Forum Discussion

jmanatee's avatar
jmanatee
Explorer
Sep 22, 2023

5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding

I tried to search this but cover returns a million things.

So we live in SW NH and snowbird in FL but due to work, we can't leave until Dec 1st

We can get several snow storms before we depart and I wont dive with any snow on the roof (weight and illegal) So after each storm I like to clear the snow to keep it from compacting and freezing. This can become a lot of work with many storms and I worry I will damage the roof or roof fixtures.

I have tried "run the heat to 80 and it will melt" it doesn't here

I have an ADCO cover that came with the 5th wheel but I am nervous to put it on because I fear it might be impossible to get off. Possibly freeze to the roof. or become very stiff heavy.

Any thoughts
Seeking Advice
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Sep 22, 2023
    Thoughts? First world problems.
    Solutions? Cover it, clear snow or go put it in covered storage for a month r 2 if it’s that concerning.
    Or strap a tarp over it you can just pull off and go.
    Personally, barring a huge buildup of snow/ice, you’re being finicky since the other 10 million trailers that hit the roads in the winter just let the snow blow off of them. Besides it’ll all melt off in a day r 2.
    Or quit looking at the Famers Almanac…
  • Mfan's avatar
    Mfan
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2023
    Can you find indoor storage for a short time? Maybe a couple of beach balls under a cover so snow would slide off?
  • cummins2014's avatar
    cummins2014
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2023
    The cover will just complicate the matter , getting the snow off the cover would probably be harder to do than the roof itself , plus the fact you most likely will ruin the cover . I’ve had the same issue here in Utah , I get right up there , and sweep it off with a heavy push broom . IMO just stay ahead of it .
  • spoon059's avatar
    spoon059
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2023
    I vote for indoor storage for a month or so. We are fortunate to have a Carolina Carport that our camper sits under. I've left for Florida in the snow before and thanks to the carport didn't have any accumulation on the roof when we started.
  • hotjag1's avatar
    hotjag1
    Explorer II
    Sep 24, 2023
    If it was me, I would strap a tarp over it like Grit Dog said. It would be easy to pull the snow off of the tarp with a push broom and then pull the tarp off the roof when you get ready to head south.
  • jmanatee's avatar
    jmanatee
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2023
    Grit dog wrote:
    Thoughts? First world problems.
    Solutions? Cover it, clear snow or go put it in covered storage for a month r 2 if it’s that concerning.
    Or strap a tarp over it you can just pull off and go.
    Personally, barring a huge buildup of snow/ice, you’re being finicky since the other 10 million trailers that hit the roads in the winter just let the snow blow off of them. Besides it’ll all melt off in a day r 2.
    Or quit looking at the Famers Almanac…


    This is from experience in my area, The snow doesn't blow off or melt off.. I have to remove it as each storm occurs (a pain) or just before leaving (way worse). We often get several inches to feet before dec 1 so I would never try to drive with that much snow on the roof.
  • jmanatee's avatar
    jmanatee
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2023
    Mfan wrote:
    Can you find indoor storage for a short time? Maybe a couple of beach balls under a cover so snow would slide off?


    We are very rural here, We have looked for short term indoor storage within one hour travel time. Most are booked out or want you committed to the season.

    We have plans to eventually build a Car/RV port...
  • jmanatee's avatar
    jmanatee
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2023
    cummins2014 wrote:
    The cover will just complicate the matter , getting the snow off the cover would probably be harder to do than the roof itself , plus the fact you most likely will ruin the cover . I’ve had the same issue here in Utah , I get right up there , and sweep it off with a heavy push broom . IMO just stay ahead of it .


    Thanks for the info. I have always done it from the sides on a ladder, How slippery is the rubber in winter?
  • jmanatee's avatar
    jmanatee
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2023
    spoon059 wrote:
    I vote for indoor storage for a month or so. We are fortunate to have a Carolina Carport that our camper sits under. I've left for Florida in the snow before and thanks to the carport didn't have any accumulation on the roof when we started.


    That's probably where we will have to get to eventually but the cost are very high post covid.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Sep 24, 2023
    jmanatee wrote:
    cummins2014 wrote:
    The cover will just complicate the matter , getting the snow off the cover would probably be harder to do than the roof itself , plus the fact you most likely will ruin the cover . I’ve had the same issue here in Utah , I get right up there , and sweep it off with a heavy push broom . IMO just stay ahead of it .


    Thanks for the info. I have always done it from the sides on a ladder, How slippery is the rubber in winter?

    The rubber isn’t any more slippery, but the snow and ice is the same as anywhere else you might walk on it….
    I’ll presume you’ve never covered it before. A frozen rv cover will not come off easily especially with a buildup of snow and some freeze thaw/ice on it.
    Not to mention how to deal with it once it’s off and wet/frozen.
    Since you said covered storage isn’t an option, Either sweep the fresh snow off it a few times potentially like you said you already do, or put a plastic tarp over the roof. And find something else to worry about besides a little snow blowing/melting off the roof when you leave town.

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