Hi, I'm new to forum. Just bought our first travel trailer this weekend and had a successful test run. It's a smaller 26 foot travel trailer that I plan to park in my driveway.I wondering how to protect this travel trailer while it sits in my driveway. I found a local dealer that installs carports and said it would be $2100 to install a RV height carport into my concrete driveway. I don't know that I want anything that permanent there.I saw a few places that sell covers for your RV that you drag over top of them when you get home. They seem to sell for about $400. I thought that might be a good way to keep the sun and rain off the travel trailer while it is parked. Anyone have experience with them? Are they good to use? Waste of time and money? Are there some type or features that I want to make sure to get? Is there a better place to buy them?I just want to make sure that I protect my investment in a way that makes sense so I can keep it in better shape over the coming years. Any input would be greatly appreciated.Side question: is there anything else I need to do to store the travel trailer in my driveway? Run electricity to it? Solar panel for battery, etc?

I don't know about covers but if your converter is a smart charger I would leave it plugged into your house power to keep the battery up. Just check the battery water level every 3-4 months.

I've used ADCO breathable covers on every full height trailer we've owned BUT only for winter storage ... just way too much work to install / remove on a regular basis. JMO, but just $2100 for a carport is a no brainer.

SoundGuy wrote:I've used ADCO breathable covers on every full height trailer we've owned BUT only for winter storage ... just way too much work to install / remove on a regular basis. JMO, but just $2100 for a carport is a no brainer.I agree with this, they are a pain on/off, a couple times a year is bad enough. Go with the port.One other thing about regular covers, they don't like wind. I quit using one, just tired of fighting the wind, especially in the winter time.Jerry

If you were closer I would give you the cover I have.......for free.They are fine for sun and rain; the problem is wind. Mine is completely unattended and a couple of spots rubbed holes in it during storage, I assume mostly because I left it too loose.I have decided that they are designed to live in the elements and I'm going to have mine professionally washed once a year (about $50) and not worry about it.P.S. If you are sure that it won't upset the neighbors, I think you should seriously consider the "carport" option. And yes, keep the batteries charged up. And run the generator once a month......which might take care of the batteries too.

If you park under trees it makes sense to cover it makes sense to cover in the winter for snow and ice. It makes sense for long term storage in direct sun,Sandy with wind conditions. But on a daily basis, on and off, NO. It's a lot of work, not worth it Regardless, the cover needs 5o be very tight or wind blowing will cause it to sand paper the finisy, which is worse than no cover at all.I use to cover but no more. Too much work and we use 5he camper too much in the winter too. No advantages for me and I line in a Northern snow state.

Driveway Storage & Travel Trailer Covers | Good Sam Community

Jarrett
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016
Thanks for all of the info!
RavensFan24
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016
I'm with RoyBell, if you're going to do it...do it right. Go as big as you can within your budget and you'll be happy you did in the long run. Never know how big the next trailer is, what you'll want to do under there in the future, etc... Being able to work on the roof while under cover is a huge advantage as well. Especially if you were in FL like me.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jul 12, 2016
Jarrett wrote:
How much taller does the car port need to be? My trailer is supposedly 10 foot 1 inch according to the spec sheet. Does that mean go 11 foot tall? 12 foot tall?
The carport will be higher in the center. For my 10'6" rv I went with 10' sides. This meant I had to be spot on in the center to clear the a/c. I ended up putting treated 4x6's under it for 4" more clearance. I would go with 12' sides but 11' would work.

Like another poster said you can raise the height in the future if necessary.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
Jarrett wrote:
I think I will go with the 12 foot option.

If I buy a bigger one in the future, I'll just have to store it somewhere.

if this is just a cover, no ends, it would certainly be possible to raise the roof later.
bumpy
Jarrett
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
I think I will go with the 12 foot option.

If I buy a bigger one in the future, I'll just have to store it somewhere.
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
humblerb wrote:
Park the tires on plywood. Get them off the cement floor.

Urban myth.
There might be more acid in the plywood than the cement.
RoyBell
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
Personally I would make it tall and wide enough to

a) raise antenna
b) be able to walk and work on the roof
c) fit possible future rigs
d) open slides for maintenance, living, etc

But I go by overkill on everything.
humblerb
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
Park the tires on plywood. Get them off the cement floor.
MFL
Nomad II
Jul 11, 2016
DP
MFL
Nomad II
Jul 11, 2016
Jarrett wrote:
How much taller does the car port need to be? My trailer is supposedly 10 foot 1 inch according to the spec sheet. Does that mean go 11 foot tall? 12 foot tall?

I would make it 12' minimum, but best to go 14' to cover that new fifth wheel, when you bring it home.

Jerry