Forum Discussion

tnrv_er's avatar
tnrv_er
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2016

to cover or not to cover

We have a KZ TT with a metal roof that gets used every other week from April - November.

We live in middle TN.

My question is; should I buy a cover and cover it in between trips?
I'm concerned about the sun beating down on the camper all day. KZ says the camper is made to withstand the elements.

Seems covers like Adco would be a pain in neck to put on and take off.Also we live on a hill where it fets pretty windy at times, so I'm concerned about damage from the cover due to wind.

What do you folks do, cover no cover?? An RV port isn't an option right now.

27 Replies

  • tnrv'er wrote:
    We have a KZ TT with a metal roof that gets used every other week from April - November.


    Curious as to which year / model of KZ you have as KZ for years used a TPO roof membrane, still does AFAIK.

    We live in middle TN.

    My question is; should I buy a cover and cover it in between trips?
    I'm concerned about the sun beating down on the camper all day. KZ says the camper is made to withstand the elements.

    Seems covers like Adco would be a pain in neck to put on and take off.Also we live on a hill where it fets pretty windy at times, so I'm concerned about damage from the cover due to wind.

    What do you folks do, cover no cover?? An RV port isn't an option right now.


    I've always used an ADCO cover on any trailer we've owned that couldn't be stored indoors but only for winter storage as it's just too much work to put on and take off during the camping season. Of course recreational vehicles are built to be outside but that doesn't mean any won't benefit from any additional protection you can offer, be it a garage, barn, carport, underground parking, etc. Unfortunately those aren't practical options for many of us so a breathable cover is the next best option. ADCO does offer Top Covers that would be a lot easier to install and remove than a full cover yet offer roof protection.
  • I cover our Southwind during the winter.
    We get a lot of winter wind, I have never had any damage from the cover rubbing.

    It's not difficult to install, at least for me. I wouldn't install the cover for a few weeks. Keep your rig clean and waxed, you'll be okay.
  • For previous posts on this popular subject search this Forum for `rv cover' then search the results for `sunshield' which is what we use when not camping.
  • For previous posts on this popular subject search this Forum for `rv cover'. I think most RVers think of the covers that envelope the entire outer surface of the RV. The pictures look nice but I can't imagine how difficult it must be to install it, remove it and store it.
    We use a Sunshield tarp that covers the entire roof and overlaps part of the sides, front and back depending on the size of the tarp that is used.
    We hold it down with ropes connected to old boat fenders half filled with sand. The sand provides weight and the vinyl material does not scratch. The ropes are long enough so that the fenders (some call them bumpers) hand down below the gelcoat surface.
    Removing it is easy. Just disconnect the fenders and pull it down. We stretch it out on the lawn and fold it up like the sailors do the mainsail, accordian style and bundle it.
    Putting it on requires me to get on the roof, pull the bundled tarp up via a rope and unfold the accordian bundle front to back. It takes about 15 minutes.
    In the winter we put the black side up to absorb heat and in the summer put the silver side up to reflect heat.
    Not sure how many more years my Wife will allow me to climb on the roof (age 77) but it works for now.
  • I tend to agree, no cover. Is it on a seasonal site or at home?

    As long as you reseal the roof every season I think you should be fine no cover. Maybe cover during the off season but that's it.
  • Covers and wind, not a good idea!

    On/off, yes a big job!

    In your case, I'd say no cover.

    Jerry