just wondering how you cope in a van / and poptop van in big storms, ie thunder, rain , wind, hail etc... i hate stormes ..

Rule # 1 Don't sleep under big trees which are prone to dropping limbs on top of you. Rule #'s 2 - 99 Don't sleep under big trees which are prone to dropping limbs on top of you. Rule # 100 Cuddle lots!

Milo,the first thing to do is close the windows,make sure the dog is comforted.Do as Catweazle says and try not to camp under trees,they are not to be trusted.Secure awnings,or fold away,check ropes and pegs.All part of the great adventure.Regards Paddy.

Catweazle is onto it.
Also its not a real top hum dinger of an idea to camp/park under River Red Gums at anytime, storm pending or not - As River Reds shed their limbs without warning, and funnily enough they can give you quite a headache. Remember to pack a chainsaw though, can end up with some good firewood :)

Oh and keep away from metal surfaces etc, unplug your tv antenna, generator (if its out in the open), and any other antenna for radios etc.

Also its not a real top hum dinger of an idea to camp/park under River Red Gums at anytime, storm pending or not - As River Reds shed their limbs without warning



Make that any gum tree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In any conditions.

For me its a way of life. I just make sure my van and gear are stowed away if I get enough warning, such as cyclones. The warnings go out, but sometimes the damn things don't come in, and that's why people get complacent. I'm not chained down at the moment so I'm a bit nervous about big winds like cyclones. Big rain and thunderstorms are a bit restricting but quite exciting from the inside of a van. If you have a pop-top, lock it down and make sure every thing is secure. If you're on the road, get off it. Don't even think about crossing waterways or floodways. Strong current can drag you off the road. Deep water could do the rest. Never challenge a storm or take them for granted. You'll lose most of the time, and if you don't, you've just been lucky.