Forum Discussion

Monkeyman_and_L's avatar
Monkeyman_and_L
Explorer
Oct 14, 2017

Of course I'm still learning

So, got my brandy new Newmar.

Had a travel trailer before this. We had a lot of luck with that trailer. Only water intrusion problem we EVER had was when we got a blizzard and the snow covered the entire rig with wet stuff. As it melted it got into the seam on a window. Got a little water into the unit and a bit of delamination at that point.

With the Newmar, I want to ensure I never have that issue if I can avoid it. I've heard some horror stories about covering RVs (which I can't say that I know to be true, but our roof was fine uncovered for 13 years). If I put my thinking cap on, I can build a roof over the parking pad for the RV and keep snow off of it that way. But is a cover or roof over the right thing to do? Should I only cover if snow is coming?

Airflow versus moisture build up versus snow....ugh. No easy answers.

Thoughts please.
Class A
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2017
    indoors is better than outdoors and covered outdoors is better than out in the open. if it were me and I had the choice I'd enclose or at least cover the parking spot. if you're gonna enclose and you have the space make it long and wide enough to get the slides open, you on the roof and so you can walk around it. that would be my dream.

    I would not opt for a one of those large vinyl or cloth "bags" that enclose the MH. too many people report damage (scratches and the like) or the "bag" getting damaged by wind and snow.
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2017
    All else being equal, If I had my druthers,
    If you have sufficient space, and that space allows orienting the unit so the afternoon sun could be kept off the unit, I would think a carport, open on both ends but with the sides coming down about halfway to minimize the effect of the sun on your new baby would be my preference. This way the sun during its strongest periods could be kept off not only the roof, but also the tires and graphics or paint.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Oct 14, 2017
    The answer is easy. What did you pay for the coach and what would it cost to get it under cover? Under cover (carport) would be my choice but before I full-timed I used a manufactured RV cover which worked very well. They are a PIA to get on but pretty easy to get off and they will keep the majority of the moisture off your coach.
    There are other considerations like do you plan to use it AT ALL or is this going into storage for the next 6 months?
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2017
    If you can garage it, it sure makes it easy! No worries about closing curtains, covering tires, or even locking it. Don't stop with just a roof :)

    I rent a garage, and even at $100/month it will never pay back in value of the coach, but I just like keeping it in good shape.
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2017
    Mile High wrote:
    If you can garage it, it sure makes it easy! No worries about closing curtains, covering tires, or even locking it. Don't stop with just a roof :)

    I rent a garage, and even at $100/month it will never pay back in value of the coach, but I just like keeping it in good shape.


    $100? Do you have an electrical connection? Is it gated/camera'd?

    MM.
  • ncrowley's avatar
    ncrowley
    Explorer II
    Oct 15, 2017
    If you can build a structure with a roof, you should build it with 3 sides. If at all possible, have the open side facing North.
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2017
    The further outside of a big town you can get to find a storage facility, the less expensive it becomes. And sometimes competition will help too.

    One thing I see here in the western states for RV protection are buildings with metal or wood roofs, and open sides and ends. Or perhaps one or more sides are solid in the direction of prevailing winds and storms. Many owners of those buildings add open weave fabric sides. Like sun screens. Allows wind to pass though for the most part. Stops most rain and snow. Gives shade.

    Much less expensive then a walled enclosure. Does require a little more proactive work by the owner to keep it from damage. For instance, in a wind storm, the 'walls' may need to be rolled up.
  • T18skyguy's avatar
    T18skyguy
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2017
    I just installed a 40 by 14 by 12 RV cover. 12 gauge tubing and 26 gauge steel for $5,949. A four man crew took only 3.5 hours to finish it. It covers my 32 foot rig with room to spare. The back is enclosed, and one complete side enclosed, and the opposite side down 5 feet. You need to know your layout and how the sun travels. No more plastic tire covers. No ventilation issues. The one mistake I made is I got a dark color which gets hot, but I'll paint it next year a lighter color. You'll love it and no more sun or rain damage
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2017
    Mr.Mark wrote:
    Mile High wrote:
    If you can garage it, it sure makes it easy! No worries about closing curtains, covering tires, or even locking it. Don't stop with just a roof :)

    I rent a garage, and even at $100/month it will never pay back in value of the coach, but I just like keeping it in good shape.


    $100? Do you have an electrical connection? Is it gated/camera'd?

    MM.
    No electrical in the bay, but some on the outside we can use for occassional use. no gate or camera, just individual garages with electric doors, dirt floor. Also 88 miles away, but the price makes it OK. Around here, something in a garage with gates and electric is over $400.
  • Sprink-Fitter's avatar
    Sprink-Fitter
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2017
    ncrowley wrote:
    If you can build a structure with a roof, you should build it with 3 sides. If at all possible, have the open side facing North.


    Why not four sides as long as you're building three?

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