Travel trailer covering when parked at home

jfkmk wrote:
I've used an adco cover now for 3 years. I only put it on during the winter months. Protect the cover from sharp edges with foam (swim noodles or foam pipe insulation) and they will last longer. Mine takes around 30 minutes to install.

Where do you put the noodles - what sharp edges do you mean? We just purchased an ADCO cover for our new 2014 Jayco 266RKS and plan on covering it this winter when we are in Florida and not using it. The cover has vents and we want to protect it from the hot Florida sun.

Angela

Army11Bravo wrote:

CaveRun, that's a great looking covering. Where did you buy it? Is it a local company, or was it shipped to you?

Thanks!

The name of the company is Metal-Max... I ordered & paid for it from a local dealer, then they sent a crew of 3 from Tennessee to install it.

We have a lot of carport dealers in our area... I went to 2 different places... First question I asked was: ''If I pay for it now, how long will it take before someone comes out to install it.''

The first place didn't want me to go ahead and pay the whole price, they only wanted me to pay 20%... The guy told me it would be installed when they sell 5 carports in the County I live in, and said it could take 6 months... So, I left.

Went to the next one sold by Metal Max... They let me pay the full price and said the guys will be out in 3 days!

Took the pontoon fishing yesterday... Hooked the truck up the evening before and left the pontoon under the carport to keep the dew off of it... Came home, backed the pontoon in the carport and put the truck in the garage... I really like the carport!

ricskinner wrote:
What do you suggest as a reasonable cost covering that will keep the roof clear and yet "breathe" so not to cause moisture issues?

If you figure that a fabric cover is a pain in the neck to install and will likely only last 3-4 years on average, if you plan to keep the trailer, or any trailer, for longer than 10 years than I would argue that a metal carport is affordable.

It has been my experience that most people get real tired of fighting with the cover and trying to cover in between trips, in wind, rain, etc. It quickly becomes a chore that a lot of people abandon.

A carport is simple. You back underneath it and walk away. Rain doesn't matter, wind doesn't matter. Its not going to be ripped, its not a fight to put on/take off.

The OP is looking for a reasonably priced option to cover... the carport is just another option.

I think everyone would put up a structure if they had the property to do so, but for thise of us that do not, a cover is the way to go. Not really a pain to install or store. Follow the excellent directions that come with the ADCO cover for great tips on covering, removal and storage of the cover.

I've used an adco cover now for 3 years. I only put it on during the winter months. Protect the cover from sharp edges with foam (swim noodles or foam pipe insulation) and they will last longer. Mine takes around 30 minutes to install.

I used a GoldLine for 4 winters. It finally ripped and wasn't worth replacing or utilizing the warranty as I plan to replace the TT.

All good advice and things to consider. While our camper won't be actually parked UNDER the pine trees, the good winds we get blow the needles far and wide. I can sweep the driveway one day and not see the surface the next day because it's recovered with needles. Therefore a cover of some sort will be necessary.

Yeah, I would cover it if you are parking it under trees... ;)

This cover is over 9 years old, so it's done it's fair share of protecting the trailer! :)



When the needles and cones collect on the top, I don't worry too much about it.. If it stays dry for a few days, I can usually blow them off with the leaf blower, but usually, it's not a big deal..

Mitch

I went to the Satellite Google Maps and looked up Sturbridge, MA. It's a small community stretched out over a large area, surrounded by thickly forested trees. I zoomed in with the Satellite image to see if I could find ANY RV's parked on any property. I found one on Fiske Hill Road.

Looks to me like the OP has no choice but to park under pine trees ... my goodness that's a forested area. And as far as putting up a shelter, building, cover? I couldn't find very many properties in an open enough area to erect a shelter for an RV or a property big enough to put one up, unless the OP chops down trees.

After looking at the satellite imaging of that area, I certainly understand why the OP wants a cover and is asking for advise on what's best.

CaveRun has a great cover, much like we did and expanded to fit my little car, his small RC hauler and some assorted stuff. However, not everyone has the space, dollars ($1600 vs $300), and possibly a HOA with a dislike for these covers. We had an Adco the first year we had our HTT and after 6 years it had only a couple very minor scuffs and we included it with the sale of the HTT.

I wouldn't want to put a cover on and off between trips, but for winter it's about a 30 minute or so project - read the instructions thoroughly BEFORE you start. Now, those pine trees.....any other choices? They aren't exactly known for being sturdy in heavy snow, not to mention the pine needles. If you have no other option, suggest you keep the sturdy step ladder handy and a soft bristle, long handle brush and do the best you can. Camping World usually has a good sale about now on covers and they include tire covers at no charge. They can tell you which cover you need for your area and the size when you give them your make and model. A good investment. Tarps are just asking for scuffing the finish and contributing to moisture...not a good idea.