Forum Discussion

plasticmaster's avatar
plasticmaster
Explorer
Jan 18, 2019

Travel trailer storage question

I have a choice of storing my camper under trees (mix of pines and hardwoods) or out in the open away from trees. Which of these 2 options would be better for my camper and camper roof? These are my only 2 options. I'm not nimble enough to fight with a fabric covering and hard coverings like a shed is not an option. I live in Columbia, SC with hot humid summers and mild humid winters. We get snow about once every 3 or 4 years and it's gone after a day or two. The trailer is a 2016 Forest River Vibe 308bhs. Which of these 2 storage options would be better in my situation? Thanks.

29 Replies

Show More
  • George3037's avatar
    George3037
    Explorer
    Jan 18, 2019
    I want to do a carport for my TT but cost is out of the budget (almost 6K for a 24'W x 36'L x 12'H). For this winter I bought a 12 mil 15'x30' HD tarp with grommets every 18" on each side. Covered the TT and hung 1 gallon jugs of water (1/2 full) and nylon rope on each side.
    I'm still shopping for an RV carport at a better price.
  • marcsbigfoot20b's avatar
    marcsbigfoot20b
    Explorer
    Jan 18, 2019
    Tree branches falling, sap, bird droppings, pine needles, pine cones, lightning strikes, squirrels........

    or

    Sitting in the sun, depending on how intense the sun is there.

    Mine sits in the sun in Phoenix Arizona.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Jan 18, 2019
    You mentioned not being able to do a fabric cover, would a carport be feasible? If not in the open would be my choice as well but UV does a lot of damage. You will also need to check the sealant on the roof twice a year because sun dries it out which can lead to water intrusion. Probably would be wise to cover the tires as well because of UV damage.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer III
    Jan 18, 2019
    of the two choices in the sun is IMHO the lesser evil. In our community RV lot, there are a few spots under trees. Trailers parked under the trees not only get lots of stuff on the roof doing no good, but way more black streaks and debris and dirt on the sides. They are the least desireable spots and generally go to the newest members who as soon as another spot opens up in the sun, try to snag one.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 18, 2019
    In the open for me too.
    As someone who camps under tree's often, the build up of pitch, debris and stick and branches falling on the roof would be a negative for me.
  • _1nobby's avatar
    _1nobby
    Explorer
    Jan 18, 2019
    I bought my TT when it was 6 years old.
    Parked under pine trees for most of it's life.

    I probably cleared 5 lbs. of pine needles from that trailer on the initial clean up. And the roof was BLACK BLACK.

    Parking under the trees did it NO favours.
  • troubledwaters's avatar
    troubledwaters
    Nomad
    Jan 18, 2019
    There is no good choice, each choice has pluses and minuses. Pine sap, sticks and fallen branches - bad. Direct sun every day - bad. Pick your poison.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,051 PostsLatest Activity: Sep 25, 2025