motorhome .reference Death Valley

California Motorhome Rentals, California RV rentals, Recreation Vehicles, Motor Homes, California Vacations California & Baja Maps Trips & Adventures TE Supporters Links & Banner Ads January 2006 home gear & maps destinations lodging recreation journey animals camping leisure the sky snow water wheels road trips Activities | Camp motorhome .reference Death Valley National Park is a very popular destination for RV's year round. God only knows who can handle the 100+ temps in the summer, but some people love it. Panamint Valley is another camping option, just to the west. Other great desert parks are Mojave , Red Rock , Joshua Tree , Anza Borrego , plus Highway 395 has amazing contrast in gorgeous terrain & spectacular views along the Eastern Sierra. roads Certain small highways & paved roads in California restrict the length of vehicle. Some signage recommend RV not use certain routes. Below is a partial list of some of these roads. Sequoia National Park - Hwy. 198 from south (near Three Rivers ) limited to RVs under 23' North California Coast - (near Mendocino ) Highway 1 Restrictions - length limits PROHIBITIS MOTORHOMES over 40 Feet driven from the south RV Rental Shops RV Camp Spots RV Parks, Unique Campgrounds To make a reservation at a California Park or Forest campground, click here Tom Stiensta's California Camping BenchMark Atlas BackRoads Map Great motorhome sites at Mtn. Home backroads Some of the best RV type camping is done outside of campgrounds along the backroads. Away from the crowds, noises of towns, little to no fees, & plenty of scenery awaits the adventurous one. Some great areas with backroads wide enough for RVs: Sequoia National Forest Lake Crowley Balch Park Mtn. Home State Forest Prewitt Ridge Panamint Valley bears Bears breaking into RVs for food is an extremely rare occurance. Food may be stored in a hard-sided trailer, motorhome, or recreational vehicle (RV) as long as the food is not visible or odoriferous from the outside. Windows and doors must be kept closed if the vehicle is unattended Dispose of garbage frequently in animal-resistant dumpsters and cans. Don't leave any garbage in your campsite, especially at night. RV Parks - Small & Unique look for this RV symbol throughout our camping section for alternatives to the standard crowded motorhome parks California Highway Restrictions length limits & winter closures Hwy 395 offers amazing amounts of camping for RVers, from deserts to alpine hide aways. Recreation Lakes of California Campgrounds To make a reservation at a California Park or Forest campground, click here State Parks , County Parks & National Forest motorhome related sites Rancho Cuyamaca State Park RVlifeandtravel.com MotorhomeMagazine.com RV.net RoadGetaways.com GoRVing RVadvice.com clubs & organizations RVclub.com Escapees RV Club Frommer's Best RV and Tent ... Amazon.com's Price: $15.63 The Complete Idiot's Guide to ... Amazon.com's Price: $12.89 The RVer's Bible : Everything ... Amazon.com's Price: $14.96 Support Your RV Lifestyle! An ... Amazon.com's Price: $13.57 Rv Living In The 21st ... Amazon.com's Price: $16.95 Walnut Grove, 800-343-1667 These SoCal desert rats are serious about their motorhomes, and their toys! Quads, motorcycles, sand rails, dune buggies, you name it. There hefty RV's tow their toy boxes out to the nearest desert nearly every winter weekend near Imperial Sand Dunes, Glamis & the eastern stretches near Anza Borrego SP . If ya want peace & quiet the popular OHV areas are not the place to find it Frommer's Best RV and Tent ... Amazon.com's Price: $15.63 The Complete Idiot's Guide to ... Amazon.com's Price: $12.89 Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping ... Amazon.com's Price: $14.93 Traveler's Guide to Camping Mexico's ... Amazon.com's Price: $10.17 Traveler's Guide to Mexican Camping ... Amazon.com's Price: $14.93 home | lodge | recreation | destinations | journey | forum | trips | site map | add link | design | maps | mercantile

Diesel Motor Home

