Wasted rv covers

Not installed properly. Needs to be lashed down tight. Used a cover for three winters. Just got to be to tough to put it on by myself. Plus I have frequent power outages in my neighborhood in the winter, so the dog and I move into the motorhome so that we have heat, light and a stove. Can't do that with a cover on.

We had one on our Fifth Wheel. Had to constantly adjust the buckles on the straps. It stretched every time the wind got rough. Third season it gave up. The corners, on top had green growth each year under them. We padded the corners when we put it on.
Anyone who has wrestled one onto the top and deployed it knows how heavy it is.
A heavier version ,of the Sunbrella or whatever it is, might solve some problems.
They seem well designed but weather takes a quicker toll when it is exposed constantly ,for months, at a time.
Not sure how the stretching of the material could be solved. Probably can't. Just have to keep tightening them but not too snug.
Maybe parking it on the southeast or lee side, of a building, or tree line might help it.

My covers last several years held down with four sand half-filled boat bumpers. The cheap blue ones won't last long.

If the cover is installed and fastened properly, it won't come off.

Plus I have frequent power outages in my neighborhood in the winter, so the dog and I move into the motorhome so that we have heat, light and a stove. Can't do that with a cover on.

Sure you can, if you have one with a zipper on the side approx where the door is.

gbopp wrote:
If the cover is installed and fastened properly, it won't come off.

Never owning one myself, then there are a lot of people not following instructions very well. Either that or the covers just don't fit properly. There is one guy in the lot who has ropes & bungee cords going everywhere. It blows like a sail but his has remained on for a couple years. Though there are signs of tearing in places.

The biggest thing that would bother me is the damage I've seen from these covers rubbing on painted surfaces in the corners where tied up. We've seen some nice MH's with paint damage from covers rubbing and tearing.

I understand the reasons for them, but causing damage by using these seems like a lesson in futility. We've considered buying one, but after seeing the problems first hand I'd rather find a place inside to keep it out of the elements. Now if I could only find someplace reasonable.

et2 wrote:

gbopp wrote:
If the cover is installed and fastened properly, it won't come off.

Never owning one myself, then there are a lot of people not following instructions very well. Either that or the covers just don't fit properly. There is one guy in the lot who has ropes & bungee cords going everywhere. It blows like a sail but his has remained on for a couple years. Though there are signs of tearing in places.

The biggest thing that would bother me is the damage I've seen from these covers rubbing on painted surfaces in the corners where tied up. We've seen some nice MH's with paint damage from covers rubbing and tearing.

I understand the reasons for them, but causing damage by using these seems like a lesson in futility. We've considered buying one, but after seeing the problems first hand I'd rather find a place inside to keep it out of the elements. Now if I could only find someplace reasonable.

I've used a cover about seven years.
We do get a lot of winter wind in our area however, I've not had any damage to the paint or trim on our Southwind.

If you live in an area with a lot of sand, I'm sure you will get damage.
You do need to replace the light cords that come with the cover with a heavier rope.

Yes, a garage is the best way to protect a RV.
I'll continue to use a cover (until I can build a garage or other structure.)
I think it's worth the little effort it takes to install one.

I notice most of the posters on this thread are from the eastern half of the US. Well us living all lives in Penna. until 11 years ago and now wintering in Yuma, AZ. Covers out here last approx. 3 months during the summer months. New folks leaving their fivers or TT's think covering is the cat's meow. Seasoned vets tell them, "don't bother". Saw one guy buy a high end cover for his Montana. I came back in the fall and it was shredded, wrapped around different parts of the trailer. I asked the manager who stays there all year how long it was in one piece. He said "it did make it from April-August in one piece, but then the brilliant sun and wind took it's toll. It now sits there year round uncovered and looks no worse for the wear. Also, when the winds blow and the dust works it's way under the covers, 3M would be happy to have sandpaper work that good.

I tried one for a couple of months. It got it's first tear about a month in. I just didn't like having to cover the FW because I felt a little dizzy on the roof pulling it up. For me, it wasn't safe.

I had my first cover for 6 years before i replaced it because of sun damage ( got thin and dry from the weather). My new one i just removed and it was perfect. They need to be installed and cinched down properly along with padding all corners and edges.