Cover or not to cover?????

You need to use it in cool places in the summer! :) It's in the 70's in Show Low, AZ right now. If you have yours at a storage facility you might even want to think about storing it in the AZ mountain towns. Rent might even be cheaper. Many 'valley' folks do that.

A tarp will be a huge kite, nothing you will be able to do to keep it down. Tying it most likely it will shred in the monsoons, mine did. I have tried it in other applications here in AZ, doesn't work. I used the ADCO covers during the summer as we do not camp between the big 2 weekends. Though even with the heavy duty ones they only last one season, the heat kills them. I do the CW "warranty" so that every other year it is "free" so in essence I get them for a little over half price. This year I need to try another more durable brand. I've looked at some that others use here on this forum and their samples don't look all the much better at over twice the cost of the ADCO. So far this year it is uncovered.

I feel we need to cover in the summer months here (only if you don't use it) but I am out of ideas on what to use.

I wouldn't use a tarp. They make RV specific covers to prevent moisture buildup underneath the cover.

Honestly, the BEST option is a metal Carolina Carport (or other brand, that's just the one I have). Relatively low cost and WAY more durable than a tarp or RV cover, easier to use (meaning you will actually use it every time), less risk of damage to your roof etc.

I tried an ADCO cover one year. Spent a ton of time timing it down, and still had several rub marks due to the high winds we get in our area. I wouldn't use a cover again. If your area of AZ gets less wind, maybe you will be ok.

You could search this Forum for `rv cover' and read on and on. But in your case I would get a Sunshield tarp (or equivalent) and lay it on the roof with the silver side up. The gallon jugs will work to hold it down.
The silver side will reflect much of the suns rays and the air space between the tarp and roof will act as insulation.
I like your idea.

joelyn wrote:
My question is in regards to the roof, it is a TPM rubber roof and the trailer is a 2008.

No such animal as "TPM" ... if it's a rubber roof it's EPDM, if it's vinyl it's TPO. Either way, if you don't want to use a full body breathable cover ADCO offers Roof Covers which would be a far better choice than a non-breathable tarp.

Get a cover that's for your camper, it will breathe and help block the sun.

I don't believe it would be a problem if you used a light color tarp. Wind will be your enemy.