Travel Trailer Cover? Good/Bad Idea?

2012Coleman wrote:
I remember going to the storage lot and observing all the uncovered RV's, then comparing mine to them after uncovering. Mine is as clean as the day I covered it - no moisture, no wasp nests, no damage by scuffing, no rodents. It is easy to cover/uncover. I use pool noodles to cover gutter spouts, door stops, etc. I use bubble wrap around the awning poles. I ensure the straps are tight, and I recheck them regularly. I see how the ones that are ripped to shreds are installed - incorrectly. Read the directions and look at you-tube.

I left it uncovered the first winter I had it parked in my driveway. What I got was all the debris from my trees all over it - the top stained from falling leaves. In the spring, all the seeds and pods covered it - black streaks all around. Spent a lot of time washing and waxing from top to bottom.

I cover mine in the winter and for long periods of non use.

we have a community RV lot. My observations agree with yours. It's easy to see which trailers have been covered. minimal or no fade, minimal or no decal damage, vinyl not yellowed, few black streaks, no green mold, etc. But we don't have much wind, but pretty constant rain in the winter.

Others in the neighborhood have complained about the time to install a cover, maybe 30 minutes, as they are spending all day cleaning the trailer in the spring. Go figure.

So mine gets covered.

What I have found is that covers vary in the degree of difficulty to install. My old adco worked well, but was a heavy bugger to install, remove, or store. My new classic accesories pro is much much easier to install and remove, much lighter, actually fits into the duffle bag it came with and so far is holding up just as well.

However, IMHO the biggest advantage to a cover is keeping the trailer looking nice and easy to keep clean. Any other longevity benefit is probably minimal.

A good cover will not be waterproof, it will be breathable. So it won't keep water from getting on the trailer. So, if you have a leak while it may keep as much water getting in, it won't stop water intrusion completely.