Cover for trailer

NCMODELA wrote:
Sorry for the delayed response I was in Kentucky doing some work... Do you guys put your cover on once you are done for the season or between the trips you take. Assuming I take a trip once a month

Depends - where is it parked? In full sun? Under trees? It literlally takes me 30 minutes, and mine is parked in storage. I cover it. Although you can try it for a month and see how it works out. Comes down to personal preference.

We use a 20' x 30' silver tarp only during the winter. Using 1" ratchet straps on all the grommets keeps it from flapping in the wind and it protects the trailer from tree sap, falling small limbs, etc. Obviously it would help prevent leaks as well, and not totally covering the sides, there is plenty of air circulation to prevent condensation problems. It's easy to loosen one strap if you need to get into the trailer. I got the tarp and straps from Harbor Freight and total cost was less than $80, much more economical than a cover if cost is a consideration. I feel that it works just as well and the tarp held up very well, can't even tell it has been used.

Sorry for the delayed response I was in Kentucky doing some work... Do you guys put your cover on once you are done for the season or between the trips you take. Assuming I take a trip once a month

Covering an RV to prevent a leak is not a good reason to cover it. You have to fix the leak.

I cover my TT to protect it from the UVs from the sun year-round and snow in the winter.

I've been down all three paths over the past 25 years, uncovered, custom cover (we went the tyvek route),and tarp. The worst set up was the custom made cover - was always sopping wet even underneath it. Now we use high quality tarps that are white on both our fiver and our TC. We keep them up off the EPDM so ventilation occurs between the tarp and the roof membrane and we allow air to pass up around the edges. The tarps have been lasting about 2-3 years longer than the custom covers.

This has turned out to be the best set up for us and has saved boatloads of money in cover cost (not customized to fit) and the rigs and roofs seem to hold up quite well. The multiple grommets allow for a good secure tie down. Different folks will have different results and benefits from other set ups.

When I first started this process of using tarps about 25 years ago, I used bungees but was getting scratch marks on the side-- so we stopped that immediately and went to parachute cord and wrapped the grommets with duck tape to prevent any additional scratching from rubbing.

Been going down this road for quite a while and it has worked best for us

I've been using a basic, BIG (20x30) tarp for years. On my 2nd or third one in 10 seasons. No damage to the TT that I can tell... Big reason why? I secure every grommet hole on the tarp to something, using mostly bungee cords. That prevents the tarp from "flapping" against the TT.

Having said that... I do wish I invested in a custom cover. Fit better, and provide access to interior of TT. I say that every year... and every year I put the tarp back over it.

A properly installed cover will damage your TT. Have been using an ADCO cover for over two years. Helps to keep the TT clean between uses. The white top on the cover reflects the sun and keeps inside temps down. Mine is parked in the Florida sun. You don't have to remove the downspouts - just cut up a pool noodle and cover them. Cover the door stop as well, and other sharp edges with bubble wrap. The ADCO's instructions provide an easy method to cover/uncover. When covered, you simply unstrap it, go up top and pull up the sides, folding them to the middle. Then get down on the ground and pull the cover into a clean plastic garbade can at the back of the RV, folding it accordian style. You may need to get on the ladder once or twice to free it from vent pipes, but a pretty painless procedure. Once its in the pail, put the lid on it and store. When your ready to recover, simply pull the cover up and over the RV from the rear as the front will be on top. Then let the sides down and secure it with the straps underneath. Store your plastic garbage can inside the TT. Not really painful at all when you think what your getting from covering it. But - a cover won't necessarily help prevent water damage.

Tequila wrote:

Mr. Camper wrote:
We use a custom made ADCO. Best on the market.

Probably not. These are custom made to fit your RV and are supposed far superior to Adco. I have a quote of about $650 for my 23 foot trailer.

Longer warranty than Adco

http://www.calmarkcovers.com/

Nice thing is I will be unable to zip open the section around the slide if I need to get at things inside.

One man's opinion.

Mr. Camper wrote:
We use a custom made ADCO. Best on the market.

Probably not. These are custom made to fit your RV and are supposed far superior to Adco. I have a quote of about $650 for my 23 foot trailer.

Longer warranty than Adco

http://www.calmarkcovers.com/

Nice thing is I will be unable to zip open the section around the slide if I need to get at things inside.

I've been wondering the same thing, if covers are worth the price? My TT is in direct sun during storage but is also subject to high wing regularly