When you're on the road, and the weather becomes unfavorable, your safety will depend on how much you know how your vehicle will handle high winds. Sometimes, it's necessary to pull off the road and secure your vehicle, and RVs are certainly no exception to this. But how can you safely anchor down your RV? We've researched RVs from numerous professional sources and consumer feedback sites and have all of our findings presented throughout this post.
There are several methods you can use to anchor down your RV safely. We've listed the most common ways below:
- Wheel chocks
- Stabilizing jacks
- Tire cradles
- Mobile home anchors
Now that we know of several good methods to safely anchor down your RV, we'll explore in more detail each technique. You might also be wondering how much wind your RV can handle or how to secure your RV for high winds best. To see what we've discovered, read ahead in this post.
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Anchoring techniques
In this section of the post, we'll break down each of the four methods we listed above so that you can choose which one is the best way to anchor down your RV. Keep in mind that some techniques will work better under certain conditions and for specific models. It's always best to consult your owner's manual for an additional resource.
It should also be noted that safely anchoring your RV isn't just a precaution against the wind. You need to anchor down this vehicle if you're storing it for the season or sleeping inside it.
Wheel chocks
These handy accessories are made to keep your wheels from moving when your vehicle is parked. Most are made with rubber-coated bottoms so that they can better grip the ground. The concave topside contours to the tires, allowing for a firm fit. Some models will also allow you to tie the chocks together for additional support. The wheel chocks are the most common way to anchor down your RV while it's being parked and slept in.
To see this brand of RV wheel chocks on Amazon, click here.
Stabilizing jacks
If you want to avoid chocking the wheels, stabilizer jacks are a great alternative to anchoring down your RV. These accessories help secure the RV against winds and gravity, and many RV models will come with a set of four.
For these to be used effectively, you'll need to level the RV first. Additionally, it's strongly recommended that you use a wood block between the ground and the bottom of the jack. This will keep damage from being done to the road or stop the jacks from digging into the earth if you're dry docking somewhere off the grid.
To see this brand of RV stabilizing jacks on Amazon, click here.
Tire cradles
These devices work great for long term anchoring for your RV. Made from heavy-duty PVC; these tire cradles have a ribbed design that keeps them from sliding along the ground. The most common use for tire cradles is when an owner is storing their RV for the season.
To see this brand of tire cradles on Amazon, click here.
Mobile home anchors
While not the most common method of safely anchoring your RV, mobile home anchors will work great with larger model vehicles. This technique involves using heavy-duty cables to tie your RV in place essentially. The cables are slung over the roof of your RV and then anchored into the ground with industrial-strength stakes.
This technique works well in the highest of winds and can be used in conjunction with wheel chocks or tire cradles for added security.
To view this brand of mobile home anchors on Amazon, click here.
How to secure an RV for high winds?
If the weather is looking to make a terrible turn for the worse while you're on the road, knowing how to prepare your RV is critical. Here are some steps that you should take if this should happen to you.
Shut all doors and windows
Make certain that all doors and windows are closed securely and firmly locked. If your RV has slide-outs, move them back into their "in" positions.
Park on a level spot
Find the most level spot possible, away from trees. If you can be fairly close to a large building or hill, this is preferred, as you'll have a natural windbreak.
Make use of hurricane window clips
Being prepared in advance with hurricane clips will help you in the strongest of winds. You can use these clips to attach plywood, safely protecting your windows from damage that blowing debris might cause.
Anchor your RV into place
Using one or more of the techniques we outlined above in this post, secure your RV by anchoring it in place.
How much wind can an RV withstand?
The amount of wind an RV can safely withstand will depend on RV's size, weight, and model. In theory, the bigger and heavier your RV is, the more wind speed it will be able to sit through without damage.
RV owners go through hurricanes every year, and the ones that take the needed precautions are most often the owners who have vehicles that emerge from storms unscathed. While nothing is guaranteed when it comes to mother nature, being prepared will make your RV's odds of surviving a weather event much better.
State Farm Insurance Company provides many great tips on preparing your RV for high winds and hurricanes safely. You can see what they recommend by reading from their website here:
https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/how-to-prepare-your-rv-for-a-hurricane
How much wind is too much for driving an RV?
RVs are heavy vehicles and can withstand strong winds of over ninety miles per hour if they are stationary and secure. But what can they safely withstand while in motion on the highway?
Wind gusts of twenty miles an hour will be noticeable in an RV. While they are heavy, their length makes them especially prone to high winds while in motion.
How much wind your RV can safely withstand while driving varies from model to model. It's recommended that if the wind gusts exceed thirty miles an hour that you begin to take certain safety precautions and find a safe place to park your RV.
In conclusion
RV's are heavy and safe, but the wind is a powerful natural force. Taking certain precautions during windstorms is recommended when you're traveling with an RV. There are numerous techniques to safely anchoring your recreational vehicle in place to avoid damage, some working better than others.
When parked in one spot, RVs can withstand a lot of wind but are much more susceptible to it while the vehicle is in motion. Just how much will depend on your model, so be sure to carefully read through your owner's manual regarding this before any trips.
Knowing how winds will affect an RV is one more piece of knowledge that will help keep you and your passengers safe on the roadway and while camping. If you found this post on RVs to be helpful, then we believe that you'll enjoy the following posts:
How to Fix Your RV Roof [Here's What Could Go Wrong]
What’s the Average Price of a New RV? [By RV Type]
How Much Does RV Camping Cost? [A detailed Analysis with Examples]