To prepare an RV for storm season, retract awnings and slide-outs, secure loose exterior items, add wheel chocks and stabilizers, seal roof and window seams, park nose into the wind away from trees, keep the fuel tank full, and move to sturdy shelter or higher ground ahead of severe weather.
Key takeaways
- Retract all awnings and slide-outs before high winds arrive, since an extended awning can tear off and damage the RV body.
- Reseal roof seams, vents, and window edges each season to prevent leaks during heavy rain.
- Park the RV nose-first into the prevailing wind, away from trees and power lines, and use chocks and stabilizer jacks for added stability.
- Hail is the biggest threat to an RV roof and skin, so covered parking or a storage facility offers the best protection.
- McClain’s RV service and body shop can inspect seals, repair storm damage, and prep your RV before severe weather season.
The fastest way to storm-proof your RV
Retract every awning and slide-out, secure or stow all loose exterior gear, add wheel chocks and lower your stabilizer jacks, reseal any cracked roof or window seams, and park the RV nose-first into the prevailing wind and well away from trees and power lines. If a severe storm, hurricane, or tornado warning is issued, move the RV to sturdy shelter or higher ground and get yourself out of the RV and into a permanent structure.
In Texas and Oklahoma, storm season means large hail, straight-line winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes, often in the same afternoon. An RV is light, tall, and full of seams, so the goal is to reduce wind exposure, keep water out, and get the unit somewhere protected before the worst arrives.
Secure the exterior before the wind picks up
Wind is what turns a passing storm into thousands of dollars in damage. Start outside and work through the roof, sides, and undercarriage.
- Retract all awnings. An extended awning acts like a sail and can rip off in gusts over 20 to 25 mph, often taking a chunk of the sidewall with it.
- Bring in the slide-outs. Retracted slides lower the profile, reduce leak points, and protect the slide seals from wind-driven rain.
- Stow loose items. Camp chairs, grills, mats, satellite dishes, and propane accessories become projectiles. Put them in a bay or inside.
- Close and latch every vent, window, and hatch. Open roof vents are a common source of interior water damage.
- Lower the TV antenna and remove any rooftop accessories that can be taken down quickly.
Keep water out with fresh seals
Reseal your roof and body seams before storm season, not during it. RV roofs rely on sealant around vents, skylights, air conditioners, and the front and rear caps, and that sealant cracks with heat and UV exposure. A single failed seam lets driving rain into the walls and ceiling, where it causes rot and delamination long after the storm passes.
Inspect the full roof perimeter, all rooftop penetrations, and the seams where the sidewalls meet the roof. Reseal cracked or lifting areas with a self-leveling sealant made for your roof type. Check window and door gaskets and slide seals for gaps. If you are not comfortable walking the roof or identifying the right products, the service department at any open McClain’s RV can inspect and reseal the unit for you.
Anchor and stabilize a parked RV
A stationary RV rides out wind better when it is low, level, and anchored. Take these steps at your site or storage spot.
- Chock all wheels on both sides to prevent rolling.
- Lower the stabilizer jacks to steady the frame, but do not lift the tires off the ground in high wind, since you want the weight of the axles keeping it planted.
- Point the front of the RV into the prevailing wind. A nose-in orientation presents the smallest, most aerodynamic surface to the gusts.
- Disconnect and stow the sewer hose, and secure the fresh water and power lines.
- Keep propane tanks turned off and their valves closed during severe weather.
Protect against hail, the number one RV threat
Hail does more expensive damage to RVs in Texas and Oklahoma than almost anything else, because the roof, air conditioner shroud, and thin aluminum or fiberglass skin dent and crack easily. Covered parking is the single best defense. If you store your RV outside, a purpose-built RV cover offers some cushioning, and an enclosed or covered storage facility offers far more.
