RV Covers

[RV802]

After several years of indoor storage, we will be storing our Bullet Premier outside this winter. That means an RV cover is in our future. I’m interested in hearing any experiences and recommendations that anyone may have had. In particular, I’m curious about the three covers that Camping World is advertising in their current catalog: CAMCO Ultra-Shield, the Elements All Climate and the Elements Premium. I’m in Vermont, so snow and ice will be factors as will wind...and all the other things that the USPS does not fear. Thanks in advance.

[chuckster57]

There has been too many threads to count on this subject, and it seems the majority is still no cover, just a good quality coat of wax/paint sealer.

If you search “RV COVER” you will have enough reading to last until spring.

[bill-e]

I'm in New Hampshire, I have had ADCO covers for my campers and like them. Get one that fits tight...that is don't get a 19-24' cover, get a cover where the largest size is close to yours. Also, measure the camper, The box is likely not 19 feet. My camper is like 28' to the longest part of the box and a 26-28' cover fits great.

[bobbecky]

We full time, so no need for covers, but I have a question for those in really cold and snowy areas of the country, What do the dealers use to cover the rigs on their lots?

[bill-e]

We full time, so no need for covers, but I have a question for those in really cold and snowy areas of the country, What do the dealers use to cover the rigs on their lots?Nothing. But then they usually don't have their campers under trees nor do they really care what they look like in three years.

All depends on where you live. If you ever had a camper parked on a tree'd lot in New England you'd go one season without a cover.

[travelin texans]

There are 3 rvs in our park that covered them somewhere between April 1st &15th, when they come back sometime in the next 6 weeks their covers, or what's left of them, are going to be very easy to remove, no ladders required, except to get the shreds off the roof & easily stored in the nearby dumpsters.
Possibly they'd be worth the time & $$ where there are trees & NO wind, but otherwise probably more trouble & expensive than they're worth.

[bill-e]

I will be going on year 4 for this cover with the only wear a few chewed through mouse holes caused by summer storage. I think I have averaged about 4 years on a cover in the past but notwithstanding the holes the fabric looks great on this one.

[JRTJH]

bill-e,

A super easy way to prevent mouse holes during summer storage is to buy one of the "Dollar General" 35 gallon black trash cans (with wheels) for $9.95 and after folding/rolling the cover, just toss it into the trash can. The locking cover will seal and keep anything that wants in, out.....

[flybouy]

bill-e,

A super easy way to prevent mouse holes during summer storage is to buy one of the "Dollar General" 35 gallon black trash cans (with wheels) for $9.95 and after folding/rolling the cover, just toss it into the trash can. The locking cover will seal and keep anything that wants in, out.....

HA, HA, HA love that! Many years ago I spent a ridiculous amount of money on the best Adco cover made at the time. Followed the directions to the letter. A few weeks later I checked on the unit. A wind storm had torn the cover up and I spent a weekend with the buffer and compound getting all the marks out of the gel coat. The damned thing looked like the back of a slave building the pyramids. Never did that again!

[JRTJH]

HA, HA, HA love that! Many years ago I spent a ridiculous amount of money on the best Adco cover made at the time. Followed the directions to the letter. A few weeks later I checked on the unit. A wind storm had torn the cover up and I spent a weekend with the buffer and compound getting all the marks out of the gel coat. The damned thing looked like the back of a slave building the pyramids. Never did that again!

I covered our Springdale fifth wheel the first winter we owned it. Plans were to leave in February to finish the winter in south Texas. We finally got the cover off the fifth wheel in April and headed to Texas just in time for the first of the 100F days.... If you've never tried to pull frozen canvas away from frozen EPDM roofing while breaking apart ice dams without damaging plastic vent covers.... Well, just accept that it's a futile attempt at cover removal.... I sold that cover the next fall, stored the trailer in a old manufacturing plant that was no longer business and had been converted to RV and boat storage. Two years later we built the pole barn and now I'm restricted to fifth wheels shorter than 35' because adding onto the pole barn costs significantly more than a new ADCO cover, something I'd no longer consider anyway..... I feel your pain at buffing scuff marks from an RV. Anyone who has experienced a loose cover knows that feeling and frustration...

But really, the suggestion to buy a 35 gallon black trash can to store the cover wasn't in jest, rather they do make an excellent "rodent proof" storage container that's easy to move with the wheels. Just don't forget and drag it out to the curb on trash day......

[flybouy]

But really, the suggestion to buy a 35 gallon black trash can to store the cover wasn't in jest, rather they do make an excellent "rodent proof" storage container that's easy to move with the wheels. Just don't forget and drag it out to the curb on trash day......[/QUOTE]

Agreed on the statement above, I used one to store 200 lb of grass seed when I reseeded the back yard. Worked great, I could leave it where I ended working one day and no rodents the next day when restarting. Just seemed appropriate to me to wheel it to the curb with the cover in it, but that's my opinion.:)

[JRTJH]

... Just seemed appropriate to me to wheel it to the curb with the cover in it, but that's my opinion.:)

No argument from me on that.... I feel the same about RV covers, their benefit vs cost and their "trip to the curb"......

