Who covers there rv for the winter??

[Tkotis5]

We live in Illinois and get some bad weather I was reading on some of the other forums people don't recommend covering, once its winteriz we won't use it till spring we bought used and want to protect if it's a good idea

[Jim_Shoe]

I "cover" mine with a storage building that I bought from the township where I live. Bought it cheap and added vented gas fired furnaces that keep it at 45 degrees in the winter. The township where I live sold it (cheap) because it "rained" inside. They didn't know enough to replace the unvented space heaters that produce condensation.

[rockhillmanor]

Tkotis5 wrote:
We live in Illinois and get some bad weather I was reading on some of the other forums people don't recommend covering, once its winteriz we won't use it till spring we bought used and want to protect if it's a good idea

I am from Illinois also. The incredible high winds and cold weather we experience in the winter makes it real difficult to prevent the covers from flapping and ripping and/or rubbing on the RV.

My MH sat thru many of winters in my driveway un covered and has done well. The only thing I learned was to NOT brush the snow off the cab over decals during the winter. The underside of the snow had melted and froze somewhat and I did put too much pressure on the brush.

Come spring I noticed I had made the edges of the decals all raggedy from brushing it.

[ron_dittmer]

Our RV cover protects nicely against the elements, rodents, raccoons, thieves, and even freezing temps.....our under-the-house garage HERE.

But getting serious now, have you considered a nearby pole barn or warehouse that is being used for boat and RV storage? Since much manufacturing left the country, and retail space always becoming available, some of those underutilized buildings are available for RV storage either permanently or temporarily, some seasonally. A local farmer with a huge pole barn might charge you an affordable rate. Spend 15 minutes on the internet and see if anything in your area is found. You might be surprised how affordable indoor storage might be. It is for only a 4 month period. Some storage is heated, some with electric available for a battery tender. I personally would go cheap and find a non-heated place, park the rig, place rodent traps inside and under the hood, take the batteries home and not worry about running the generator and main engine during those 4 months.

Go on Craigslist right now and search for "RV Storage" and see what comes up. I quickly found some around me like this one HERE, and HERE TOO. Some are repeats, most are outdoors but some are indoors. Consider it as a rider on your insurance policy and it won't sting so much.

I feel that indoor winter storage is especially for those who have a pile of money tied up in their motor home.

[EMD360]

Plastic clamps are a great idea. Thanks.

[elfhearse]

Winnebago Aspect 2013, my Winterization ritual FWIW:
Also use a Cover (ADCO Tyvek brown & tan) Make sure you pick a day where the WINDS are forecast to be calm to install it.
* Drive up on wooden boards to keep the tires off the stones.
* Pull the Ford battery and keep it in my garage on a CTEK tender.
* Pull the K&N air filter and cover intake with plastic wrap & tape.
* I use plastic clamps along the side to underbody trim to keep the cover secured all around the RV as the Winter winds can shred the cover if it is allowed to flap loose. (outside storage lot parking)

[EMD360]

Our cover is a Classic Accessories 80-128-151001-00 Overdrive PermaPro Heavy Duty RV Cover for 20' to 23' Class C RVs ordered through Amazon.
We bought it last year and unfortunately wore a hole in the front from the sharp underside of the bumper, even though I tried to cover the sharp edges with tape and bubble wrap. Turns out we had excess material in front which made it difficult to tie and allowed rubbing through the material.
This year we pulled the excess to the rear. It seems to result in a much better fit. The former front hole is now at the side over a tire and there appear to be no rubbing points. It gets very windy here in Colorado but there was no problem keeping the cover on and it is relatively easy to access the RV with the many zippers it has on the corners and sides.

[ronfisherman]

Mine is cover when it will not be used for a month or more.
Cover was bought in 2006. Cover is still in good shape. It is a CalMark.

[Cobra21]

Tkotis5 wrote:
tobydad why do you put plywood under the tires this is are first rv we just got it in August so any suggestions will be a big help

Plywood under tires are a good choice if you are parked on concrete outside in snowy or constant wetness. Pro longed concrete and water give off a chemical reaction that tires don't do well with for prolonged periods of time. I once had a travel trailer parked on concrete without moving it for four years, only the bottoms of the tires were wasted.

And yes RV covers are a good choice, just as parking in a garage is better than outside.

Brian

[midnightsadie]

run your gen set before you cover put stabilizer in the fuel and let run 15min or so, it,ll be just fine. take a chance on roof leak or cover its your choice. and if you wanna get in diring the winter ,just cover half way down.

[korbe]

We purchase a heavy duty tarp and rope it down each fall. Works fine.

[ugh]

When I lived in IL, I bought a cover for my Class A. It provided a great cover for raccoon to live under the cover and the raccoon chewed through both of my roof AC plastic cover. When it was windy, some area of the cover were rubbing against the body and damaged it despite the fact I tied it down real good. Also, it is heavy. You will have to get it on the roof and then spread it to cover it and you have to do this form the roof. Never again.

[Bobbo]

[ol__yeller]

I have always covered my rigs when in winter storage. I also have never had an issue with decals or paint rubbing off. Here in the Great Northwet we do get occasional windstorms in the winter but not heavy snowfall like back East. What my cover protects from are leaks (if one develops), and mold and slime that our wet dreary winter often brings. It also keep fallen leaves from staining the roof.

It does limit how you can exercise the mechanicals during storage. I can run the generator and the chassis engine by simply lifting the cover from around the generator and the radiator in front and watching the gauges while it runs enough to charge the batteries and exercise the slip rings in the genny.

My current cover does occasionally move and hit the ground. I worry that it may give rodents an avenue into the rig but so far that hasn't been an issue. I guess if they really want in, there is always a way to get in.

I have health issues so I have to rely on help from my son in law to remove the cover. Once it is off, it will stay off until the next winter. My RVs stay nice and clean all winter long and they make Spring cleanup very easy.

[Dick_B]

We do too. Search this Forum for `rv cover' to read previous posts.