My wife and I purchased a new Keystone Cougar TT this spring and are storing it outdoors. While this has been an unusually nice spring and summer around here, fall is just around the corner and with it comes the legendary rain that Seattle is famous for. I received a flyer in the mail from Camping World announcing a sale on Elelments brand RV covers. They offer two models: the "Elements All Climate" and the "Elements Premium All Climate" . Which model is most appropriate for the continuous rain and drizzle we experience around here? Are there other brands of RV covers to consider? I have also heard that covering is not good for the trailer, as any moisture trapped between the cover and the trailer will result in mold. Would appreciate your input before I order a cover from Camping World.Thanks!

Leo Smith wrote:I have also heard that covering is not good for the trailer, as any moisture trapped between the cover and the trailer will result in mold.Use a plastic tarp and sure you'll trap moisture but use a purpose designed breathable cover and you won't. I'd only not winter store our trailer without a cover if I was storing it inside a building, otherwise every trailer we've owned has worn an ADCO breathable cover each winter ... wouldn't ever considering not covering it.

I asked this very question when we purchased our TT trailer this spring. The gentleman giving the walk through told me there was no reason to buy a cover that covers the entire trailer but just throw a tarp on top as the roof was the only part that really needed covering.Of course, we get more snow than rain over the winter and its not very humid here in CO.

I guess the real question is what happens if you do not cover it? Will it get excessive sun, will it get enough rain to overwhelm the gutters, if covered will it trap more moisture than the cover vents can handle and do other covered items that are outdoors gather mold and mildew? Also consider that they are not covered by the factories or the dealer when they sit on their lots.Here in Indiana, I cover ours because it reduces the ice and snow build up, I park in a pine grove and it keeps the leaves and needle off, we do not have a moister problem but it is often early winter before it is parked.

I bought a nice cover for our FW from Camping World. It was an absolute PITA to put on and take off. I was such a project to put on and take off, that we avoided going out for some short weekend trips because of it. One time while putting it on, it snagged on the antenna and ripped. Another time, I nearly fell off the roof while pulling it up. It ripped in the wind. I threw it in the trash after six months. I'll deal with the faded decals if and when that occurs.

A garage or carport is the best protection. If you don't have that available, use a cover.

To Cover or Not to Cover? | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

gbopp
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
A garage or carport is the best protection. If you don't have that available, use a cover.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
I bought a nice cover for our FW from Camping World. It was an absolute PITA to put on and take off. I was such a project to put on and take off, that we avoided going out for some short weekend trips because of it. One time while putting it on, it snagged on the antenna and ripped. Another time, I nearly fell off the roof while pulling it up. It ripped in the wind. I threw it in the trash after six months. I'll deal with the faded decals if and when that occurs.
rbpru
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2015
I guess the real question is what happens if you do not cover it? Will it get excessive sun, will it get enough rain to overwhelm the gutters, if covered will it trap more moisture than the cover vents can handle and do other covered items that are outdoors gather mold and mildew? Also consider that they are not covered by the factories or the dealer when they sit on their lots.

Here in Indiana, I cover ours because it reduces the ice and snow build up, I park in a pine grove and it keeps the leaves and needle off, we do not have a moister problem but it is often early winter before it is parked.
AJBert
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
I asked this very question when we purchased our TT trailer this spring. The gentleman giving the walk through told me there was no reason to buy a cover that covers the entire trailer but just throw a tarp on top as the roof was the only part that really needed covering.

Of course, we get more snow than rain over the winter and its not very humid here in CO.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Sep 14, 2015
Leo Smith wrote:
I have also heard that covering is not good for the trailer, as any moisture trapped between the cover and the trailer will result in mold.

Use a plastic tarp and sure you'll trap moisture but use a purpose designed breathable cover and you won't. I'd only not winter store our trailer without a cover if I was storing it inside a building, otherwise every trailer we've owned has worn an ADCO breathable cover each winter ... wouldn't ever considering not covering it.

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To Cover or Not to Cover?

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