11 Days, No Shore Power, No Problem

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When Hurricane Michael was breathing down the neck of the Florida Panhandle, we didn't have time to overthink it. We hooked up, loaded the dogs, buckled in our girl, and drove north into Alabama — high winds rocking the truck the whole way. We weren't running from the storm so much as trying to get far enough out of its reach.

We didn't quite make it. Central Alabama still got hit hard that night. We sat there watching our stabilizer jacks, wondering just how much those things could handle. Spoiler: they held. But what came after the storm was almost harder than the storm itself.

We pulled back into our property to find trees down, roof damage, and no power. We'd be without electricity for 11 days. But we had the camper — and that changed everything.

Eleven days. That's how long we cooked, showered, ran fans, charged devices, and kept life functioning — not inside our house, but in and around our camper. We had neighbors shelter with us. We were the family that was ready, and that experience has shaped how we think about RV ownership ever since.

This post is about the gear that made that possible. Some of it we already owned. Some we added after. All of it we'd tell any RV family to have before they need it.

Power: the real game changer

Nothing else on this list matters if you can't power it. During those 11 days a generator ran nearly around the clock — enough to keep two rigs going and give our neighbors some relief too. It wasn't glamorous, but it was a lifeline.

Here's the thing though: generators are loud. A big dual-fuel unit can hover around 70–75 decibels — fine when you're desperate, not so pleasant long-term with a toddler trying to sleep. That's where a quality portable power station changes the game.

Solar: your free fuel source

A generator will drain your wallet fast if it's your only power source. Pair your power station with solar and you've got a system that can sustain itself. We've been impressed with Renogy — solid build quality, good efficiency, and they play well with MPPT controllers that squeeze more out of partly cloudy Southern days.

Fresh water: don't underestimate this one

This is the one people overlook until they don't have it. After Michael, we had neighbors without water for days. We had full fresh tanks and a working water pump. That's the whole advantage — it doesn't take much prep, but it has to happen before you need it.

Having water isn't the same as having clean water, though. We're not alarmist about what's in tap water, but we are intentional. For quick everyday water — the dogs' bowls, the coffee maker, anything we need fast in the RV — we run a PUR filter with the larger cartridge. For primary drinking water at home and on longer trips, we use a Big Berkey with Black Berkey elements.

Outdoor shower: more useful than you think

When you're conserving tank space but still need to rinse off, wash a muddy dog, or clean up after a long day working outside, an outdoor shower earns its keep fast. After the storm, with debris and mud everywhere, ours got used constantly.

A few more essentials we don't camp without

We didn't buy our camper thinking about hurricanes. But when it came to it, that rig was the reason our family had running water, cooked meals, and cool nights for 11 days straight.

That's why we take this seriously — and why we want you to, too. Got questions about any of this gear, or a storm-prep story of your own? Send it our way — we read every one.

— James & Mallory 🐾