Is a cover necessary ?

[CavemanCharlie]

I keep my TT inside a shed but, a friend recently bought a used TT and has no place inside to store it. I recommend a cover and told him to read up on here to choose a good one .

Today has asked me "What is I just store it outside over the winter without a cover" ?

I really didn't have a answer for him. I told him that it would probably be harder on his rubber roof but, truth be told, his TT sets outside all summer with nothing over the roof. Would over winter be any worse ?

He just bought the TT for $3500 and it ;including the roof; are in great shape. Is it really worth it for him to spend the money on a cover ? Wouldn't a 1995 $3500 TT last just about as long without it ?

Give me some reasons to tell him as to why he needs one.

Thank-You

[colliehauler]

I leave my seasonal uncovered in Northern Minnesota all year round. I do plan on replacing the roof in another year or two because of age.

I personally feel if your futher South the sun is more intense and can damage the roof and caulking along with the plastic from UV rays and a cover would be more beneficial.

My RV I keep in Kansas is kept in a covered shed when not in use and looks like new. Graphics look like new as well as the roof and plastics.

[DutchmenSport]

In the past we covered, then we didn't, then we did, then we didn't. Why?

Well, if you use the camper over the ice and snow months (like we did), then putting on and taking off that cover when it's covered with snow and ice is a very hard job. After the first time removing and it laden down with ice, and then you get it off the camper, and then figure out where to put it to dry out, well ... too much work.

So, those winters we planned the week of Christmas to Florida or South Carolina, we did not cover. Those years we stayed home all winter (Indiana), we covered. ..... until ... the RV simply got too long. Now at 41 feet long, we don't cover any more. BUT ... we also winter camp now too. Covering is just way too much in zero degree weather and 6 inches of snow on the ground and on the roof already!

If you plan on using the camper over the winter months, it's a LOT of work. If planning to store the camper only, covering is a good thing.

[nypatnva]

I keep my trailers (3) covered (roof area only) when not in use year around, only because I don't want any surprises when I need to use them. Better to have it and not need it. jmho

[ScottG]

I agree with Liberty Man.
If you want to keep it nice over the years, use a cover.
Another benefit is RV's like to suddenly start leaking. If it's got a good cover on it, you wont be surprised by a rotting mess in the spring and will hopefully find any leak druing use - before it's catastrophic.

Dealers dont keep anything around long enough to care about protecting them so that's not any argument.
BTW, there's almost nothing a dealer does that I would do.

This is what my 2004 Wildcat looked like after 13 years of covering (and waxing every year).

[BobsYourUncle]

I've often pondered that point myself...

The single biggest reason I can think of to not have a cover is the wind. Although the material may be soft, I would think wind would be an issue. Not from the standpoint of keeping the thing on, but rather for potential damage from constant rubbing on the finished surfaces.
Wouldn't take long for it to start leaving rub marks.

[cavie]

How many covers do you see at an
rv dealer?? That should answer your question.

[pianotuna]

No cover for me. My first Class C was from 1987--no problems. My second one from 2005 also has never had a cover. Zero issues.

[LibertyMan]

Necessary no, preferred yes. There is no doubt, from my own personal experience (I have done it both ways) that keeping one covered will keep it cleaner, seals and rubber in better shape, and decals from fading. Keeping one uncovered just requires more preventive maintenance and cleaning. So pick your poison, spend money on a cover and spend time taking it on and off after each use, or spend your money and time doing a little more maintenance. Just my opinion. Also, the longest I have ever gotten out of a cover is 5 years. Usually they last me about 4 years. Funny, because that is when the warranty ends on them. Go figure...

[gbopp]

He doesn't need one, it's a personal choice.
Many leave their rigs uncovered in the weather all year, especially fulltimers.

The important thing is to inspect the roof a couple times a year and do any needed maintenance.

I think a cover is a good idea (a garage is best). If your friend keeps up with the inspection/maintenance, he will be okay leaving it out in the weather.