When a hail-producing storm is in the forecast and you have time, move the RV under a carport, awning, or storage canopy tall enough to clear the roof. Never park under a tree hoping for cover, since falling limbs cause worse damage than the hail would. If your RV already has hail dents, cracked caps, or a bruised roof, the body shop at McClain’s RV handles storm damage repair and can work with your insurance estimate.
Prep for evacuation if you live in the RV
If you live or travel in your RV full-time, storm prep also means having an exit plan. An RV is never a safe place to shelter from a tornado or hurricane-force wind. Plan to leave early and shelter in a permanent building.
- Keep the fuel or propane tank full so you are ready to move without a fuel stop during an evacuation.
- Know your route and destination before the warning, since traffic and closures build fast.
- Keep an emergency kit stocked: water, medications, flashlights, a weather radio, phone chargers, and copies of your registration and insurance.
- Photograph the RV inside and out before the storm to document its pre-storm condition for any claim.
A quick storm-season prep checklist
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Retract awnings and slides | Prevents wind from tearing them off the body |
| Reseal roof and window seams | Stops leaks and hidden water damage |
| Chock wheels and lower jacks | Keeps the RV stable and planted in wind |
| Stow loose exterior items | Removes projectiles that break windows and panels |
| Find covered parking | Shields the roof and skin from hail |
| Fill fuel and pack a kit | Ready to evacuate before conditions worsen |
When to bring your RV to McClain’s RV
Have a professional inspect the RV before storm season if you are unsure about the roof, the seals, or the slide mechanisms. McClain’s RV operates full service and parts departments in Texas and Oklahoma, with stores serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Texas Hill Country, and Oklahoma City. Their technicians can reseal the roof, check the slide and awning motors, and flag weak points before a storm finds them.
After a storm, the McClain’s RV body shop repairs hail damage, cracked caps, torn awnings, and water intrusion, and can coordinate with your insurance adjuster. To schedule an inspection or storm-damage repair, contact the nearest open McClain’s RV location.
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave my RV awning out during a storm?
No. Always retract your awning before a storm. An extended awning catches wind like a sail and can rip loose in gusts as low as 20 to 25 mph, often tearing sidewall material or the awning arms with it. Even light rain pooling on an open awning can bend the frame. Roll it in fully and secure it whenever severe weather is possible.
Is it safe to stay in an RV during a tornado or hurricane?
No. An RV is never a safe place to shelter from a tornado, hurricane-force wind, or flash flood. RVs are light and easily overturned or moved by high water. Evacuate early and shelter in a sturdy permanent building or designated storm shelter. If you live in your RV full-time, keep the fuel tank full and have an evacuation plan ready before any warning is issued.
How do I protect my RV from hail damage?
Covered parking is the best protection against hail. Move the RV under a carport, storage canopy, or enclosed facility tall enough to clear the roof before a hail storm arrives. A padded RV cover offers partial cushioning if covered parking is unavailable. Never park under trees, since falling limbs cause worse damage than hail. Photograph the RV beforehand in case you need to file a claim.
How often should I reseal my RV roof?
Inspect your RV roof and reseal cracked or lifting seams at least once or twice a year, and always before storm season. Heat and UV exposure in Texas and Oklahoma break down sealant around vents, skylights, air conditioners, and the roof edges. Use a self-leveling sealant matched to your roof material. If you are not comfortable inspecting the roof, an RV service department can do it for you.
Does insurance cover storm damage to an RV?
Comprehensive RV insurance typically covers storm damage such as hail, wind, and fallen limbs, but coverage and deductibles vary by policy. Document your RV’s condition with photos before storm season and file promptly after any damage. A body shop like the one at McClain’s RV can provide a repair estimate and coordinate with your insurance adjuster to get the work approved and completed.
Where should I park my RV during high winds?
Park your RV nose-first into the prevailing wind to present the smallest, most aerodynamic surface, and keep it well away from trees, power lines, and flood-prone low ground. Chock all wheels and lower the stabilizer jacks without lifting the tires off the ground. Covered or enclosed parking is best, offering protection from both wind-driven debris and hail.
