My WORST Storm EVER! Facing Fiona in a Small Camper

As a Floridian who has gone through several hurricanes, let me add one thing I did not hear you mention in your storm preparedness items - -CASH. If the power is out, even though stores may be open following the storm, they may not be able to process debit/credit cards. I always make a trip to the ATM when I fill up my gas tank so if worse comes to worse, I can leave town to seek shelter with relatives. I have never had to evacuate but, at least, I know I can if need be. Nicole is visiting today. Lots of rain, wind, but not bad.

Who knew watching a video of someone sitting around in his camper all night could be so riveting? Seriously glad you made it through the storm. Thanks for letting us join you on your adventures.

You were safe, warm and dry through the most severe weather. Speaks volumes about the construction quality of the camper.

Having lived in Florida for over 50 years and experiencing many hurricanes, your experience was frightening. We lost our house in Miami during Andrew in 1992. Unless you experience a hurricane, it is difficult to explain the fear. And after the experience, you will never forget. They always seem to hit at night. Glad you made it through. Now you are hurricane educated.

We have a saying in my family of origin: "Adventure is never fun while it's happening." But adventures become the stories we tell later around campfires. Glad you weathered the storm, glad you learned from it. And I'm glad you have a story to tell around a campfire.

I'm glad this guy pulled through the storm in one piece, but watching him sit in his trailer while that horrific storm whirled around him kind of had a Blair-Witch/ horror-story feeling to it.

This chap has to be one of the best of those who travel around by motorhome (RV) or trailer (caravan) and video their journey. He is not only a natural and engaging broadcaster, what he says is, actually, informative. If you contrast him with the those younger - wannabe T.V. stars types - who will do anything for publicity then he stands in an, even, brighter light More power to your elbow, Slim Potatohead!

Glad you made it safely. Honestly, you could see the fright in your face. The assurance you made it through gave us some comfort. It takes a brave man to admit he made a mistake. And a wise man to learn the lesson. Glad you are safe.

As intense and nerve-wracking as your experience with Fiona was, Slim, you were fortunate to be traveling with your little Trillium OutBack travel trailer. Your former travel trailer, "Ol' Abner" the Aliner, would probably have been disintegrated by the high winds. Glad you made it through in good nick, and like you, my heart goes out to all who suffered damage from the wrath of Fiona.

As a born n raised Floridian I've been through so many storms in my 62 years that I wanted so badly to tell you to keep going inland until you couldn't go any more. The further inland you go, especially in mountainous areas the less wind damage you'll have. While I'm grateful that I decided to leave Florida almost a year after Irma, I still worry for my family, especially after Ian! I'm so glad you're ok but I know how freaked out you can get from the wind and rain

Slim, you were very courageous. In a tiny trailer just the sound of the wind is frightening enough. I've been through 5 hurricanes and I could feel every emotion you went through. An excellent video, and thanks for sharing your fears and being so open. The force of nature is a marvelous thing not to be taken lightly.

I always think about the ones who don't have any place... Even the sanctuary of a tiny camper like yours, to be during these amazing, awe inspiring acts of Mother Nature! 🫶🏼❤️😀

So few people turn the camera on themselves through an experience like this. Your video drives home the message to avoid hurricanes much more powerfully than those that just show the storm.

Slim, it was hard watching this one. As someone who lost my house, my cat, and even worse, 4 neighbors in Hurricane Katrina, I kept shouting, "Slim, you need drink some coffee and keep driving!" I don't hold it against you for not going further. Truth be told, you guys don't get these storms with the frequency we do on the Gulf Coast. Even Cat 1's and Tropical Storms can bring unpredictable conditions. A couple of years ago, we had a Tropical Sorm here. I didn't evacuate because it was 'just' a Tropical Storm and my present home is 100 years old and has survived everything Mother Nature has thrown at it. Well, I can tell you at some point a tornado must have touched down. The sound of a metal roof tearing off your house is a pretty terrifying sound! Surprisingly, our little camper was unscathed! I'm glad you made it and I'm glad that you acknowledged your mistake in not driving further away. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of evacuating ahead of these storms. If my family had stayed during Katrina, the 30 foot surge would have drowned us all. Evacuating saves lives!

Hey Slim - one piece of advice. You do not want to be somewhere wide open when you are expecting gale-force winds. Not do you want to be sitting under trees that might topple onto the trailer. A wide enough forest clearing works well as the trees will slow the wind down considerably. A valley surrounded by hills is good too but you have to take floodwater and mudslides into account. You could end up stuck if trees block the roads but the camper will fare better. If you choose the city you can stick the camper next to a sturdy wall but you have to watch for power lines and roofing that might fly away. And in your particular case you could turn to your viewers - there may be someone local willing to shelter you from the storm. Glad everything turned out well in the end!

Having waited quite a few hurricanes and tornadoes out in Texas, I got a couple of tips for you slim. Invest in 4 to 8 trailer house tie downs, and some chains to attach to the tie downs. As well as have some anchor points added to your trailer frame. Second tip, don’t tow a trailer while in a storm, as you are safer just staying put in one spot. As the wind will always change directions in a storm. And no you are not stupid or crazy Slim, as you do not wanna be caught on the road pulling a trailer. So staying put as much as you did was the right thing. Tie downs even if they are ratchet straps will help keep you safe.

Slim---you were SO fortunate to come thru Fiona, in your camper, unscathed. As you saw afterwards, the damage was extensive. We live not far from where you overnighted and it was likely the best spot that you could have been in, despite how terrifying it was for you. You were also lucky that that hydro pole by your camper did not come down. The camping gods were looking out for you. Wise decision to not put yourself in that position again.

As a lifetime resident of the US Gulf Coast and survivor of hurricane Camille (yes, I’m that old), you got it right with your statement that hurricanes are nothing to mess with. I would not have attempted to ride that out in a little camper trailer without tie down straps hooked into deadman anchors screwed into the ground at the very least. A few more knots or a gust in just the perfect direction to lift it and you would have rolled. Trailer hitch would just twist and snap off.

I love that you kept your sense of humor and irony through it. Having lived in Florida for 5 years, and through Super Storm Sandy in New Jersey, I am very aware of how a storm can change on a dime and the power of mother nature should never be underestimated. After many a storm I had no issue with lifting everything off the ground in my home, locking up, and getting out of dodge with the dogs and the birds and just driving in any direction that was going to get me out. With hurricane Michael gas stations were running out of gas, restaurants along the route were running out of food and there were no rooms to be found. You just have to be prepared and follow your instincts which is exactly what you did. Glad you are doing well.