Covering and Cleaning

Yes to an RV cover. No to a tarp. RV covers breath so moisture doesn't collected under the cover. A tarp will collect moisture on the under side.

If it is windy where you are a cover may not be a good idea. In 30 years we have never covered a camper. (Past trying & loosing a couple covers to wind damage) We would have to buy a new cover 2-3 times a year. A metal carport cover is the next best way to go.

Ron3rd wrote:

eichacsj wrote:
IMO I strongly recommend covering and like downtheroad states use a cover meant for RV's. I will say they are a PITA so we only cover when it is going to set 2 or more months.

X2, and I have a LOVE-HATE relationship with trailer covers. I love how they keep the rig nice and clean, but HATE putting it on and taking it off!

Same here. We park our TT in the back yard under oak trees. And we take a lot of short weekend, sometimes even one-nighter, trips during the season. There is no way I'm going to mess with a cover every time.

What I really wish we could do is install one of those aluminum carport structures. However, where we have to park our TT is a short 4' or 5' from the property line. Our city ordinance will not allow one within the 10' setback limitation.

I do wash the roof 2 or 3 times per year, as well as the trailer 3 or 4 times per year. But our trailer is now 20 years old, and we bought it 18 years old. So we are not going to be as diligent as someone with a new trailer. We will never buy a new trailer parking where we do.

Thanks for all the info.

CarnationSailor wrote:
Here is a con regarding cover use that I haven't seen mentioned on a forum.

If you live in the Pacific Northwest or any other rainy climate, you are going to have a substantial amount of algae/mildew accumulate on the cover over the winter. (The plus is that it is on the cover, not your RV.) So in the Spring, you have the problem of cleaning and drying as much as 1000 sq. ft. of cover before putting it away. Many of us don't have the area to layout the cover for annual cleaning, etc.

I have cleaned it before taking it off the rig. Dried it as best as possible. No problems so far!

Great Info!! I am liking this website and forum!

Here is a con regarding cover use that I haven't seen mentioned on a forum.

If you live in the Pacific Northwest or any other rainy climate, you are going to have a substantial amount of algae/mildew accumulate on the cover over the winter. (The plus is that it is on the cover, not your RV.) So in the Spring, you have the problem of cleaning and drying as much as 1000 sq. ft. of cover before putting it away. Many of us don't have the area to layout the cover for annual cleaning, etc.

eichacsj wrote:
IMO I strongly recommend covering and like downtheroad states use a cover meant for RV's. I will say they are a PITA so we only cover when it is going to set 2 or more months.

X2, and I have a LOVE-HATE relationship with trailer covers. I love how they keep the rig nice and clean, but HATE putting it on and taking it off!

DallasSteve wrote:
Here's another newbie with questions. Can you cover the RV while you are living in it and does that help to reduce AC/heating costs as well as protect the roof? I know there may be an A/C unit on the roof. Do the RV covers allow that part to be exposed to vent its heat?

NO!

Here's another newbie with questions. Can you cover the RV while you are living in it and does that help to reduce AC/heating costs as well as protect the roof? I know there may be an A/C unit on the roof. Do the RV covers allow that part to be exposed to vent its heat?