Ford Truck Rescues Camper in Flooded RV Park

Spring and springtime severe weather are in full swing around the US, and RVers are facing mother nature’s fury. 

RVs are no match for inclement weather. One unfortunate RVer found their RV flooded in waist-deep waters at Pigeon Forge RV Resort. 

Here’s the story about the recent flooding in Tennessee and what you can do to prepare for severe weather as an RVer. 

May 2021 Severe Weather Caused Major Flooding in Tennessee

Heavy thunder and rainstorms caused significant flooding in Tennessee in early May 2021. 

Pigeon Forge rescue services were inundated fighting fires caused by lightning strikes, performing swift-water rescues from unprecedented flash flooding, cleaning up storm damage, and more. 

Many people were affected by the flooding in Sevier County, TN, including campers at Pigeon Forge RV Resort. 

Ford F-250 Rescues Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel at Pigeon Forge RV Resort

According to a YouTube video published on May 5, 2021, an unattended Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel was stuck in a Pigeon Forge RV Resort flood. 

In the video caption, the publisher wrote:

“The owner called the campground and said “let it float.” The owners girlfriend called some friends and with the help of another person’ hitch they were able to do this (pull the camper out).”

A local Pigeon Forge good samaritan driving a Ford F-250 truck drove into the floodwaters, hitched up the camper, and pushed it to dry land. 

As the camper comes up out of the water, you can see dirty floodwater pouring out of every corner. You can also see leaf and tree debris caught in the undercarriage. There are no additional details shared about the camper, but if we had to guess, it might be totaled! Check out the video here. 

RVs Are No Match for Severe Weather

From wind to water, RVs are no match for severe weather. This can present problems for RVers traveling through areas prone to severe weather or during peak storm season. 

Springtime in the midwest brings tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, and late summer and fall bring hurricane season to the southeast. 

Here are some tips to be prepared as an RVer, even when you find yourself stuck in inclement weather. 

How to Be Prepared As an RVer

Let’s face it: bad weather happens. And even though your home is on wheels, you won’t always be able to avoid it. But you can keep yourself as prepared as possible; here’s how. 

1. Keep Yourself Informed

You might be surprised at how many people simply don’t pay attention to the weather or forecast. 

As an RVer traveling to new locations (or even camping around home), you should always keep the weather forecast at the top of your mind. Especially if the area you’re in is prone to severe weather! 

Check the forecast daily and have a weather radio handy. 

2. Pack It Up and Pack It In

When storms are moving in, cleaning up your campsite and bringing in your slides should be your first plan of action. 

Heavy winds can toss around camp chairs and decorations and rip awnings and slide-toppers. Heavy winds whipping under slide-outs can also make sitting in your RV a very rocky experience during a thunderstorm! 

3. If Possible, Have Shelter Ahead of Time

If you know severe weather is on the way, seek out an appropriate shelter in the event of high winds or a tornado. Many campgrounds have buildings designated as tornado shelters. If you’re not in a campground, it may be a good idea to find one to wait the storm out ahead of time. 

Don’t wait until the last minute to seek shelter, and never try to ride out a tornado or a tornado warning in an RV. 

4. Ample Warning? Get Out! 

In the case of hurricanes, you will often know days ahead of time. This is the perfect time to hit the road and head inland! If you can’t leave where you’re at, have an emergency plan of action in place in case your RV becomes damaged, flooded, or worse. 

5. Have A Go Bag

It’s a good idea to have a “go bag” or emergency bag always packed and ready to go in your RV. Your go-bag should be waterproof and include essential documents like passports, birth certificates, a few days of vital prescription medications, cash, first aid supplies, and other emergency items. Having your go-bag packed and ready to go can save time and stress if you have to evacuate your RV in a hurry. 

6. Plan Around the Forecast

Plan your RV travels and activities around the forecast. If you know severe weather is in the forecast, you can change your travel plans or make sure you’re “home” to take care of things if it gets bad. 

7. Have An Emergency Plan in Place for The Whole Family, Pets Included

Having an emergency plan can be as simple as knowing where you’ll go in the event of severe weather or a tornado, and be sure to include your pets! Pets are family, too. Whether you need to crate or leash your pet, have a plan in place for every family member. 

8. Play It Safe

Lastly, never take a chance on severe weather. Never assume you’ll be okay to “ride out” a tornado or hurricane in an RV. And if you’re in a low-lying area prone to flooding, get out! Flash floods kill more people in the US than tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning. 

Preparation Is Key

While you may not be able to avoid being stuck in severe weather in an RV, you can be sure you’re as prepared as possible. 

Have an emergency plan and shelter, know your current address at all times, and keep your go-bag stocked with up-to-date documents and medications.

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