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!

[myredracer]

I don't understand why anyone would say fading decals and graphics aren't a problem. I've seen a TON of RVs in CGs with badly faded decals and graphics. Many owners have pulled them all off, only to left an obvious outline of where they used to be which looks almost as bad. By the time the original ones have faded too much, it's probably unlikely that you'll be able to buy a new set to match the originals.

UV rays are your enemy and a cover will help a lot, not to mention keeping water out and airborne dirt, dust, tree droppings and pollutants off the exterior. 303 Aerospace protectant and a good wax job helps a lot too. Around here in the PNW, we get green algae slime eventually growing on outdoor surfaces if not covered and I sure don't want that on our TT and it's a nasty cleaning job to get it off.

[MargaretB]

jfkmk wrote:

MargaretB wrote:
We will have to keep our new TT at a lot nearby. We were about to order a cover for it when our friend told us that he uses tarps attached with bungees for his Airstream. Granted, he has no graphics to worry about, but we're thinking more about weather protection.

I would avoid using a tarp held on with bungies. The cover needs to breathe or you will have all kinds of mold and mildew problems. Also, you'll be scratching your rv.

Good thought - thanks.

[Nvr2loud]

atreis wrote:
Just wondering... (I don't cover my TT) What prevents mice from finding several nice nesting places if you use a cover? E.g. on the roof under the cover, in those folds at the bottom, etc...

Just something I've always wondered about when looking at these.

I suppose they could find nesting spots, I cover my TT over the winter and have not had any mouse problems.

My 10 year old TT is already faded and has decals peeling, so I don't bother with the cover in the summer. I like the waterproof roof of the cover for the months that snow sits on top of the TT.

[Gonzo42]

According to CW, the SFS material is better for rainy environments and the Tyvek is better for the heavy sun environment. I'm considering the Tyvek one for here in SoCal.

[CaveRun]

Double post.

[CaveRun]

Read through this.

Travel trailer covering when parked at home

You will see what I bought.:B.. Ordering one for my 31' TT too!

[jfkmk]

MargaretB wrote:
We will have to keep our new TT at a lot nearby. We were about to order a cover for it when our friend told us that he uses tarps attached with bungees for his Airstream. Granted, he has no graphics to worry about, but we're thinking more about weather protection.

I would avoid using a tarp held on with bungies. The cover needs to breathe or you will have all kinds of mold and mildew problems. Also, you'll be scratching your rv.

[MargaretB]

We will have to keep our new TT at a lot nearby. We were about to order a cover for it when our friend told us that he uses tarps attached with bungees for his Airstream. Granted, he has no graphics to worry about, but we're thinking more about weather protection.

[2012Coleman]

BossCamper wrote:
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.

I agree - urban myth. I have an Adco cover which has a white top. Temps inside in the direct Florida sun are noticibally cooler when covered. Pool noodles are also good for covering sharp edges - I use bubble wrap as well. The directions for using are excellent.

[atreis]

Just wondering... (I don't cover my TT) What prevents mice from finding several nice nesting places if you use a cover? E.g. on the roof under the cover, in those folds at the bottom, etc...

Just something I've always wondered about when looking at these.

[ellibri]

Dick_B wrote:
For previous posts on this popular subject search this Forum for `RV Cover' perhaps only in the TT section to minimize the results.

Thanks! I was using the wrong key words and was getting far too may results, hence the post.

Thank you all for the rapid and informative responses.

[Aluminum_Siding]

I've had mine covered since new. I take the cover the night before we leave and it's back on the day we get back. Like other's have posted it still looks about as good as the day we brought it home. It also stays clean between trips. Best of all the roof has 0 wear. I say cover it. The only downfall would be in windy climates. The covers do poorly in the wind. They tear and they can scratch the finish. I see ones that are not covered and no matter what folks say, they are faded and cracking.

[Dick_B]

For previous posts on this popular subject search this Forum for `RV Cover' perhaps only in the TT section to minimize the results.

[dadmomh]

You actually answered your own question....."south with the sun beating down on it". It won't take long before you decals start to show the effects of that. It would truly be a PITA to cover between trips unless you have quite a long break between. Definitely during the winter I would cover and an Adco cover is good. We bought the one for our '07 ROO HTT in the fall of '06 and when we sold it in 2013, other than a couple of very minor scuffs on the upper corners, it was in perfect condition. Around this time of the year CW has them on sale and includes tire covers at N/C.

Now the sun.....we built a large covered area for the ROO the second year we had it. The curb side got no sun, the street side got only later afternoon sun, and back got full sun and we had just ordered a replacement for it and installed it while it was for sale. There was a noticeable difference in the ones protected and the ones not protected. There is a product many swear by for protecting the decals, 303 Protectant, and you can use it for the entire trailer...problem is that the label recommends every 3 weeks. I have neglected the rear decal on our '13 TT and need to get my act together. We are looking at options to block the sun on that rear area.

The Adco will run somewhere around $300 give or take. It's about a 30 minute job to put on - read the complete instructions FIRST. CW can tell you which one you need for your area and given the year, make and model of your trailer will tell you the size. Ours held up very well and last we heard, the new owners were still using it some 7 years later. I wouldn't enjoy putting it on and off very frequently, but long times between trips and definitely winter, yes.

One note....do not use a tarp....it needs to be breathable and soft...the tarp is neither and you can end up with a moisture problem and blue scuffs on the finish.