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synergy_58's avatar
synergy_58
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013

How to: RV cover for winter storage. Make one or buy?

I know it's not winter yet, but I live in Anchorage, AK, and winters are brutal, lots of snow and it will be winter soon for us.

I have a 2009 Itasca View class C and this will be the first winter where I will HAVE to store it in an RV lot for maybe 7 months, and it will snow. I see other RV covers and they may last 1-2 years at best under snow conditions, but covers allow snow pile up on the roof, which can cause damage.

So, I've thought about building a 3/4" PVC frame, then getting tarps and strapping them over the frame, to keep the snow build up off the roof. The snow would simply slide off, no build up. Anybody do this? How do you like it? How long will this last?

Or, is it better to just buy a cover, and if so who makes the best, heavy duty cover?
Any ideas, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all!

10 Replies

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  • Metaphor_7182's avatar
    Metaphor_7182
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2013
    on your question about heavy duty covers:
    http://www.gemplers.com/product/53500P/6-oz-Heavy-duty-Silver-Poly-Tarps
  • allen8106's avatar
    allen8106
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2013
    I wouldn't do either. I have had a cover on a travel trailer before. The wind will cause the cover to rub paint off in several places.
  • synergy_58's avatar
    synergy_58
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    LangsRV2 wrote:
    One thing to keep in mind is the wind. We had our 5th wheel under renovation and tarped all winter and where the wind caught the tarp it rubbed the paint off the trailer. Also any spot where the rope touched it did the same thing.


    Yeah, I know how these tarps rub and fade all over everything. I think people get them too tight and then with the wind slidding the tarp around, they rub through, and rub color everywhere.
  • synergy_58's avatar
    synergy_58
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    Artum Snowbird wrote:
    Seriously, if you can take it to where it remains frozen all winter and doesn't ever rain, just do it. Living in a climate where it rains and freezes and having your RV exposed to that will make you wish you spent $30,000 on a roof after you spent $60,000 on a motorhome really fast.

    Best solution might be some indoor outdoor carpet under plywood next to your roof with two by tens tapered to the center screwed from underneath and on edge every so often down the length of your rig and extending out over the sides a few inches then cover it all with double "truck tarps".

    I saw one done like this once, and he hung filled milk jugs from the eyelets on bungee cords and they swung a bit in the breeze but kept the whole thing open to the air quite well.


    I'm from Florida, and once we move back there, in about 14 months, then I'll build a permanent structure and this will no longer be an issue. For now, a temporary solution for one long cold ass winter is what I need.
  • synergy_58's avatar
    synergy_58
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    mustangglp wrote:
    Can you do a steel car port they can be had around here for a few grand would way out last any cover? Probably not in a storage yard.
    I know every thing cost more in Alaska but with the weather you have . PVC frames don't last even in central California!

    Yeah, no, can't build any permanent structure. Besides, not cost effective for my pocket. I see a few PVC structures, that's what I thought I'd do.
  • synergy_58's avatar
    synergy_58
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    therink wrote:
    Personally, I think that the overly priced covers designed for rvs are not made to last more than a couple of seasons. I live in upstate NY and have pretty severe winters. For the past 5 years I have used the same 20' x 40' heavyweight tarp that I purchased at a farm supply store for under $150. I do have to tie it down very tightly and secure the loose areas on the corner. When I am done wrapping it it looks like a gift. Best way I can describe.
    I do not get mold and moisture in the rv. I always leave a Window or two cracked and leave all roof vents partially open so the cabin can breat. (my roof vents have covers).
    Steve


    I'm all for not blowing $4-500.00 on a two season at best RV cover. Heck, I don't know if it would even last two sasons up here. I see many folks with tarps wrapped up as you described. But even those don't last two seasons. My roof vent has a cover too, and I'll leave it open as you suggest. Thanks.
  • mustangglp's avatar
    mustangglp
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    Can you do a steel car port they can be had around here for a few grand would way out last any cover? Probably not in a storage yard.
    I know every thing cost more in Alaska but with the weather you have . PVC frames don't last even in central California!
  • LangsRV2's avatar
    LangsRV2
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    One thing to keep in mind is the wind. We had our 5th wheel under renovation and tarped all winter and where the wind caught the tarp it rubbed the paint off the trailer. Also any spot where the rope touched it did the same thing.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2013
    Seriously, if you can take it to where it remains frozen all winter and doesn't ever rain, just do it. Living in a climate where it rains and freezes and having your RV exposed to that will make you wish you spent $30,000 on a roof after you spent $60,000 on a motorhome really fast.

    Best solution might be some indoor outdoor carpet under plywood next to your roof with two by tens tapered to the center screwed from underneath and on edge every so often down the length of your rig and extending out over the sides a few inches then cover it all with double "truck tarps".

    I saw one done like this once, and he hung filled milk jugs from the eyelets on bungee cords and they swung a bit in the breeze but kept the whole thing open to the air quite well.
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2013
    Personally, I think that the overly priced covers designed for rvs are not made to last more than a couple of seasons. I live in upstate NY and have pretty severe winters. For the past 5 years I have used the same 20' x 40' heavyweight tarp that I purchased at a farm supply store for under $150. I do have to tie it down very tightly and secure the loose areas on the corner. When I am done wrapping it it looks like a gift. Best way I can describe.
    I do not get mold and moisture in the rv. I always leave a Window or two cracked and leave all roof vents partially open so the cabin can breat. (my roof vents have covers).
    Steve

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