RVs need to be properly rigged for a rainy day
The rainy season is soon approaching and I thought it would be a good time to review proper rigging for a rainy day. The most obvious task is to close the windows (unless you have window awnings deployed). You would think this is a "no-brainer" but I must confess I've gone off and left windows open when rain was forecast. It's a good thing I have a fake leather couch because water just beads up on it.
The Fantastic Vents close automatically when it begins to rain, but many standard bathroom vents don't usually have this feature so you need to remember to close them. In my 5th wheels I experienced the "rain seat" in the bathroom on more than one occasion. Speaking of 5th wheels, the overhang makes a great place to stow a few things to keep them somewhat dry.
Hopefully you've checked your roof and made any necessary repairs including inspecting the caulking and seals around vents, antennas and AC units. Cleaning the RV gutters and perhaps adding a short gutter extension will help keep you high and dry.
A critical issue for rain rigging is the proper deployment of the awning.
If you know there are going to be wind gusts, I suggest leaving your awning stowed. If, however, you are enduring a week of constant drizzle, then having the awning act as an umbrella is a good thing. Your awning will help keep your entry area dry and accessible. If you decide to deploy the awning be sure to lower one end so the rain will run off. 
A good friend was injured and lost his 5th wheel awning when he tried to lower one end after many gallons of rain water had collected in it. He laughs about it now, but it sure wasn't funny when it happened.
Be sure you're not camped in a flood zone. This past Spring a motorhome caught in a flood moved in next to us.
Water had filled their storage compartments and they were desperately trying to dry everything out before the next storm hit.
Another consideration is the footing of your RV. If you are camped on grass I highly recommend putting down boards with a much larger footprint for your landing jacks and landing gear. One year we had to be towed out of a fairground campground because the rain soaked ground became too soft.
With a few precautions RVing in the rain can be a rewarding experience. Our family created many happy memories playing games, drinking hot chocolate and just hanging out in the comfort of our RV while the rain danced on the roof. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
The Fantastic Vents close automatically when it begins to rain, but many standard bathroom vents don't usually have this feature so you need to remember to close them. In my 5th wheels I experienced the "rain seat" in the bathroom on more than one occasion. Speaking of 5th wheels, the overhang makes a great place to stow a few things to keep them somewhat dry.
Hopefully you've checked your roof and made any necessary repairs including inspecting the caulking and seals around vents, antennas and AC units. Cleaning the RV gutters and perhaps adding a short gutter extension will help keep you high and dry.A critical issue for rain rigging is the proper deployment of the awning.
If you know there are going to be wind gusts, I suggest leaving your awning stowed. If, however, you are enduring a week of constant drizzle, then having the awning act as an umbrella is a good thing. Your awning will help keep your entry area dry and accessible. If you decide to deploy the awning be sure to lower one end so the rain will run off. 
A good friend was injured and lost his 5th wheel awning when he tried to lower one end after many gallons of rain water had collected in it. He laughs about it now, but it sure wasn't funny when it happened.Be sure you're not camped in a flood zone. This past Spring a motorhome caught in a flood moved in next to us.
Water had filled their storage compartments and they were desperately trying to dry everything out before the next storm hit.Another consideration is the footing of your RV. If you are camped on grass I highly recommend putting down boards with a much larger footprint for your landing jacks and landing gear. One year we had to be towed out of a fairground campground because the rain soaked ground became too soft.
With a few precautions RVing in the rain can be a rewarding experience. Our family created many happy memories playing games, drinking hot chocolate and just hanging out in the comfort of our RV while the rain danced on the roof. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Labels: Rigging
posted by Jim Twamley at
10/04/2008 04:00:00 AM
2 Comments:
Hutchinson Kansas? My sister had to be towed out at the end of a rally held there a few years ago.
By
Anonymous, at October 4, 2008 11:26:00 PM PDT
Hutchinson is a mess every time it rains. At the end of the state fairs its not unusual to have over a foot deep ruts. Keeps the tractors busy pulling people out.
By
Anonymous, at October 6, 2008 7:42:00 AM PDT
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