I left my new to me 5'ver up north last winter. When I bought it, it came with a custom RV cover. The outside looked brand new, when I asked the PO if he stored it inside he said never, just covered it for the winters.
Putting on the cover was a PITA because it required me to get up on the roof with yards and yards of cloth. But in about 30-60 minutes it was all buttoned up.
In the spring there was no wear and tear like you read about in the virtual world from those that have also just read it but are passing on their knowledge. If snow was left on it uncovered to melt I might have had problems or maybe not.
Oh BTW, did I tell you I was taking it south for the winter next week......:B