Cover or not to cover

We had a 5th wheel for 10 years. We covered it for 8 years before having a garage big enough to put it in. DH was careful to add padding to stress places so there was no rubbing in the wind. Our cover allowed him to check his "trap lines" for mice.

Super_Dave wrote:
For those that build, what did you figure the break even point of building versus paying for covered storage was? After getting some bids on a RV port style cover with 1/3 sides, it was a 9 year break even.

I paid $2400 for mine and we anticipate staying in the house for 12 years from the time it was purchased. That makes it $200 a year for covered storage. I have no clue what it would cost to get covered storage, but I know that outside storage in my area is about $225 A MONTH for a 35' camper. That place is 17.6 miles away in a sketchy neighborhood. It would take less than 11 months to recoup my costs vs UNCOVERED storage in my area. That doesn't include the increased resale value on my camper because its cleaner, less sun damaged, doesn't have any water leaks, doesn't have moisture issues because I can keep windows open year round to equalize moisture, etc.

For $17 a month I park it under cover in my side yard. Peace of mind is worth it. In 6 years when we sell the house, if the carport isn't wanted by the new owner its pretty easy to disassemble and scrap, or I can offer it for free to someone to come and move it if they want it. Recycled asphalt millings can easily be scraped up and transported away. It'll be like it never existed.

COVER COVER COVER COVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cant stress this enough, cover it.
RV are build so cheaply. Water damage is for sure.
I have seen so many RVs ruined due to just a little water damage.
Water damage is expensive.

UV rays also destroy.
UV rays get inside the window, ruin fabric, or ruin the closed curtains. Ruin carpet...

They make covers for RVs? Who knew? ;)

kellem wrote:
Covered for years without issue until we had extremely damp winter and spent many hours cleaning up mildew on roof and interior.

Fast forward.....we now leave trailer uncovered, plugged up, slides out, furnace set at 40* and rub 303 on roof and exterior every 2 months.

Trailer stays fully stocked so we can take off anytime, much much better.

We’re kinda impulsive about our travels too. ????

For those that build, what did you figure the break even point of building versus paying for covered storage was? After getting some bids on a RV port style cover with 1/3 sides, it was a 9 year break even.

Yep, I'd want my trailer to have all this stuff on it after a winter in the NW and parked under trees.. :)



I cover mine.. :)

Good luck! Mitch

bukhrn wrote:
Now I know we don't all have the same options, but if you have the option, I'd build, (or have built) a metal car port, (or RV Port if you wish), mine is 20x40, no longer worry about sun, rain, or snow, best investment I've ever made for the RV.

Same, metal Carolina Carport that I just back the trailer underneath. Keeps the roof and sides dry, sun and leaves off the roof. Slide is out all the time, hooked up to 15amps all the time to stay charged. Camper stays much cleaner and looks newer longer, which should increase resale value.

No hassle of covering/uncovering. Easier to pack/unpack in inclement weather. If it snows before our February Florida trip, doesn't affect the trailer. $2400 delivered and assembled. It will work out to less than $200 a year when we sell the house. Who knows, the next owner may see the carport as an added bonus too!

Covered for years without issue until we had extremely damp winter and spent many hours cleaning up mildew on roof and interior.

Fast forward.....we now leave trailer uncovered, plugged up, slides out, furnace set at 40* and rub 303 on roof and exterior every 2 months.

Trailer stays fully stocked so we can take off anytime, much much better.

For previous posts search this forum for `RV Cover' and read on and on. In summary, some do and some don't. We use a sunshield tarp as posted previously many times.