How can we hire a chase vehicle?

[Jason Foster]

Cammie and Tim:

Have to say I'm glad you are asking the questions and reading as much as you can. You seem to be on the right track, and this thread (gladly) has good advice for you and others to read in the future.

Now one question I have for you:

Are you looking forward to our cheap American gas prices?

 

[Jacob Ferden]

As others said, keep in touch with ST. In a few months the 2010 prep threads will start in earnest.

In a few months? More like next week, the way some people have SDS.

 

[Bryan Stokes]

Tim & Cammie,

It sounds like both of you have been smitten with a love for weather and are very sensible in your approach. Understanding the sky and trying to chase severe weather is the ultimate puzzle and it is loads of fun. I look forward to more of your posts in the months to come.

Before renting an Expedition, make sure that the rear seats fold down completely flat. I just sold my chase vehicle, a 1997 Ford Explorer, and the rear seats did not fold all the way down. They certainly folded enough to lay down. But the slight tilt would certainly be annoying for a multi-night stay. A new Expedition may very well fold all the way down, but you'll want to make absolutely sure.

If not, Skip's advice on a minivan is also a very good option. From another pastime, I've taken many a road trip and slept many nights in a minivan. They work quite well!

Welcome to Stormtrack,
Bryan

 

[Bill Hark]

I am glad that you bought Tim's book. It is the best resource for new and advanced chasers. I would also suggest this DVD with some nice info on storm structure:
http://www.extremeinstability.com/stormstructure101.htm

I assume you have seen this webpage:
http://www.stormeyes.org/tornado/chasing/FAQ/#references1

And this older but good set of links to weather articles and papers (some links are broken, you might be able to find updated links with google.)
http://www.stormtrack.org/links/



While you are getting ready for next year, take some time to read about some of the major sights in Tornado Alley (Tim Vasquez gives a good start). There are always down days and if not traveling to your next target area, you can check out some beautiful places. I like the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma and Palo Duro Canyon in Texas.

Good luck.

Bill Hark

 

[Tim Moxon]

Thanks again - more great info. And yes - loving the gas prices in the US! $2.40 per gallon certainly beats the $8 we pay here! Though the expedition probably does 1/4 the mpg of my car here!

One quick related question - do you guys typically need a secondary power source for laptops etc or do you just run off the standard power from the car? I have visions of getting through a lot of battery waiting on new weather data...and the thought of trying to push a vehicle like that to jump start it is not a nice one!

Any recommendations appreciated.

Cheers,

Tim

 

[Paul Knightley]

We just use a UK invertor, and then run a 4-way extention cable from it. It can depend on the wattage of the invertor, though, as this year the car we hired was not happy in supplying the power. Happily I also have a US invertor, of a lower wattage, and this worked fine, although I needed to use my plug convertor to plug in my laptop!

 

[Shane Adams]

Tough push is an understatement. There is no, and I mean NO justifiable reason to spend thousands of dollars for ten days without any guarantee of seeing a tornado, or even a thunderstorm, for Christ's sake. (i.e. May 2009)

$6000 for two people for ten days...i could chase two weeks for under $1000...

I definitely would go the rental option.

On your own, most people couldn't even guarantee themselves a storm, let alone a tornado. Bottom line, if chasing is something you're passionate about and want to make a part of you life, do it alone. If you're traveling halfway around the world for a one-time shot, I'd maximize my chances by taking a tour.

By Jacob's logic, one would be better-off just hiking up a mountain alone without a guide. You might be mauled by wild animals, die of hypothermia, or fall to your death - but at least you saved money on your vacation.

 

[Robert Edmonds]

Just some background, I have slept in my car while getting to my chase target. However, by the second or third day you're gonna probably need a shower and probably recharge a few electrical devices/yourself. This is where a hotel room is extremely nice. So, if your dead set on sleeping in your car, I would still recommend at least every other day or two getting a hotel room. Also there are few places I would consider safe enough to sleep at in my car. I personally have had good luck with large truck stops, but I never sleep in my car in a city. I also usually sleep in a lighted area, although I hear mixed statistics about lighted areas having lower or higher crime rates. Truck stops (at least most of them) also won't mind if you're sleeping in your car in their parking area, I hear the same about walmart, but I don't know from first hand experience. Also, a truck stop shower is gonna run ~$7-8, and KOA from what I hear will be ~$4.

Also, as everyone hear has alluded to, I would strongly recommend finding someone more experienced to go chasing with, since this your first time out.

 

[David Wolfson]

There're a lot of public camping areas to overnight throughout the USA. Any fees are modest and you get a modicum of safety and often a toilet and potable water. Sites designating "primitive" are often free. Go to http://www.woodalls.com and register, and they have a searchable directory, for example. Then there's http://www.recreation.gov. The AAA has its own camping guides and local information. Tons of information, all available by internet search, or at local visitors' centers.