Meyer's RV Superstores - A FreedomRoads RV Dealer - New RV Inventory Class A Motorhome Class A Diesel Motorhome Mini Motorhome Micro Mini Motorhome Fifth Wheels Travel Trailers Hybrid Travel Trailers Toy Haulers Truck Camper Fold Down Other Class A Motorhome Class A Diesel Motorhome Class B Van Camper Mini Motorhome Fifth Wheels Travel Trailers Hybrid Travel Trailers Toy Haulers Truck Camper Fold Down Van Conversion Pickup Truck Other First Time Buyers Locations & Hours Parts & Service Testimonials New Class A Diesel - 58 In Stock Page 1 of 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 [Next >>] Sort By: Length Price Manufacturer Locations: All Locations Bath, NY Breaux Bridge, LA Chichester, NH Churchville, NY Hamburg, NY Harrisburg, PA Lakewood, NJ Syracuse, NY View 5 10 25 50 Per Page 2005 Damon Astoria 3679 Location: Lakewood Meyer's RV Superstores Price: CALL FOR PRICE Stock Number: 6113 For More Information: Call Now! 1-800-746-7787 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price 2005 Fleetwood Discovery 38U Location: Lakewood Meyer's RV Superstores Price: CALL FOR PRICE Stock Number: 6174 For More Information: Call Now! 1-800-746-7787 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price 2005 Winnebago Journey 36G Location: Lakewood Meyer's RV Superstores Price: Call for Price Stock Number: 6180 For More Information: Call Now! 1-800-746-7787 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price 2006 FourWinds Mandalay 40E Location: Churchville Meyer's RV Superstores Price: $232,799.00 Stock Number: 42396 For More Information: Call Now! 1-866-401-9994 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price 2006 Fleetwood Discovery 35H Location: Lakewood Meyer's RV Superstores Price: CALL FOR PRICE Stock Number: 6173 For More Information: Call Now! 1-800-746-7787 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price 2006 Monaco Knight 38PDQ Location: Chichester Meyer's RV Superstores Price: $182,799.00 Stock Number: 503173 For More Information: Call Now! 1-866-401-9994 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price 2005 Fleetwood Discovery 35H Location: Churchville Meyer's RV Superstores Price: $170,399.00 Stock Number: 44117 For More Information: Call Now! 1-866-401-9994 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price 2006 Fleetwood Discovery 35H Location: Syracuse Meyer's RV Superstores Price: $170,499.00 Stock Number: 44115 For More Information: Call Now! 1-866-401-9994 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price 2006 Fleetwood Discovery 35M Location: Lakewood Meyer's RV Superstores Price: CALL FOR PRICE Stock Number: 6211 For More Information: Call Now! 1-800-746-7787 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price 2006 Fleetwood Excursion 39S Location: Syracuse Meyer's RV Superstores Price: $184,199.00 Stock Number: 43464 For More Information: Call Now! 1-866-401-9994 "We Will Not Be UNDERSOLD" Call Now for the LOWEST Available Price Page 1 of 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 [Next >>] Sort By: Length Price Manufacturer Locations: All Locations Bath, NY Breaux Bridge, LA Chichester, NH Churchville, NY Hamburg, NY Harrisburg, PA Lakewood, NJ Syracuse, NY View 5 10 25 50 Per Page Now at our Buffalo store! Phone: 866-401-9994 - Email: dmiller@meyersrvsuperstores.com Dealership Network Meyer's RV Superstores has made every effort to ensure accuracy in the information provided. Specifications, equipment, technical data, photographs and illustrations are based on information available at time of posting and are subject to change without notice. To receive or verify current product information, call 866-401-9994. Any prices listed on this site do not include tax, title and license fees. All units are subject to prior sale. Meyer's RV Superstores is not responsible for typographical errors in price or errors in description of condition of this vehicle's listed equipment, accessories, price or warranties. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to the sale of this vehicle.

