check out these websites:

• Roadtrip Weather
• Interstate Road Conditions

Download these apps from your favorite App Store. Both are available for iOS and Android.

• Weatherbug
• Accuweather

Get a plan, man

Most campgrounds will be able to guide you on their emergency plan for severe weather. Many parks have designated storm shelters for their campers; just check with the park ranger when you arrive. You’ll need to be in a safe building away from windows and doors. Bottom line, when a storm is coming, make sure you put away the lawn furniture and secure your awning and anything else that may blow away or get damaged in severe weather. Then, find a spot for you that provides more safety, stability and shelter than your motorhome.

If you’re on the road during a storm or other challenging driving conditions, it’s best to reduce your speed to at least 10 mph slower and increase the following distance between you and other road users. Whenever possible, just pull over and call it a day. It’s not worth the risk.

• Icy/Wet Roads – require much slower speeds and longer braking/stopping distance.
• High Winds – can cause you or other drivers to lose control of their high profile vehicles.
• Heavy Rain – reduces visibility, causes slippery roads and requires slower speeds.

Prepare for the unexpected

Review your insurance coverage annually to make sure you have adequate coverage for all of life’s events. Coach-Net partners with National Interstate Insurance (NIIC) to help members save on insurance costs. Get your free review and quote today. Visit online or call 1-888-774-6778 and identify yourself as a Coach-Net Member.

Keep an emergency kit

Regardless of the weather, it’s always a good idea to stock an emergency kit with things you may need. Include things like: flashlight, extra batteries, cell phone and charger, first aid kit, road flares, duct tape, work gloves, shop rags, extra fuses, jumper cables, water, ice scraper, shovel, candles, matches, traction aid (kitty litter or sand), blankets, and a basic toolkit.

At Coach-Net, your safety is always our first concern. When you’re prepared for the road ahead (and weather), you’ll not only be a happy camper, you’ll be a safe one too!