Preserving/Protecting new TC without a garage?

[joe_julie81]

I'm fixing to take delivery of a new NorthStar 950sc in a week or so. We're very excited about it and special ordered it. We do not have a garage to keep it in when not in use. So what are some measures we can take to keep it looking good and shielded from the elements? Would you recommend trapping it? What about wax, maybe spray on wax, and how often? How do you keep the rubber corner molding from mildewing?

[Ranger_Tim]

I have the Classic Accessories cover and it is in its second winter here in Idaho. It fits well on our Wolf Creek and does a nice job keeping the camper clean. Keeping the sun off of it is the most important thing in my mind. The white top is highly reflective, yet the thing breathes well. Love the full rear zip.

If you use a cover be sure to cover the gutter spouts if you have them. We took tennis balls and cut an "X" in them to slip over the spouts, works great. Keep an eye out for icicles that form as they can get heavy enough to rip the cover apart. I cover my tv antenna with bubble wrap and duct tape to prevent the cover from wearing through.

I expect to replace this cover in a couple of years but it only cost me $150, so no big deal. It will have done its job and I don't have the space for a permanent shelter. HOA's are a pain in this regard too.

[Kayteg1]

What I was doing with those tent carports when the tarps deteriorated was bolting sheet-metal roofing to them. That makes them lifetime item for not that much money.
Still those structures should not be used in high-wind areas and that is why in Las Vegas I am seeking something stronger.

[northshore]

I was impressed with the Rhino Shelter and did more research...thinking that covering the camper in the summer months is as important as winter protection.

Directly from their site the following quote;

"Our high-quality, UV-resistant fabric will last 7 to 10 years in direct sunlight".

This is great, the cost is kind of spendy but if it last even 7 years I am in, all of the other cheaper covers I have used in the past have lasted at about 2 years, and one from Tractor Supply lasted about 4 years.
I wrote to Rhino Shelter asking for sure what the warranty time frame was and how long the cover portion of the shelter was guaranteed. Here is the email I got back...

Ardita Jonuzi
Hello
The shelters last a long time. Our warranty is a 2 year.

2 years seems unacceptable to me for the money they want for the shelter, especially when they talk about the wonderful UV rated cover lasting 7 to 10 years in direct sunlight.
Just a little something to think about before buying the Rhino Shelter


Sugar Hill, how long have you had yours and has it held up to the weather as you would expect?

[Ramp_Digger]

Bottom line if you want your new camper to stay looking new keep it covered and waxed all the time when not using it. I never had much luck with tarps and or covers they were just too inconvenient and took too long to put on and remove. Tarps and covers large enough are expensive to replace every 2 or 3 years. Also if it was windy while trying to install you may as well forget it. I like to have easy regular access in off season to keep check on things like dampness and to watch for mice intrusion and so on. A couple of mice can ruin a camper in less than a week. Tarps can damage the exterior finish when windy from the constant movement of the material and tie down ropes or straps. IMO a garage or simple dedicated shelter is the best and most cost effective alternative. When you get home just drive in and done, easy dry access to load, unload,and maintain.

[TxGearhead]

Try the Meguiars Ultimate Wash and Wax. It's the yellow stuff in a clear bottle. Get it everywhere..WalMart, etc. It has a lot of wax in it. Cleans pretty good too. I just let the campers air dry. My truck gets pulled in the garage to cotton towel dry.
If you want to get fancy, look on Autogeek.com and try their Klasse products. Amazon might carry it as well.

[Grit_dog]

joe&julie81 wrote:
So are there spray on waxes, like a rain-x dousing at the Blue Beacon truck washes, applied with water? Or do you hand apply and buff it? What about the corner molding, wax that too?

Idk about the truck washes, but most spray on waxes are very easy to use.
Turtlewax Ice is one good one. Spray on everything, wipe off, no residue left on trim etc.
I’m sure it doesn’t last as long as a good hand wax but it’s 10x easier and quicker. No more effort than towel drying.
Careful, I just bought some Nano spray wax. Forget the brand but it’s harder to remove than paste or liquid wax.
I e been using spray wax in everything for years now. Sooo easy and I don’t have time to hand wax and polish 4 vehicles, boat, camper, etc.

[TxGearhead]

cartmancartman wrote:

TxGearhead wrote:
You can find a Classic Accessories camper cover on Amazon for less than $200. It takes about 30 minutes to put on, 10 minutes to take off, and 8 hours to stuff back in the storage bag.
Might last 2-3 years. The fabric will start to disintegrate the 2nd year, so be careful pulling on it.
Still cheaper than a carport.
Wash the camper and allow to dry before covering it. Your choice of wax spring and fall.
I leave the "pass through" window open an inch or two and the cabover vent cracked open for some circulation.

30 min to put on and 10 min to take off. Do you still use yours?

Yeah, I use it. I don't use the camper in the summer so I cover it for sure then. If I think it will be 4-6 weeks before I use the camper I'll cover it. It's uncovered right now as I just returned from a trip and might go somewhere else soon.
Summertime in Texas is not my "camping season".

[cartmancartman]

TxGearhead wrote:
You can find a Classic Accessories camper cover on Amazon for less than $200. It takes about 30 minutes to put on, 10 minutes to take off, and 8 hours to stuff back in the storage bag.
Might last 2-3 years. The fabric will start to disintegrate the 2nd year, so be careful pulling on it.
Still cheaper than a carport.
Wash the camper and allow to dry before covering it. Your choice of wax spring and fall.
I leave the "pass through" window open an inch or two and the cabover vent cracked open for some circulation.

30 min to put on and 10 min to take off. Do you still use yours?

[Grit_dog]

TxGearhead wrote:
You can find a Classic Accessories camper cover on Amazon for less than $200. It takes about 30 minutes to put on, 10 minutes to take off, and 8 hours to stuff back in the storage bag.
Might last 2-3 years. The fabric will start to disintegrate the 2nd year, so be careful pulling on it.
Still cheaper than a carport.
Wash the camper and allow to dry before covering it. Your choice of wax spring and fall.
I leave the "pass through" window open an inch or two and the cabover vent cracked open for some circulation.

This^.
For long term, like over winter, you can tarp it over a soft cover. Tarps are way cheaper, more waterproof and hold up to ice buildup better if that's an issue.

Hard to know how,long the decals are going to last, I'd agree AF decals seem cheap. If I had the time, I'd scrape em and vinyl wrap the camper.

[joe_julie81]

So are there spray on waxes, like a rain-x dousing at the Blue Beacon truck washes, applied with water? Or do you hand apply and buff it? What about the corner molding, wax that too?

[GoinThisAway]

Congratulations! I like that Rhino shelter. But if even that isn't an option, wash it frequently even if you're not using it and wax it and maintain the seals on all edges and penetrations twice a year. For the inside, I find I need to keep a little air conditioning on when its hot and humid to avoid mold.

[tattoobob]

I have a Goldline cover, It came with the camper when I bought it used. I've had it 3 years and I don't know how old it is but it's still like brand new

Getting it back in the bag is a chore though

[brholt]

Our five year old Arctic Fox has never been covered as we try and go out camping at least every other weekend. Still looks pretty good and not a leak but we are in Seattle with lots of drizzle and not much sun though much of the year.

I think the number one thing to do is to check your seals and calking. After that a good coat of wax probably helps.

[northshore]

I am going to get some thing along the lines of the above "Rhino shelter" There are many different variations of the temporary carport and will utilize one of those. I think keeping the sun from beating down on the roof will go a long ways in preventing caulking deterioration. If i can keep it from blowing over or away in the wind I think it will be a good thing, in our area no permits no fees to the county all good.