RV Motor Home

RV Motorhome Hire Holidays in USA America C.N.A. R.V. Motorhome Holidays in USA To many the motorhome, or R.V. as we call it, is the perfect way to explore parts of the USA and or Canada, no hotel check-ins and no advance reservations, just be guided by the spirit of adventure and the open roads of the USA & Canada. Complete North America are proud to work with preferred partners Early Booking Offer! £100 per adult discount !! Applicable to all departures from April 01st 2006 Applicable to all bookings made by December 31st 2005 . Subject to limited special offer availability and not applicable to child prices. Book early to avoid disappointment ! Call us at 0115 9504 555 for more details. Introduction To many the motorhome or R.V. as we call it, is the perfect way to explore parts of the USA and or Canada, no hotel check-ins and no advance reservations, just be guided by the spirit of adventure and the open roads of the USA & Canada. This said renting an R.V. is not like renting a car. There are many choices and lots of information that needs to be carefully considered before you are ready to begin your R.V. adventure. We make it our job at Complete North America to ensure you do not leave unprepared. We will discuss with you the many options from mileage packs to generators, from Supplementary Liability Insurance to personal convenience kits and vehicle kits and answer the many questions you are bound to have before you begin your R.V. holiday. In this R.V. section of our web site you will also fined extensive information on all aspects of renting your R.V. with Complete North America. With such an expensive piece of equipment with think it absolutely essential that you are aware of your liability, that you appreciate the costs involved and that you collect your R.V. with all the insurance and equipment required to travel safely and make the very most of your R.V holiday in the USA & Canada. On the following pages you will find details of each R.V. we are able to offer you, the cost including travel from the United Kingdom and exactly what is included . We also take you inside your motor home for a look around! Take time to browse the information on each R.V. to find the one that best suits you then use our enquiry form to tell us about the R.V. holiday you are planning and we will respond with a personalised quote. All of the R.V. holidays offered by Complete North America make use of modern well-maintained vehicles, we use only reputable and reliable rental suppliers. Browse the available R.V. Motor Homes 22ft Motor Home (C22) 25ft Motor Home (C25) 28ft Motor Home (C28) 31ft Motor Home (CS31) 34ft Motor Home (AS34) One-Way Rentals One way rentals between the stations listed above are permitted. Please refer to the One-Way Rentals section on the General R.V. Rental Information page for additional one-way rental charges. Click here to view these now . General R.V. Rental Information For general information on renting a RV, please go here . FAQs To view the list of Frequent Asked Questions about hiring a renting a RV, go here . C.N.A. RV Packages Include ... Through our many years experience of renting R.V’s we like to think we have a pretty good understanding of what our customers are looking for. The overwhelming requirement is for a ‘true’ all-inclusive package. With this in mind, below you will find what we now include as standard in our packages along with an explanation of what everything means. Roundtrip scheduled flights Our prices are based on scheduled flights from London, however we have deals on departures from Manchester are regional add-on flights from most U.K. airports. Airport Tax The ever-increasing airport taxes imposed by the U.K. U.S. and Canada are included with all Complete North America packages. 1st night hotel stay You cannot collect a vehicle on the day of arrival so we will provide a hotel room for the night of your arrival. Roundtrip Transfers We provide transfers from our designated first night hotels and also transfers from the rental location to a designated hotel or the airport terminal at the end of your rental. Nightly Hire of Vehicle Other than a minimum 7 night rental you choose how long you would like to have the vehicle for and we cost accordingly. The basic nightly rental includes a full tank of propane, chemicals and tissue. Unlimited Mileage Forget limited miles and buying extra mileage packs as with some operators, all our vehicles included unlimited mileage. The last thing you should be worrying about during your experience is going over your allotted mileage limit. Personal Kits All members of your party will have a personal kit that includes – Blankets, pillow, pillowcase, bath towel, sheets, washcloth, dish towel, tumblers, hand towel, coffee cup. Vehicle Kit Each vehicle has a vehicle kit that includes Water pitcher, pan covers, frying pan, potato peeler, strainer, corkscrew, Dutch oven, bottle opener, kettle, salad bowls, 1qt sauce pan, platter, 4pc cutlery, 2qt sauce pan. Unlimited Generator Use Normally charged at $3 per hour but free unlimited use on all C.N.A. rentals. Particularly useful on campsites where no electrical hook-up is available or all spaces are taken. Public Liability Basic public liability is included in your rental, which covers liability claims, property damage and/or personal injuries resulting from the operation of an El Monte RV vehicle. Coverage provides third party legal limits to protect the renter but liability coverage is limited to the minimum financial limits determined by the U.S. state or Canadian Province in which the incident occurred. Claims in excess of this limit may arise and are the responsibility of the renter unless SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) has been purchased. Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) Normally charged at $8 per day but included on all C.N.A. rentals. Supplemental Liability Insurance provides excess auto liability insurance that protects the renter for the difference between the underlying public liability insurance and up to $1,000,000 against claims by a third party for bodily injury and/or property damage sustained as a result of an accident while operating the rental vehicle. Exclusions: Include but are not limited to the following: Use of a rental vehicle in violation of the terms and conditions of the rental contract. Motor home or vehicle damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol and/or narcotics. Accidents arising out of the use of a rental vehicle by an unauthorized driver. Renter’s liability for damage to the rental vehicle. Vehicle Incident Protection (VIP) VIP coverage reduces the renter’s responsibility to $700 per occurrence in case of overhead damage, undercarriage damage, damage from vehicle back up, vandalism, theft or windshield damage regardless of fault and for costs incurred in transporting damaged vehicle to the rental station, including towing and storage, provided renter is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the rental contract. Certain exclusions apply see below. VIP only covers damage to the motor home or vehicle itself while under the rental contract and does not in any way limit the renter’s responsibility for liability claims, property damage, and / or personal injuries (see Pubic Liability and SLI above). Deductible From Renter Per occurrence: $700 - provided the following exclusions have not occurred. T his deductible in non-refundable under any circumstances . Exclusions: Include but are not limited to the following: Use of a rental vehicle in violation of the terms and conditions of the rental contract. Motor home or vehicle damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol and/or narcotics. Accidents arising out of the use of a rental vehicle by an unauthorized driver. Costs incurred in transporting damaged vehicle to the rental station, including towing and storage, while travelling in Alaska or Northern Canada. Interior damage. Damage during off-road use. Overheating or freezing of rental vehicle systems. Taxes Taxes are due on all pre-paid items as listed above and are included in your C.N.A package. Note: All Recreational Vehicles rented with Complete North America Limited are financially protected via our membership of ABTA and our ATOL licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Vehicle images used on this site are examples and the exact vehicle may change due to availability. For more information, call 0115 950 4555 Complete North America, 4 Hollowstone, Nottingham, England, NG1 1JH. © Complete North America 2005 - Site by redrhino Site Map - Fly Drives

Diesel motor homes offer

Welcome to Adobe GoLive 6 Should I buy a Gas or a Diesel Motor Home? This question confronts most motor home buyers at some point in their RVing experience . By Len Souza (03/2004) Today’s motor homes all have many attractive features. Multiple slide-outs, large basement storage, attractive graphics on the outside with full body paint on most diesels and even some high end gas rigs. There is a wide array of models, floor plans and sizes to choose from. Whether you are a first time buyer or someone who is “upgrading” from a current unit, you will have a good old time sifting through the market place for that “Perfect Motor Home”! I would like to preface this discussion by stating that: No one NEEDs a motor home; they are a luxury--not a necessity. Most of us just want one! All motor homes share several common features, such as: roof or basement A/Cs, water heaters, furnaces, stoves, refrigerators, entertainment systems, slide-outs, etc. Indeed many of these devices are identical in either a gas or a diesel application. In recent years, motor homes have become much more sophisticated and luxurious. They kind of take everyone’s breath away! Along with this entire splendor have come higher prices, higher weights and more complexity of use and more difficulty in serviceability. Not everyone can afford a new gas powered motor home; even fewer can afford a high priced diesel pusher. To address