Snowing here and

pnichols wrote:
Given no leaks in an RV's roof ... it's not rain, snow, or sleet that ages or damages it.

It's the sun's UV rays that ruins painted surfaces, dries out sealants, and rots materials that age and damage it. Keeping your RV out of the sun as much as possible during either long camping stays or long storage periods - is a number one priority in extending the roof's and sidewalls' life. Also, sitting hour after hour in the sun during the warm months when not being used - in which the interior temperatures rise to high temperatures - also dries out interior adhesives and slowly heat-rots interior materials.

The sun is not an RV's friend - unfortunately so for those owners who must camp with their RV out in the sun for solar power - although roof solar panels do shield the roof areas right under them from UV ray damage.

Move to somewhere it rains snows or sleets most of the year, mostly rain.
Whether it leaks or not, it aint great for it.
No leaks I’d take rain over sun though for less damage, you’re right.

When you have snow on the roof, the rain that falls gets soaked up by the snow and it gets extremely heavy. 1" of rain can equal over a foot of snow. If a TT or RV is outside, I would recommend clearing the snow so that the water runs off. I have a metal carport for my TT's0 also.

ppine wrote:
RVs are not meant to be outside.
That is like saying boats are not supposed to be in the water.
My RV lives outside, and is ready to go any time.
Sometimes I take it out in winter and leave the anti-freeze in tact. Sometimes I sleep in the backyard in it.

I don't have a sailing boat. But, I do have a 1973 Silverline Comoro speed boat. Boats are not meant to get water in them. The required insulation that keeps them from sinking to the bottom absorbs water after awhile and the boat gets wet and heavy. (Weird ain't it) And, the wood work gets rotten too. Best to keep them in a shed when not in use.

Given no leaks in an RV's roof ... it's not rain, snow, or sleet that ages or damages it.

It's the sun's UV rays that ruins painted surfaces, dries out sealants, and rots materials that age and damage it. Keeping your RV out of the sun as much as possible during either long camping stays or long storage periods - is a number one priority in extending the roof's and sidewalls' life. Also, sitting hour after hour in the sun during the warm months when not being used - in which the interior temperatures rise to high temperatures - also dries out interior adhesives and slowly heat-rots interior materials.

The sun is not an RV's friend - unfortunately so for those owners who must camp with their RV out in the sun for solar power - although roof solar panels do shield the roof areas right under them from UV ray damage.

ppine wrote:
RVs are not meant to be outside.
That is like saying boats are not supposed to be in the water.
My RV lives outside, and is ready to go any time.
Sometimes I take it out in winter and leave the anti-freeze in tact. Sometimes I sleep in the backyard in it.

I don't think anybody said they are not meant to be outside. It's just better for them long term to be stored inside when not in use. Same could be said for your car or truck, even your boat would appreciate being taken out of the water once in while :)

Dan

I think all you guys need to come to Arizona!! I got cold just reading these posts. LOL
Although I will admit all this sun is taking its toll on the paint job.

RVs are not meant to be outside.
That is like saying boats are not supposed to be in the water.
My RV lives outside, and is ready to go any time.
Sometimes I take it out in winter and leave the anti-freeze in tact. Sometimes I sleep in the backyard in it.

A 1500 sq ft outbuilding is next on our list for Home Improvements... not too worried about winter weather since it usually melts off here pretty fast, but the sun can sure do a number on a trailer parked outside. Oh and the hail :-P

One year we had a heavy wet snow that set in the roof of the shed for weeks and would not slide or melt off. After a few weeks of constant pressure the shed could no longer take it and collapsed on everything inside of it.

ExxWhy wrote:

ScottG wrote:

ExxWhy wrote:
I'll agree, the covered storage prolongs the life expectancy greatly. Ours is a 2013 and looks brand new.

That is sweet!
How big is it?

Thanks! 40X44 plus the 10' overhangs on the sides. Of course I wish it was bigger, but it's adequate. :) Added bonus is I don't have to winterize the trailer, shocked me that it never gets below 33 inside without heat. Lot's of insulation! Warms right up with just a small wood stove.

For anyone on the fence about building something for the RV, DO IT! Well worth it in the long run.

Officially green with envy! :) Still noodling out some kind of plan for a shop behind the house but hampered by suburban living when I grew up VERY rural.