Should we cover a TT with a tarp for the winter in Alaska?

[kiloseven]

We have an older 27 ft TT (1993) and it will be stored in an RV lot. This is our first TT and we are trying to find out if we need to cover it with a tarp in the winter.

We are in Alaska and we have seen some TT in the lot at a real extreme angle with the jacks set so it looks like water will run off. We have not seen anything covered with a tarp yet, but if it is best to do that, we will do that.

We have heard from some people that the snow or ice may cause issues with the plastic coverings on the top for the air vents (the ones that lift up). Is there any truth to that and if so, should be build something to place over them to protect them?

Thanks

[B_O__Plenty]

Once the roof gets a layer of snow and ice on it, it will be protected from the sun. I never did a thing with my park trailer's rubber roof. It sat out in the same place for 10 years on a seasonal site. The Winters in MN can be pretty harsh also. Had no problems, just left it alone.

B.O.

[RVcircus]

I'd use a breathable RV cover instead of a tarp to avoid condensation beneath the tarp.

[2012Coleman]

Short of shrink wrapping, Not sure how any covering will make it watertight. Maybe consider a cover that is intended for this purpose - like ADCO or similar.

[kiloseven]

Thanks everyone. The weather has been colder than I hoped the past few days as it hovers in the low 40's, but I have been sealing around every window and places that looks like water may have a chance to get inside. I was able to reach the front and back on the roof where it connects to the front and back "walls", but I am curious about how I get to the places in the middle of the roof. I am not sure I want to be crawling on top since I don;t think the top was made for a 210 pound dude to be messing around up there. I am trying to prep the TT to just angle it and not use a tarp.

[westend]

One of the problems with a tarp in the Winter is, when the snow melts from sunlight or warming weather, water will get between the tarp and the roof. Unless you use a very waterproof, heavy tarp (trucker style), that is what will happen. When the weather turns cold, the tarp will freeze to the roof. This will make a hasty exit to Texas complicated.:B

I'd suggest to do what your neighbors in the storage lot do and angle the trailer for quick melt-water runoff. That's what I do for the Winter months in MN and it works well (no tarp). I have one original vent cover on my trailer that is 44 yrs. old. It has never been covered but I did paint it a few years ago to extend it's life.

Depending on how much snow accumulates, you may want to think to the future about snow removal from the roof. A foot or two of wet snow adds a lot of weight onto the roof. I remove some of this with a roof rake made for snow removal. I can do that while standing on a ladder, I don't climb on the roof in Winter.

[gbopp]

If you use a tarp, consider one that covers only the roof. Especially if you're having leak problems.

The only concern is the wind. If it will be stored in an area with a lot of wind, you will have problems keeping the tarp on the TT.

Maybe that's why you don't see any tarps at the storage area.