this reality and expand the market, manufacturers have introduced a number of entry-level gas rigs and entry-level diesel rigs. (Diesel powered motor home sales are approaching 50 % per year; this is a real growth trend in the RV business.) The number one question that faces today’s motor home buyers is: Should I buy a gas motor home OR should I splurge a bit (or a lot) and buy a diesel pusher? In what follows I have tried to lend some objectivity to all of the subjectivity and emotion that surrounds this question. I will point out some of the relative strengths and weaknesses of either choice or decision. (My discussion will be limited to Class A motor homes with a length of 32 ft to 40 ft. Beyond these parameters my comments still apply but I choose not to discuss and compare the merits of $65,000 dollar rigs nor $400,000 and above luxo models.) Motor home engines: This is the one area that really distinguishes the two types of Class A motor homes . GAS---- There are two common gas engines used in motor homes. There is the Ford V 10, 6.8 L unit rated at 310 hp & 425 ft/lbs of torque and the very popular Chevy Vortec V8, 8.1 L unit rated at 340 hp & 455 ft/lbs of torque. The Chevy engine is coupled to an Allison 5 speed tranny while the Ford engine is coupled to their 4 speed R100D tranny. These gas engines can only deliver these hp ratings at relatively high RPMs-3, 600 to 4,200. The life expectancy for these engines, before major overhaul, is projected at approximately 125,000 miles. Diesel---- There are two major suppliers of diesel engines, Caterpillar and Cummins. The common diesel engines used in motor homes are of a wide variety. CAT makes the 3126E 7.2 L (recently re-designated as the C 7 series), with 330 hp and 860 ft/lbs of torque. They also make bigger engines in the C 12 to C14 series; these are large displacement engines and offer hp ratings in the 400 to 525 hp range with torque ratings of around 1,000 to 1,500 ft/lbs. Cummins offers several families of engines starting with the small block ISB 5.9 L 300 hp with 600 ft/lbs of torque. Next they have the ISC series 8.3 L with hp ratings of 330 hp with 950 ft/lbs of torque or 350 hp with 1,050 ft/lbs of torque. Then you have the ISL series 8.9 L with 350 to 400 hp and 1,200 ft/lbs of torque. Next comes the ISM 500 series, 450 to 500 hp, 11 L with 1,450 ft/lbs of torque. And finally they introduced the ISX twin cam family that has 15 L displacement, 525 hp and 1,650 ft/lbs of torque. This latter monster engine is only offered in very expensive coaches, which as I said earlier are excluded from this discussion. The typical diesel engine delivers it s peak horsepower at the relatively low (2,100 to 2,250) RPM range and their peak torque is produced in the 1,200 to 1,400 RPM range. The life expectancy of diesel engines, before major overhaul, is generally conceded as being well over 500,000 miles. Diesel engines all incorporate the use of Inter Cooled Turbo Chargers. The benefit here is that unlike gas engines that lose 3 % of their power for each 1,000 ft of elevation—diesel engines do not lose any of their power up to 7,000 ft of elevation. This makes them pull very strongly in mountain terrain where gas engines strain badly because of the loss of power and the much lower torque. The high torque ratings of diesel power plants give them the strength to maintain a steady pull at a speed, though decreased--- is very easy to live with. You are not crawling up steep grades by any means. Transmissions--- Gas rigs have typically used light truck, 4 speed trannies. In recent times the Workhorse chassis has used the Allison 5 speed tranny in combination with the 8.1 L engine. Some entry-level diesels also use a version of this tranny. Almost all diesel pushers today use the Allison 6 speed transmission—either the 3060 or 4060, which is gifted with a very “smart” adaptive control computer, that electronically shifts and locks up 6 close ratio gears. This sophisticated tranny is a rugged contender to handle the high torque and horsepower ratings of today’s diesel power plants. Chassis’---- Until recent times it was easy to find gas motor homes that were over loaded beyond their GVWR loaded weight ratings. The capacities have gone up form 17,000 lbs to 22,000 lbs and now even 24,000 lbs. Some gas rigs with 3 slide outs are still challenged with limited Combined Carrying Capacities (CCC), however. Some are limited to less than 1,000 lbs! In the case of diesel chassis’, there are several players. Freightliner, Spartan, Workhorse R Series and some proprietary chassis’ from Country Coach, Monaco and Foretravel. These chassis’ have GVWR s of 24,000 to over 40,000 lbs and they provide ample CCC ratings even though they are burdened with the added weight of 2, 3 or even 4 slide-outs. Diesel pushers are all much heavier than their gas counterparts because of the huge weight increases due to the much heavier engine and the tranny. The chassis’ also weigh a lot more because of the steel reinforcement needed to handle all