Covering a truck camper AFTER a snow?

[AlaskaDude]

Hello,

We recently (about 2 weeks ago) bought a 2017 Adventurer 86FB truck camper that was uncovered here in Alaska. It had about 4 inches of snow on it, and we've since brushed all the snow off (as much as we can at least), and have purchased a camper cover. My question is this - is it a bad idea to cover it for the rest of the winter? It's consistently between 50 below zero and 20 above zero right now; never above freezing. I only ask because when the thaw does finally occur, I feel having it covered will keep moisture in. Any thoughts on this?

Thank you in advance!

[JimK-NY]

Now I am even more confused. First I do not understand putting a tarp over a snow covered camper. Next, I don't understand the need to shovel off the top of the camper.

[srschang]

A few years ago we had an early snow in November, I hadn't had time to cover the truck camper. Same as a couple others here I decided to cover it (with a tarp, always covered it with a tarp & bungee cords for the 16 years I owned it.) So the tarp went over 4 or so inches of ice and snow. A few weeks later we had a couple sunny mid 40s days in December, so I pulled the tarp off to let it thaw/dry out. Guess what - the roof of the camper was bone dry. Must be a lot more air circulates between the cover and the roof of the camper than we think.

[jaycocreek]

Bradymydog wrote:
I'd be more concerned about damaging the roof trying to remove the snow than any snow trapped between the roof and cover.

Exactly,do you know how many vents I have replaced in the last 5 years from damage removing snow...Answer...To many...The small amount of snow on the roof when covered will cause no harm...A good cover is heavily vented and the snow will melt without causing harm..Snow that has been up there thawed then frozen again Is hard to remove making damage removing it more probable..

I shoveled mine yesterday then broomed it and there's still snow up there in hard to get areas,I wouldn't hesitate to put a cover on it now except I'm going to use the TC shortly..

[Bradymydog]

I purchased the best cover based upon reviews - gold something or other - it is not waterproof, it's only purpose is to keep the camper clean and avoid UV damage which it does well. I'd be more concerned about damaging the roof trying to remove the snow than any snow trapped between the roof and cover.

[ticki2]

AlaskaDude wrote:

JimK-NY wrote:
Snow under the cover? Why use the cover at all?

Minimal snow... just what I can’t brush off. The reason I’d prefer to put the cover on still is because anticipate we’ll get at least another foot of snow this season.

If the temps are consistently below freezing I don’t see what harm any new snow will cause . I would not want to trap snow under the cover . What purpose at that point would the cover serve ?

[Gary_Morency]

I would put it on then down the road when the weather gets warmer and sunny remove it and let the roof dry. Then throw it back on till you need the camper for a trip.

[AlaskaDude]

JimK-NY wrote:
Snow under the cover? Why use the cover at all?

Minimal snow... just what I can’t brush off. The reason I’d prefer to put the cover on still is because anticipate we’ll get at least another foot of snow this season.

[AlaskaDude]

Thank you guys! I’ll just make sure it’s fully brushed off and put the cover on. I appreciate the advice.

[JimK-NY]

Snow under the cover? Why use the cover at all?

[jaycocreek]

Agreed,I just shoveled my TC roof today for the second time in a little over a week..If I was too put my cover on,I would do the best I could at removing the snow first then put it on..Won't hurt a thing..

[billtex]

Kind of had same situation here. New cover arrived late, after first snow. I covered it. These things are made to be outdoors so shouldn’t hurt anything. I am pretty sure that initial snow has melted under the cover from sun light and just run off. Cover will keep any new snow off going forward.
Not best situation, but what are you going to do?!