Most all vehicles, and especially a large SUV, have adequate 12V+ accessory power to run one laptop. Almost all rental vehicles have automatic transmissions, so push-starting isn't an option. An auxiliary power unit is a little difficult to fly with, I think. For less than $100 you can buy them in the States that have a decent size rechargeable gel-cell battery, a 120v inverter, can jump the car battery in an emergency, and inflate a tire. You can decide whether to carry it back with you or chalk it up as a cost-of-doing-business when you leave. They'll run a laptop for a few hours. For $30 or so you can buy a basic 1A/120v inverter that does its job without the annoying bells and whistles (literally) of the fancier ones. These cheap ones have automatic high/low voltage, temperature, and overpower protection and no audible alarms to torment you.

Personally if I were traveling from overseas I'd consider bringing a smaller, lower-powered namebrand notebook computer pre-configured for chasing in the States and leaving my domestic one safe at home. Carry a separate USB drive with a full image backup. If catastrophe strikes you should be able to replace it in the States and be running again quickly.

You will want to consider what type of connectivity you need. Mobile broadband is a whole other subject itself on ST. I'd wait until early next year to sort that out. The whole area is rapidly evolving, and by that time capable netbooks with built-in 3G may be available.

 

[Bill Tabor]

Well it's exciting when anyone decides to take up storm chasing! Compared to UK weather The Plains will likely blow you away (although hopefully not literally). I welcome you Brits out here and wish you luck. I think your success will highly depend on how active the weather pattern is during the 23 day period you choose. If you are unlucky enough to get a year like this one has been with a large ridge much of the time and jet stream far north then good luck to seeing anything much weather wise. If you happen to hit an active pattern with a large negative tilt trough, cold air aloft, moisture, and good jet dynamics then look out! In that case safety would be one of my concerns because you'd need care in knowing what you are about to get yourself in and out of. Some storm systems are very large - perhaps Derechos or MCS. It is much easier to deal with slow moving discrete storms. Storms and systems tend to move much faster in the early season (such as April).

I started out on my own. I just decided to follow a tornado warning of a cell that had recently passed near my house. I went out with few items to assist - just a road map, a video camera, and perhaps a weather radio. First time I didn't see much, and didn't really know what I was looking at. Second time out a day or two later I nailed it and was ground zero to the action - almost part of the action. It was very exciting. Later chases in ensuing years was similar, and perhaps I was lucky at times to not be trapped. I have some 'interesting' memories of these occurrences. But it's all good.

You probably have low expectations; however I feel confident that primarily if you happen to pick an active period and have the proper equipment you can do well. Being able to forecast is great, but a large percentage of what you gain from doing it yourself can be gotten just by watching SPC's Forecast Products Page. Go by Convective Outlooks, then Mesoscale Discussions, and then Warnings issued by the NWS. Most likely you will want to go to the areas of highest probability and sig severe hatching on the Outlooks. Yep, get an inverter (UK specifications if that is what your notebook supports) and a powerstrip with surge protection so you can plug in a bunch of devices for charging. Make sure you have radar from some decent sources. Even a blob showing a storm in a higher risk area will indicate a reason to intercept. More experienced chasers are more discerning, but under the right conditions you can get into plenty a trouble with such a storm. Use a source for warning information also, and I recommend a navigation / mapping software such as Delorme Street Atlas. All of these things aren't essential but will likely increase your chances of seeing something and increase your safety. PS: Using equipment and radar, etc is useful but make sure you spend plenty of time watching and examining the sky for what is going on. Pay attention to the big picture and be active / proactive in identifying structure and trends. Don't have your head down in the vehicle too long because storm environments are dynamic and can change quickly. For radar, warnings, etc I would recommend GR3 by Gibson Ridge.

As others have said definitely take the time to understand storm structure. There is nothing worse than hearing about tornadoes you missed because you were in the wrong part of the storm. Your approach and intercept to the inflow region and the road network at time of interception is everything. Usually always better to intercept than chase a storm down particularly in early season when storm speeds are faster. While intercepting a storm consider your road options for safety and exits if a bad part of the storm runs you over or you need to avoid a tornado / big hail, etc. Keep in mind really severe storms can have large areas of straight line winds exceeding 80 to 100 mph and may be slinging very large hail. For the big hail you may want eye protection. Try not to get out and run in it. . Be aware that what you attempt to chase during the day, may chase you at night. Yep use good chase etiquette and understand road rules and safety. Sleeping in your vehicle is probably ok if you are careful. A lot of folks say to not sleep in road side parks, or in particular not certain ones. As others mentioned you can park in truck stop parking lots which are well lit, or at Walmarts. Truck stops provide showers, and so do Campgrounds of America (KOA's). When I sleep in my vehicle I usually just find the most remote off the beaten path dark place I can find where no one will bother me. You will usually know when a car approaches even if you are sleeping. As the Metallica song says... 'sleep with one eye open'.