of that torque and horsepower. A typical diesel engine weighs 3 times more than a gas engine, 1550 lbs vs. 500 lbs! The Hull or the House---- The bodies of all motor homes are very similar in construction materials and assembly techniques. They all are made with either steel or aluminum tubular or C channel member framing in the skeletal structure. The walls are mostly made with external fiberglass that is gel-coated and they have Luan interior walls that are used to “sandwich” Polystyrene foam insulation within them. The wall structures are generally “Vacuum Bonded” together to form a substrate. The roofs and floors incorporate similar construction, but utilize thick plywood or ribbon board in the floor underlayment and thinner plywood in the ceiling structure. These, of course are all covered with appropriate floor and ceiling coverings. Most diesels and some gas units have a continuous sheet fiberglass exterior roof covering. Most gas units have a vinyl rubber roof covering called “Tuff Brite”. All diesels, with the exception of the entry-level models, come with full body paint—that means no decals. Whereas gas units use decals for their external graphics décor. Capacities--- Diesels have fuel tank capacities in the 100 to 150 gallon range as opposed to the 75-gallon tanks found in the gas rigs. Diesels usually provide 15 to 20 % more capacity in the holding and H 2 O tanks. The diesel pusher usually has more under/bay storage than a gas unit for a given length; this is due to the fact that the typical diesel chassis was designed to provide more “pass through” storage. The Generator that all motor homes come equipped with is usually in the front of a diesel chassis between the side rail structures. This also frees up more storage bay space. It must be pointed out that the proliferation of multiple slide-outs rooms decreases some of the storage space in the bays of all motor homes. Braking Systems---- Gas motor homes use hydraulic disc brakes with ABS. Diesel motor homes offer air brakes w/ABS & with either drums or a combination of drum and discs--plus exhaust brakes or exhaust retarders. Diesels offer superior braking systems, especially when descending long steep grades. One diesel maker uses hydraulic disc brakes (no air). While another uses air over hydraulic disc brakes. Tires and Wheels---- Gas coaches used to come with 16-inch wheels (Ford), Chevy offered 19.5-inch wheels. Now everyone has 19.5-inch wheels and Workhorse introduced the 22-inch wheels, the same diameter that is standard on all diesels. Although the diesel tires have much larger profiles and much heavier weight ratings than those found on gas rigs. This is due to the much bigger GVWRs that are offered in diesels. Large wheels and large tires, combined with a decent suspension system, provide an improved ride and handling capability. Service Costs---- Diesels are more expensive to service and maintain than gas power trains. Gas rigs have 6 or 7-quart oil capacities while diesels have 24 to 28 quart capacities. On the other hand the change-interval mileage is 3,000 miles for gas; in diesels this mileage has been extended to 15,000 miles and beyond. The filters required for a diesel engine service are many and much more expensive. The diesels Air Brakes are source of high expense when they need service. The various fan belts on a diesel are much more expensive than the automotive belts used in a gas engine Cost of purchase---- Here is the area where the “boys and their toys” are separated. The wannabes and the folks with enough assets and or credit go their separate ways here. Gas coaches cost quite a bit less than a comparably equipped diesel. It’s hard to not end up here in an exercise of comparing apples to oranges. There are entry-level diesels with small 5.9 L engines and austere interiors that do come close to the price of the high-end gas models—in the $130,000 range. I would prefer the highline gas coach with the 8.1 L engine to these entry-level diesels. Now having said that, I would not buy a gas motor home that had a length of much over 36 feet. Anything over 36 feet is best powered by a diesel engine with a displacement of at least 7.2 to 8.3 L. Justification---- You have to ask yourself the question: Is a diesel pusher worth the extra money that it costs you versus the gas coach? To the many buyers who have purchased a diesel, the resounding answer is YES! It would appear that the RV ownership fantasy is never quite realized until you finally get to own a diesel! A newbie might wonder if they can travel all over the United States and Canada with a gas motor home. They might even wonder if its less fun in a gas rig than it is in a diesel. The answers are, in my opinion, yes you can travel anywhere that a diesel can take you and no, diesel owners don’t have more fun than anyone else. There are certain bragging rights that accompany diesel ownership and you will be more rested and generally have a more comfortable ride over a day’s 400-mile drive. The diesel owner may fly by you on the highway, but at the end of the day he will probably not arrive at the same RV Park more than 5 or 10 minutes before you do. Len Souza RVerAdvocate BACK MAIN MENU

