Wasted rv covers

[et2]

Just at the storage yard today. We've had a day or so of fairly strong winds. Three RV's covers were shredded. And laying on the ground in two pieces. One you could tell was brand new.

See this every year. I wonder why people spend the money on these. It always ends up the same way - left uncovered.

[dodge_guy]

I got 6 years out of my last Addco cover. it should`ve been 5, but I pushed it for another year and the cover was getting thin and week. the cover was about $250 and indoor storage was $400 for the winter. $250 for 5 years or $2000 for 5 years? makes more sense this way! yes a cover isn`t indoor storage, but for the price difference makes it a worth while investment.

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Habemus Quattro wrote:

Fresno Tundra Driver wrote:
Used properly a good cover is worth its weight in gold. Just look at all the faded rv's with peeling or missing decals. Our 2003 has been covered 95% of the time when not in use and it still looks almost new. People not using covers of some sort are in denial. JMHO.

What kind of cover do you have and how long does it last? I had an ADCO sunbrella cover that worked well for the first year, but by year two the sun had beat the fabric up so much that it was about as strong as notebook paper. You could tear it with very little force. I'm on the fence as to whether I should replace it.

I can usually get 2-3 years out of a cover. I don't use blue tarps. I usually can get an ADCO or Classic cover on the internet for $90-150 which in my opinion is cheap protection from sun damage. I'd rather have the UV damage done to my cover then to the rubber roof and other parts like the plastic AC housing. You can find a cheap replacement.

[Habemus_Quattro]

Fresno Tundra Driver wrote:
Used properly a good cover is worth its weight in gold. Just look at all the faded rv's with peeling or missing decals. Our 2003 has been covered 95% of the time when not in use and it still looks almost new. People not using covers of some sort are in denial. JMHO.

What kind of cover do you have and how long does it last? I had an ADCO sunbrella cover that worked well for the first year, but by year two the sun had beat the fabric up so much that it was about as strong as notebook paper. You could tear it with very little force. I'm on the fence as to whether I should replace it.

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Used properly a good cover is worth its weight in gold. Just look at all the faded rv's with peeling or missing decals. Our 2003 has been covered 95% of the time when not in use and it still looks almost new. People not using covers of some sort are in denial. JMHO.

[dodge_guy]

My trailer comes out just as shiny and clean as when i parked it. Been good for the last 7 years. I would think it is just the opposite, without a cover you have all that dirt and sand blowing against your trailer like a sandblaster! 6 of 1, half dozen of the other! Just sayin.

[wa8yxm]

et2 wrote:
Just at the storage yard today. We've had a day or so of fairly strong winds. Three RV's covers were shredded. And laying on the ground in two pieces. One you could tell was brand new.

See this every year. I wonder why people spend the money on these. It always ends up the same way - left uncovered.

I can make it even better/worse.

When the wind got under those covers and started flapping them around it very likely carried "GRIT" with it which had much the same effect as sandpaper on the finish of the RV's they were supposed to be protecting...

When I got my rig I listened to folks who KNEW what they were talking about, and thus left the cover... On the dealer's shelf.

[Bigdog]

Several years ago,the DW suggested we get a cover for the MH and I wasn't too sure I wanted one. I looked at several different ones and also looked at the weights. I showed her the weights and how much one of the lifts cost.That did it and the fact that I have acrophobia and hate ladders. If I have to go up on the roof of the MH,I do everything I have to do,before I come down.
As to using blue tarps instead of a regular cover,I bought a 16' x 40' blue and silver one for my '99 Wilderness 27X and used it on the '05 Cougar 304BHS that we purchased after that till we purchased the MH in '10. I asked the folks that bought the Cougar if they wanted it and they took it and still use it. That's a total of 14 years and they're still using it. I got it on sale at Home Depot for about $45.

[Oaklevel]

It gets so windy here covers are a waste of time & money (cheaper to build a metal cover for it).
Of course one night thought we would loose the metal building the wind was blowing so hard.

[dodge_guy]

I had my first cover for 6 years before i replaced it because of sun damage ( got thin and dry from the weather). My new one i just removed and it was perfect. They need to be installed and cinched down properly along with padding all corners and edges.

[TucsonJim]

I tried one for a couple of months. It got it's first tear about a month in. I just didn't like having to cover the FW because I felt a little dizzy on the roof pulling it up. For me, it wasn't safe.

[bobsallyh]

I notice most of the posters on this thread are from the eastern half of the US. Well us living all lives in Penna. until 11 years ago and now wintering in Yuma, AZ. Covers out here last approx. 3 months during the summer months. New folks leaving their fivers or TT's think covering is the cat's meow. Seasoned vets tell them, "don't bother". Saw one guy buy a high end cover for his Montana. I came back in the fall and it was shredded, wrapped around different parts of the trailer. I asked the manager who stays there all year how long it was in one piece. He said "it did make it from April-August in one piece, but then the brilliant sun and wind took it's toll. It now sits there year round uncovered and looks no worse for the wear. Also, when the winds blow and the dust works it's way under the covers, 3M would be happy to have sandpaper work that good.

[gbopp]

et2 wrote:

gbopp wrote:
If the cover is installed and fastened properly, it won't come off.

Never owning one myself, then there are a lot of people not following instructions very well. Either that or the covers just don't fit properly. There is one guy in the lot who has ropes & bungee cords going everywhere. It blows like a sail but his has remained on for a couple years. Though there are signs of tearing in places.

The biggest thing that would bother me is the damage I've seen from these covers rubbing on painted surfaces in the corners where tied up. We've seen some nice MH's with paint damage from covers rubbing and tearing.

I understand the reasons for them, but causing damage by using these seems like a lesson in futility. We've considered buying one, but after seeing the problems first hand I'd rather find a place inside to keep it out of the elements. Now if I could only find someplace reasonable.

I've used a cover about seven years.
We do get a lot of winter wind in our area however, I've not had any damage to the paint or trim on our Southwind.

If you live in an area with a lot of sand, I'm sure you will get damage.
You do need to replace the light cords that come with the cover with a heavier rope.

Yes, a garage is the best way to protect a RV.
I'll continue to use a cover (until I can build a garage or other structure.)
I think it's worth the little effort it takes to install one.

[et2]

gbopp wrote:
If the cover is installed and fastened properly, it won't come off.

Never owning one myself, then there are a lot of people not following instructions very well. Either that or the covers just don't fit properly. There is one guy in the lot who has ropes & bungee cords going everywhere. It blows like a sail but his has remained on for a couple years. Though there are signs of tearing in places.

The biggest thing that would bother me is the damage I've seen from these covers rubbing on painted surfaces in the corners where tied up. We've seen some nice MH's with paint damage from covers rubbing and tearing.

I understand the reasons for them, but causing damage by using these seems like a lesson in futility. We've considered buying one, but after seeing the problems first hand I'd rather find a place inside to keep it out of the elements. Now if I could only find someplace reasonable.

[pompomgirl]

Plus I have frequent power outages in my neighborhood in the winter, so the dog and I move into the motorhome so that we have heat, light and a stove. Can't do that with a cover on.

Sure you can, if you have one with a zipper on the side approx where the door is.