For many, living in a moderate climate throughout the year is the dream. However, most regions of the United States don’t stay one moderate temperature all year long. They either drop down below freezing in the winter or soar above 100 degrees in the summer. The only way to live in a moderate climate year-round is to be on the move, chasing 70 degrees!
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What Does It Mean to Chase 70?
The perfect temperature is often considered to be 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and some people spend their lives chasing this ideal. These people will literally move from state to state as the weather changes in hopes of avoiding the more extreme high and low temperatures. This lifestyle is known as “chasing 70.”
How to Use an RV to Find Perfect Weather
Sound impossible? It’s not if your home is on wheels! Living in an RV allows you to pick up and move at just about any time, making it the perfect home for anyone chasing 70 degrees. Not to mention, this temperature-focused, mobile lifestyle comes with additional perks.
For starters, it’s so much easier to heat and cool your home when the outdoor temperature is moderate. In fact, you may not even need to use your furnace or AC at all, which puts less strain on your RV’s electrical system (although, we’re certain our upgraded solar power system is up for any challenge!).
Another perk is all of the space you can save from wearing shorts and t-shirts year-round. When it’s always 70 degrees, you don’t need all of those extra winter clothes and heavy blankets you have stored in your RV. One versatile just-in-case jacket is enough!
Weather in Different Regions of The Contiguous US
The key to chasing 70 degrees is to know what the weather is like in different regions of the country at different times of the year. Once you have this information, you can plan your route accordingly.
Northeast
The Northeast is the coldest region in the contiguous United States. In the winter months, you’re likely to experience severe snow and ice storms with freezing temperatures continuing into spring. However, in the summer the weather is very moderate with mild humidity.
If you’re chasing 70, a mid-summer visit to this region is advised.
Midwest
The climate in the Midwest can vary greatly. The heat starts ramping up in late spring and usually settles into the 90s by mid-summer. This heat is typically accompanied by the occasional summer storm. Fall is cool in the Midwest, but short-lived. You can often expect snow as early as October, and the winter months can be pretty cold.
So, when should you visit the Midwest if you’re chasing 70 degrees? Mid-spring and early summer is your best bet!
South
The climate in the South can be characterized by one word: humid. Winters are generally mild with the occasional chance of snow and summers are very hot. Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit the South.
But, if you’re chasing 70, you’ll likely want to stick with early-to-mid spring.
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is known to be a fairly wet climate, especially in the winter months. However, the temperatures can best be described as cool but not cold throughout the year.
You’re going to want to visit the Northwest in the middle of summer to early fall if you’re chasing 70.
Southwest
The Southwest is often thought to be dry and hot, but the weather patterns here can actually be quite dramatic due to the varied landscape. In the summer temperatures can reach well into the hundreds during the day, especially in the deserts, yet become very cool at night. And in the winter, you can even expect snow in the mountainous areas of places like California.
Looking for that perfect 70 degrees in the Southwest? Try visiting in late fall or early winter.
Severe Weather Concerns While Chasing 70 Degrees
Of course, chasing 70 degrees doesn’t guarantee perfect weather conditions. Often in places where the temperatures are moderate, you can experience other severe weather concerns, like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or hail. These severe conditions can be especially frightening if you are traveling in an RV. High winds can roll an RV, floods can easily sweep one away, and hail can damage the exterior.
Tips for Preparing for Bad Weather in an RV
So what can you do to prepare for inclement weather and prevent disaster?
First, always keep an eye on the weather conditions in your current location and check the weather before moving on to your next destination. You may want to set up severe weather alerts on your phone if you haven’t done this already.
Second, make sure you have a safety plan and discuss this plan with anyone traveling with you every time you arrive at a new destination. At a minimum, a safety plan should include where and how to take shelter, an emergency kit (first aid supplies, flashlights, etc.) that is easily accessible, an “exit plan” for leaving the RV if the main door becomes blocked, and a designated meeting place in case you get separated from your loved ones.
Third, search out safe places in the area upon arrival – places where you could take shelter in the event of a severe storm. This could be a sturdy building such as an office or bathroom at an RV park, or it could be a nearby store or restaurant. Again, make sure everyone traveling with you knows where to go.
Click here to read about how to prepare for tornadoes in your RV.
Lastly, if you know inclement weather is on its way, it’s best to prepare your RV accordingly. In the event of a hail storm, you may want to temporarily pull under a gas station canopy or other covering until the hail stops. You could also invest in an RV cover to prevent storm damage to the roof and sides of your RV.
If wind is your concern, you may want to pull in your slides or position your RV so the front takes the brunt of the wind instead of the sides. Also, be sure to collapse or retract your awning during severe storms. And, of course, if you’re concerned about flooding, move your RV to higher ground.
Benefits of a “Chasing 70” Lifestyle
In summary, the benefits of chasing 70 are many. Being in good weather conditions encourages outdoor activities, and therefore a healthier lifestyle. More outside time means more sunshine, which gives you more essential vitamin D production. As we mentioned, good weather also means less running of heaters and air conditioners – so it’s easier to stay comfortable inside your RV, too!
So, the next time you’re dreaming of living in the perfect climate year-round, remember this: it’s absolutely doable! With a home on wheels and careful planning, your dream of chasing 70 can become a reality.
Pro Tip: Check out the Prepare for Full-Time RV course to learn everything you need to know to smoothly transition from your home to your RV!
Can’t ‘Chase 70’? We’ve got you covered.
If you’re unable to make it to warmer weather in your RV, it is still possible to use your RV for cold weather camping as well!
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