mobile homes increased significantly

NOAA News Online (Story 1105) NOAA Magazine || NOAA Home Page Commerce Dept. MOBILE HOMES AND VEHICLES DEADLY IN TORNADOES March 5, 2003 — Now that spring is here—meteorologically speaking—NOAA reminds Americans to be prepared for tornadoes . Tornadoes occur most often in March through early July, but they can and do occur throughout the year. The number of tornado deaths in mobile homes increased significantly in 2002, totaling more than half of all tornado deaths in the United States, according NOAA. (Click NOAA image for larger view of tornado south of Dimmitt, Texas, taken June 2, 1995. Please credit “NOAA.”) In 2002, a total of 55 people died in tornadoes, 37 of whom were in mobile homes, 12 in permanent homes, four in cars and two outside. In 2001, 40 fatalities were recorded, 11 of those in mobile homes, 18 in permanent homes, six in vehicles, three outside and two in buildings. In 2000, 29 of the 40 tornado deaths, or nearly 78 percent, were in mobile homes, four were in permanent homes, four in vehicles, one was outside and two were in buildings. One reason for the growing rate of mobile home deaths is the increased population in such homes in the past 30 years, according to Harold Brooks, research meteorologist with the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory . The number of mobile homes per capita has grown the most in the Southeast, from Arkansas eastward, except for Florida, which has seen slower growth in mobile homes because of new higher building standards in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes. The NOAA National Weather Service recommends leaving a mobile home and going to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or storm shelter. “Tornadoes are extremely violent and other than underground there is no good place in a tornado,” said Dan McCarthy, warning coordination meteorologist with the NOAA Storm Prediction Center . “If you can’t get underground, the best place is in the center of a permanent structure.” The NOAA National Weather Service’s aim, he said, is to make sure no one finds themselves in the middle of nowhere with a tornado bearing down on them. However, in that situation, the NOAA National Weather Service recommends abandoning vehicles when a tornado is approaching, and not take cover underneath overpasses. “Vehicles may not be appropriate shelter. We can provide numerous documented cases of vehicles being carried aloft and dropped by tornadoes, and vehicles impaled by flying debris such as 2x4s,” McCarthy said. “We realize when lying in a ditch you are also vulnerable to flying debris, but it may be better to get out of and away from the vehicle and taking cover by placing your hands over your head.” Then NOAA National Weather Service’s safety recommendations were made following a thorough study conducted by Centers for Disease Control epidemiologists in 1979 following the deadly Wichita Falls, Texas, tornado. They found that people in vehicles trying to escape tornadoes became stuck in traffic jams and on dead-end streets. Others were killed when the tornado curved back over them after they thought they had driven to a safe place. The CDC recommended at that time people in motor vehicles should seek shelter immediately upon hearing a tornado warning and should not attempt to drive from the tornado’s path. “Ultimately, it’s up to each person to decide what to do based on their circumstances,” McCarthy said. “Each situation is different, so making an informed decision provides the best chance for survival.” An average of 1,200 tornadoes cause more than $400 million in damage to homes and businesses, schools and churches annually. Considered nature’s most violent storms, peak tornado activity occurs during the months of March through early July. The NOAA National Weather Service, Red Cross, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend the following actions if a tornado warning is issued. In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement or interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and away from windows. In a mobile home, even if tied down, seek shelter in a sturdy building. As a last resort, and if no sturdy building is available leave the mobile home and seek shelter in a nearby ditch. Do not stay in the mobile home. If caught outside or in a vehicle, and where no sturdy building is available lie flat in a nearby ditch away from overpasses and vehicles. NOAA measures spring from March 1 through May 31. NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U. S. Department of Commerce . Relevant Web Sites NOAA Storm Prediction Center—The Basics about Tornadoes NOAA Tornadoes Page NOAA Storm Watch NOAA's Monthly Tornado Statistics NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory Media Contact: Keli Tarp , NOAA Weather Partners , (405) 366-0451