Is it wise to invest in a cover for my TT?

[ellibri]

I am able to store my TT on my property. I have winterized it and I am interested in feedback regarding covering it for the winter. It is not in shelter of any kind and it is behind the house facing south with the sun beating down on it.

It is our first TT and were able to use it this year and a BIG thanks to this forum for everything I have learned so far, you all have helped make it a fantastic experience! If it helps, it is a 24' Ameri-Lite SS. Thanks in advance!

[ol__yeller]

We covered our last TT after a winter under fir trees turned everything green on the TT. The next 4 years turned the outside of the cover green but kept the TT clean and pristine under it. It was a middle of the road Adco cover. After 4 winters I felt it still had at least another 2 winters to go. I never had any scratching or wear because of rubbing but I also made sure it was down as tight as I could get it. We did get a couple of hellacious wind storms but I never had any damage.

The only downside I found was that I didn't use the cover year round because of the difficulty I had putting it on and taking it off. This is probably due more to my physical abilities than any flaws in the cover design. It did require someone to get up on the roof and pull the cover over the edges. I usually only covered it after I winterized it. My cover had the zippers at the doors so that allowed access to the TT to check for unwanted trespassers of the 4 legged variety during winter storage.

I firmly believe that keeping my TT covered and well maintained were the reasons why I got top dollar when I sold it. I am currently looking for a cover for our new (to us) RV for the upcoming winter.

[jfkmk]

I cover my tt each winter. It's now 3 years old and looks brand new. Before covering, I give it a good wash to make sure no dirt under the cover will scratch it. I use foam pipe insulation on the sharp corners and The cover has held up very well.

[BossCamper]

I think the talk about paint and/or decals being damaged by covers is an urban myth.
I don't recall anyone talking about that first hand, but rather thy read, or heard about it.
One good tip is to cut slits in tennis balls and put them on the gutter extensions. It will keep the extensions from cutting the corners of the cover.
Our cover is actually designed for a motor home longer than our trailer (by almost 6 feet) so I have to roll the excess up and tie it on the tongue, and it doesn't have a zipper door, which I wish it did, but I got it for $126.00, so I'm not going to complain much.:) I can actually loosen the tie rope and there is enough room to squeeze into the trailer if I have to.
This will be the 4th year (second trailer for it) and it's still fine.
We cover ours because where we have to park it is under trees, and I like the extra (double fabric in the roof) protection from small branches, ice dropping, etc.

[EcoBullet]

ellibri wrote:
I am able to store my TT on my property.

Is a carport an option? Considering life expectancy of the covers, it might be cheaper, less hassle, and would eliminate the chance of scratching.

[gbopp]

I think a cover is a good idea.
A garage is a better idea but, obviously, much more expensive.
I cover our Southwind and have not had any problems with the cover rubbing the paint.
And, we get a lot of winter wind in my area.

[ScottG]

I have covered mine since new and it still looks new. The graphics aren't faded or peeling and the RV shines like new.
The more you can keep it out of the sun and rain the longer it will stay new.
I've been using an ADCO cover for 10 years and it has held up well enough.

[tenbear]

I have never covered my RV and have had no problems.

[lanerd]

About the only problem I'm aware of with covering rv's is the movement of the fabric on the painted surface. If any dust or sand particles get under there, it will scratch and maybe even remove the paint. However, being in Kentucky, I'm sure you have winds, but no so much dust and sand. So, based on that, I would think a cover would be a good thing, especially if you get a lot of snow and rain. Protecting your investment is a good thing.

That said, I would only purchase the absolute best cover with the softest interior I could find. Some have reinforced corners.

Be aware however, that even the best will probably only last two to four years. Make sure you get one with a zippered access door to allow you inside if needed.

Good luck

Ron