TT cover question

[plasticmaster]

For those in favor of covering a camper while in storage, which is better, a tarp or a specialty whole camper cover like ADCO? Which is easier to install? I live in Columbia, SC with hot summers and mild winters. We rarely get snow and if we do, it's gone in a day or two. Thanks.

[Dick_B]

We have used a Sunshield tarp for several years. It covers the roof and part of the sides, front and back. Much easier to put up and take down than the ones that cover every surface.

[rbpru]

I have done both. I prefer the cover because it fits and has properly placed draw straps. It is cumbersome to put on and I have to pad the gutter spouts. But, I has easy access panels when I need to get inside.

The tarp is quicker and definitely cheaper but depends on improvised cords and bungee straps to hold it in place. It is not easy to access the TT.

Either will keep the water and snow off the roof.

[silverfz]

I cover mine , but we have snow and its a 5 month plus period. But I will add its heavy and takes a quite a bit of walking and pushing on the roof for me to expand and cover it.
I use an empire cover. it was 40% cheaper then adco and its holding up good.

[gbopp]

Cover. And secure it well. The wind wants to tear it off your TT.

[DutchmenSport]

brirene wrote:
Which is better? The adco, or another one designed for the purpose, imo. Which is easier to install? Probably the tarp. So you want easy or better for your trailer?

Agree! Did my share of both tarp and cover. Now ... I don't do either. Too much work, I'm just getting to danged old to wrangle a parachute on a 35x8 foot platform 10 feet in the air!

[SoundGuy]

brirene wrote:
Which is better? The adco, or another one designed for the purpose, imo. Which is easier to install? Probably the tarp. So you want easy or better for your trailer?

I'd never use a tarp as that would only trap moisture but have used ADCO breathable covers on any trailer we've owned that I couldn't winter store inside and wouldn't consider not covering, not so much to keep the trailer clean but to better protect the roof seals and awning from the constant freeze / melt cycles we get here during the winter. For those who don't want to deal with a full cover ADCO also makes Roof Covers that wouldn't be any more difficult to install than a tarp but be breathable just like the full covers.

[boogie_4wheel]

I was using a tarp for the last few years. I did get some minor marking on the sides of the trailer from rope knots rubbing, but nothing major.
Did have a bad wind storm earlier this year and it caused the tarp to slap a side window hard enough to crack it... The packing tape is starting to peel, I need to replace that window.

In 5 years of ownership, I honestly don't think the tarp/cover has gained me much other than making the vent covers last longer. I spent 26mo living in the trailer, so it didn't get covered then, and it didn't get covered if there was ever a chance that we were going to go camping, so it was only covered for 3 winters, and uncovered for the rest of the time. My graphics still look great. I just cover the tires now, and hose it off before we head out.

[brirene]

Which is better? The adco, or another one designed for the purpose, imo. Which is easier to install? Probably the tarp. So you want easy or better for your trailer?