covering a fifth wheel

The Florida summers are VERY different from California. Used to store mine in a storage lot and the ones left uncovered are not nice to look at.

Yes - cover it by all means. If you properly cover the sharp edges and use the straps to secure it, you won't have a problem with wind damage. I'm sure it won't protect it in a Hurricane, but that kind of damage is what ionsurance is for.

I use an ADCO cover with a white top. Temps inside the covered TT are noticeably lower when it is covered.

If you put a good wax job on it before storing it, it will look like it did when you covered it upon uncovering.

I never experienced mold issues during storage.

Hey it's about time you found the RV forum! Ditto on the tyvek cover, they breathe somewhat so don't they trap mold and mildew underneath. Also be sure to fasten it securely, wind whipping the cover around can wear the paint off of corners and cause damage to trim and accessories. I just got done fixing a major water leak on our slideout and am considering a cover for next winter.

Welcome back to the 'ville! Been lonely at breakfast on Fridays!!

Unless you have someone taking care of your fw while you are away, I would also think about the possibility of a tropical storm or hurricane. If the wind gets hold of your cover, it will act like a big sail.

I used to belong to the school of "no covering" but when we picked up our used Alpenlite I decided to cover it (first out of necessity until I had time to do some repairs). Very glad I did! No mold issues or abrasion issues so far. Don't think I would ever "not cover" my rigs again unless I could afforded covered storage! :)

First of all, mold and mildew wont hurt the roof - it's just ugly. But it shouldn't have an issue with that anyway if you get a good cover. I suggest one with a Tyvek top to keep it dry.
Unless the cover can flop and move around it's not going to hurt the finish either. I've been covering our trailer since new and it has never hurt it. In fact the whole RV still looks like new including the graphics.
The more you can keep it out of the weather the longer it will last.

Our 20 year old 5th wheel spends most of it's time in a storage lot about 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles California. Direct sun all day with no cover. I wash it each time we take it somewhere and I have it waxed every couple of years.

It still looks like new when it's washed. Never have used a cover for it. I do cover the tires to prevent UV damage.