Tarp over RV cover roof for winter

[RVA_Jeff]

I will most likely need to park my fifth wheeler in a location under some pine trees for the winter. I will definitely be using an RV cover but I'm curious what you guys think of also putting a tarp over just the roof portion.

My logic is that it will a) protect the cover itself a little and b) provide a little more protection for the roof should a branch come down. I realize the cover needs to be able to "breathe" I'm just trying to provide a little more protection than a fairly thin RV cover.

What do you think?

[Oasisbob]

Could be a window leak you are not aware of. If it were me I would buy a heavy silver tarp and cover atleast half way down. One trick I learned is to hang milk jugs of water on the eyelets of the tarp to eliminate or greatly reduce wind flap. Why spend big bucks on a specialized RV cover? I also learned to use wood poles with hooks on the ends to bring the tarp across the roof from down on the ground. Bungee cords on jugs & else where also help in the wind. Best of luck

[naturist]

May I suggest getting a crop-cover tarp from a farm supply place? Like Tractor Supply Co. Or Southern States. They are both water repellant and UV resistant, but let your stuff breathe as well, so you won't find a moldy mess come spring. The ones I've seen are white on one side and silver on the other side. They are on the high end for plastic tarps, but heavy weight and intended for covering things in the sun.

[gbopp]

I also put a tarp over the top and then install a cover. We get a lot of wind in the winter.
I've never had any damage.
Make sure you tie it down well and use heavy rope or straps.

[blofgren]

ScottG wrote:
That's what I have done for 12 years. First I put a plastic tarp on that goes about 20" down all sides and then I install my ADCO cover. Keeps the roof dry no matter what that way. No damage either.

I'm going to buy a new ADCO this year and I'm hoping the newer roof material they have is more water proof.

Do you not get a lot of condensation under the tarp? Last year I used an Adco cover with empty laundry baskets set upside down on the roof for an air space and still noticed a lot of condensation at times. I actually had mildew on the roof when I removed the cover, but luckily I was able to get it off. The problem is that we get so much rain here condensation is inevitable after a while.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do this year. I'm currently looking at some indoor storage places because I'm thinking of going back to that route. The problem is that they're not cheap!

[RAS43]

If you are in a windy area I wouldn't do it. I have seen tarps/covers damaged around here with our crazy winter winds.

[fj12ryder]

Seems to me a tarp is stiff and pretty rough. Might be hard on the roof where it goes over the edge. That's if you've got a rubber roof of course. I wouldn't do it myself.

[ScottG]

That's what I have done for 12 years. First I put a plastic tarp on that goes about 20" down all sides and then I install my ADCO cover. Keeps the roof dry no matter what that way. No damage either.

I'm going to buy a new ADCO this year and I'm hoping the newer roof material they have is more water proof.