Finally if you aren't sure where to go, you are welcome to give me a call, but my disclaimer is I take no responsibility for your safety or what you do with the information.

 

[Jacob Ferden]

On your own, most people couldn't even guarantee themselves a storm, let alone a tornado. Bottom line, if chasing is something you're passionate about and want to make a part of you life, do it alone. If you're traveling halfway around the world for a one-time shot, I'd maximize my chances by taking a tour.

By Jacob's logic, one would be better-off just hiking up a mountain alone without a guide. You might be mauled by wild animals, die of hypothermia, or fall to your death - but at least you saved money on your vacation.

OK, I haven't been on this forum in a few days, but I'm going to respond this as respectfully as possible. You are right. I felt like a complete asshole the moment I read your post. They want to go on their vacation. I realize that the reason I posted that comes not from anger about the prices tour companies charge, but the warped perspective that comes with not having a lot of money to your name in the first place.

I am a frugal chaser. I don't have enough money to be anything otherwise. But that does not give me the right to suggest that others chase in one certain way that I might think is more financially or otherwise sensible.

If any tour operator or anyone else on here was offended by my statement, I apologize.

 

[Cammie Czuchnicki]

Jacob, I am new to this site but what I've seen so far is that people are extremely passionate about this subject; I can't speak on behalf of everyone who has viewed this, but for me, has proved very helpful to gain many differing slants on the subject. Many people are for tours it seems, but also, many are for going it alone; I suppose it depends on your expectations and your personality. All I do want to say though is that from the last message I have just read, it seems as though nearly everyone has respect for each other. That is surprising to see on ANY other forum I have ever been a part of and exactly the reason why I harp on so much to all my mates and family about how great the chase community seems. Thanks all. A very useful thread this has been for me.

 

[Shane Adams]

OK, I haven't been on this forum in a few days, but I'm going to respond this as respectfully as possible. You are right. I felt like a complete asshole the moment I read your post. They want to go on their vacation. I realize that the reason I posted that comes not from anger about the prices tour companies charge, but the warped perspective that comes with not having a lot of money to your name in the first place.

I am a frugal chaser. I don't have enough money to be anything otherwise. But that does not give me the right to suggest that others chase in one certain way that I might think is more financially or otherwise sensible.

If any tour operator or anyone else on here was offended by my statement, I apologize.

I understand where you're coming from.....I too have chased on a shoestring budget for 13 years. I mistook your comments to be that of a person who was loosely involved in chasing, and when they did partake, had more than enough funds to make it a luxury. Being as you're a low-end guy like I've always been (financially), I can sympathize with your perspective.

Thanks for the reply, it was objective and thoughtful.

 

[Joshua Nall]

Part of the fun of a trip like this is just the adventure. I felt pretty adventurous the first time I went on an extended chase trip, but it was nothing like going to a different country for 3 weeks... wow! And part of the adventure is doing it on your own. I love doing stuff on my own, so I would never be happy with a tour, even if it guaranteed me numerous tornadoes.... totally understand you not wanting to go that route. I don't' think you will be disappointed. If your all important main goal is to see a tornado, then yeah, taking a tour is the best bet probably.

I sacrifice comfort and spend less money... always sleep in my truck and carry as much food as I think I will need. I pick the big truck stops, just because they are right on the highways, but Walmart is probably safer, as some of these, maybe all of the bigger ones, have a security guard on duty. I second the minivan Idea, maybe not as "cool", but practical... unless you get a four wheel drive Expedition/suv. I personally think four wheel drive trumps all other considerations.

For your first time I wouldn't spend much time on learning to forecast... spend time on learning storm structure. Some others have already given some helpful suggestions. And you can't go wrong with GR3 and a gps input to show you right where you are in relation to the storm in real time when you are close to the action... in fact this is probably the most important thing... for seeing a tornado and staying out of giant hail, especially if you are unsure about what you are looking at out the window. But hey, if you don't have that, you will still have a great time if you just put yourself in the vicinity of some mean storms. for me it's all about the adventure and seeing/experiencing some nasty beautiful storms, seeing a tornado is just the icing on the cake so to speak. You don't need all the latest gadgets to have a blast. I would love to read a summary of your trip, please share....Good luck to you!

Josh

 

[Chris Nuttall]

Most of the idea of going with a tour group is because this is their first time out, IIRC. I'd recommend that for just about anyone that's going chasing for the first time. If you can't afford a tour, try to go with someone that does have some chasing experience. There are a few people that I know are going to be okay if they head out on a first-time chase without any experience, but that is a small group.