Cover or no Cover?

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

My brother-in-law uses a tarp and then uses shrinkwrap around the bottom. It doesn't blow away. I don't think he's ever had mice in it either, but that may be by pure luck.

Before I got a metal canopy I always used a silver tarp from Harbor Freight. You will be surprised how close a size you can find. These tarps are thicker than any specific RV covers I have found at much less cost. I hung milk jugs of water through eyelets to reduce wind flap. I also used two poles with hooks to move tarp over the rig instead of a ladder. Lots of opinions on this. Best of luck

We have owned 6 various kinds of RV's over 40 years; currently a 30 ft. Class C motorhome and have never had the luxury of storing them under a roof and the same goes for all of the cars and trucks I've owned. We live in west central Illinois. My cars always still shine when I sell them and I've never seen any damage that I could directly attribute to being exposed. Also, I'm lazy and covering isn't all good anyway. Difficult to keep the wind from blowing the cover around, etc. You do want to fix any water leaks coming from the roof because the rain and snow would add to such a problem but hasn't happened to me yet.

I used to cover mine. PITA to get on and off but manageable. Never had issues with it rubbing paint/gelcoat. Protected well enough and always looked shiny just like before I covered it.

The cons for me and why I stopped using it; The adco cover I had lasted 2 seasons before all the grommets pulled away from the fabric where the straps connected rendering it useless. Before it failed I had issues when it would snow and I wanted to leave for a trip, it's about impossible to get off. If you don't travel in winter this is not an issue.

I never really thought of snow as a threat to an rv, at least anything a cover would solve. I have learned not to park under my Locust trees in the fall as they make a horrible mess on the roof and a huge pain to clean. That is about the one and only time I would think a cover would have been really nice. I don't cover any more and I don't notice any difference in the finish. I do wax it 2x a year and have tire covers.

I travel frequently (at least once a month) enough that getting a cover on and off just wasn't worth the hassle.

covers keep nature out, enough said.and saves your roof.

gbopp wrote:

toedtoes wrote:
As a single person, covering the RV (even a small class C like mine) is a 5+ hour job.

Seriously? 5+ hours?

I do our 37' Southwind, by myself, in about 30-35 minutes. If I have help it's quicker.

Trying to get it over all the little stuff sticking up off the roof, having to move the ladder around to reach it and be able to pull it over those things, having one side slide off while trying to get the other over one of those things, etc. I hated it. 5+ hours might be exaggerating, but it was more of a pain than it was worth for me.

And for me, there is no "getting help" - if I can't do it by myself, it can't get done.

Now, it may be that with a rig 40 years old, the roof parts are installed differently and have edges, corners, lips, etc., that newer rigs don't have. So my experience may be due more to my individual rig.

toedtoes wrote:
As a single person, covering the RV (even a small class C like mine) is a 5+ hour job.

Seriously? 5+ hours?

I do our 37' Southwind, by myself, in about 30-35 minutes. If I have help it's quicker.

I use a Calmark custom made cover for my 40 foot Class A. This is my 4th RV and I've used this brand cover for each of them. Most of my traveling is done during the winter so the cover is used for protection from the sun and to keep it clean during the summer months. I have never had a problem with them rubbing the paint off or getting holes. These covers definitely cost more but they are quality made. I am a 66 year old female and I put the cover on and take it off by myself, usually about a 30 minute job each time. I just take my time and be very careful, especially when on top of the RV.

I live where it snows!!

I have stored outside in the past and always used a cover. Despite dire warnings on here I never experienced any damage to my paint or finish.

My thoughts are if you live in an area with snow, freezing rain, hail and all matter of frozen crud that falls from the sky, why wouldn't you protect your rig?

I will add that any cover I have purchased is completely destroyed after three years of harsh winter. I have tried both cheap and expensive and expensive might last a year longer. I learned my lesson and shop for cheap. The main feature you want is a soft inner surface next to your paint.

It snows here in November and it is normally April before we see our lawns again. Here is some practical advise. Do not cover if you plan to travel before the snow melts. Once that cover is buried under a couple of feet of snow on the roof you ain't getting it off until the snow melts!

Neighbors covered their 5th wheel trailer one year and planned a trip south in March. The snow accumulated on the cover and there was no getting it off. He wisely decided against going on the roof with a shovel fearing damage to vents, skylights etc. He tried putting heat inside the trailer and melting it off but it was too slow. He had to postpone his travels for a few weeks!

Covering is a twenty minute job although allow double that the first time. Have some help, a ladder, and a positive attitude. If you live in a windy area add extra ropes to secure it. Wash your rig really well before covering and when you uncover in the spring it is clean and ready to hit the road!

Don't forget wheel covers as well.

Safe Travels!