Covers. Who uses them? Who doesn't?

[GravelRider]

I bought a new travel trailer this month and am considering whether I want to cover it or not. I live in northeast Pennsylvania and the trailer is stored outside at a self-storage facility. It comes with a small 50 watt solar panel, which is nice because it always keeps the batteries trickle charged when sitting, as there is no place to plug in when it is stored. However, if I cover it, that negates that benefit. How much difference does a cover make? And for those of you who cover yours, do you keep it covered between each use? Or just when it is stored for the winter? I do envision covering this thing a giant PITA, and since we plan to use it at least a couple times per month spring through fall, that's a lot of covering and uncovering.

[Tullbooth]

I've had my trailer for about a month, and I just bought a cover off Amazon. Wife and I plan to build an RV port but that'll take a few years so the cover is "for now" option. I figure that buying a cover and using it until I have something better is better than nothing at all. Here in New Mexico, the sun is brutal so I'm focused on UV protection. As has been pointed out, the choice is yours. I made the best choice for me so I don't feel the $230 will be a waste, even if it's in the dumpster in a couple of years.

[patperry2766]

Cover mine and I get about 3-4 years in the Texas sun. I get mine on Amazon for about $150 and I can live with that.

[trappg]

I have used a cover on the 3 campers I have owned. They're cheap insurance to keep your camper nice and clean and less leaks and dry rotted roofs to worry about. The covers will last about 4-5 year before they are too brittle but imagine the wear you have saved on your unit. With a cover I wash my TT only once or twice a year and a lot of times it's only because I picked up bugs while towing. I can safely have my cover on/off in 10-15 minutes. I definitely advise a cover.

[MitchF150]

GravelRider wrote:
I see this clearly is not a universally agreed upon answer!

Nothing is universally agreed upon here! 🙂

I cover mine, but that's my choice and it works for me.

Good luck! Mitch

[K_Charles]

I used a cover one time. It snowed then a layer of ice then a chance to go away. What a pain getting the cover off. I guess if you don't want to use it until spring a cover might work but you can't use it with the cover on. The sun will shine and the rain will fall on it all the time it's being used.

[falconbrother]

Have never used a cover and never plan to. The ones that use covers where I store mine turn to rags in no time. I just wash the TT 4 times a year and scrub the roof with a mild soap.

[azdryheat]

Every cover I've ever used has fallen apart in less than a year (AZ sun and wind). At $400 or so per cover I don't use them any more.

[midnightsadie]

I,d cover #1 stops leaks,#2 keeps the sun off.if possible put up one of the cheap bldgs .can,t see spending all that money and not protecting it.have a guy down the street new truck 50k new boat 45k both outside in the drive, garage full of stuff he don,t know what to do with it.if your rv is outside in the weather it,ll show in 6months.

[GrandpaKip]

No cover. It’s too windy here, especially winter and I don’t believe a cover would last.
The spot where it’s parked is shady, so sun really isn’t a problem.

[kellem]

I initially liked the idea of a cover but had an extremely wet winter several years ago and trailer was like a greenhouse with mildew, terrible.

Haven't covered since and will not.

Our new trailer stays plugged in, slides out year around now....we like that better.

[GravelRider]

I see this clearly is not a universally agreed upon answer!

[Grit_dog]

It's proportional. The less it is exposed to rain and UV, the less damage and degradation will happen.
And the less sun, and wind the cover is exposed to (and the tighter it fits and care taken when installing) the longer a cover will last.

And the more care taken with maintaining the camper, the longer and better it will last.
And if you put it in a bubble it will look like new 100 years from now and if you park it in Death Valley, it will look 100 years old 3 years from now.
Cover costs, what, $300? Avg lifespan 3-5 years? Say 3.
Is it worth $100/year to protect it from the elements?

Millions of people don't garage or maintain their cars either. Does that mean its bad or not worth it to do that? Nope, just means millions don't care or cant' afford to garage their cars....

[Dick_B]

Search this Forum for `RV Cover' and read lots of previous posts including mine.

[Hannibal]

I covered ours yesterday as we don’t have any trips for the next eight weeks. I believe they make a difference but man what a hot miserable ornery dangerous thing it is. Just heavy enough to be cumbersome yet light enough that the slightest breeze turns it into a sail. Once this one is torn to shreds, I’ll probably skip it from then on.