[bill-e]

It really does depend on where you live and where you store it. I've been using a cover for over 15 years and never had one rip or damage the camper.

I clean my camper exterior and awning before I cover it and if I get 4 years out of a $300 cover it's worth the $75/year to have a perfectly clean camper in the spring...along with any UV protection the cover may have provided.

And yes, the garbage can is a good idea.

Between leaves and pine needles my camper gets quite dirty if it's not covered. I left my previous camper uncovered one winter because of an early snow and I spent a good day cleaning the exterior in the spring...worth the bucks IMO.

http://nhwoodworker.com/Gallery/coverr2.JPG

[SactoGuy]

I just purchased and installed an Adco roof cover. I’m happy with the fit and it was fairly easy to install. On a 5th wheel, Adco does not give you enough straps, so I called and they’re sending me a couple more straps free of charge, excellent customer service. We had a full Adco cover before, which was a bear to deal with. Our trailer is parked under a large tree, so think this roof cover will work great by keeping the sap and leaves off the roof. It’s made of Tyvex breathable material and weighs about 12 lbs.

[SactoGuy]

Here’s a few pictures.

[Wing-in-it]

As far as I’m concerned an RV awning is the best way to go.....

Best bang for your buck...I wish I did it years ago.

[Tbos]

As far as I’m concerned an RV awning is the best way to go.....



Best bang for your buck...I wish I did it years ago.



Out of curiosity, how much did that pole barn run?

[Wing-in-it]

Out of curiosity, how much did that pole barn run?

$4,200.00 Installed.

20x41 with 12 foot legs and 3 foot sides. They through in the sunshade you see on the side. ( and yes 12 foot legs will clear your a/c units, I’m 13’ 4” in Height) Vertical roof and Hurricane certified.

I got that size so I can open my slides and store my tractor and other stuff out of the weather.

Just an FYI your ground HAS to be within 4 inches of level for proper installation.

[SactoGuy]

$4,200.00 Installed.

20x41 with 12 foot legs and 3 foot sides. They through in the sunshade you see on the side. ( and yes 12 foot legs will clear your a/c units, I’m 13’ 4” in Height) Vertical roof and Hurricane certified.

I got that size so I can open my slides and store my tractor and other stuff out of the weather.

Just an FYI your ground HAS to be within 4 inches of level for proper installation.



That’s a great deal! A 12’ x 40’ w/ 6’ sides with 12 gauge uprights every 5’ is $4800 here in CA, quoted 2 weeks ago.

[Wing-in-it]

That’s a great deal! A 12’ x 40’ w/ 6’ sides with 12 gauge uprights every 5’ is $4800 here in CA, quoted 2 weeks ago.

Daggone! That’s a lot more out there! I wonder why?

Try these folks....this is who I used.

https://www.shed.com

[Getn off]

I was just quoted $7000 today for one in the Orlando area (superior sheds). 12' x 45'. Extra panels on the sides (3'). Aint gonna happen! Looking at other companies now.
Troy

[B-O-B'03]

I have posted this in a few other threads.

This is what the DW would allow me to put in, no metal siding, poles or the like.

https://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=751&pictureid=5756

http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=751&pictureid=5887

It was 6K, including 30 amp service and water.

-Brian

[Wing-in-it]

I have posted this in a few other threads.

This is what the DW would allow me to put in, no metal siding, poles or the like.

https://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=751&pictureid=5756

http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=751&pictureid=5887

It was 6K, including 30 amp service and water.

-Brian

Nice!

I like the concrete pad....was that included as well? I was quoted close to 15k for just the pad, I nearly soiled my pants!

[Tbos]

$4,200.00 Installed.

20x41 with 12 foot legs and 3 foot sides. They through in the sunshade you see on the side. ( and yes 12 foot legs will clear your a/c units, I’m 13’ 4” in Height) Vertical roof and Hurricane certified.

I got that size so I can open my slides and store my tractor and other stuff out of the weather.

Just an FYI your ground HAS to be within 4 inches of level for proper installation.



Thanks. At least I have something to compare with.

[LadyFaire]

As far as I’m concerned an RV awning is the best way to go.....

Best bang for your buck...I wish I did it years ago.


We had plans, price quotes, etc for a 'car port' for the camper. But then Mom died this September, and we no longer have a reason or obligation to stay in Virginia. We plan on escaping this coming spring/early summer. Therefore, the car port went right out the window. We will most likely have a barn (metal building or whathaveyou) constructed on the new property. But, this is my first winter with this camper, and I've been worried about the roof. Every single RV cover I have looked at (under $400) is made from non-woven fabric, like a reusable grocery bag. As a seamstress, I know exactly how durable that fabric is. It isn't. The reviews I've read on ALL of the covers have at least a significant percentage of people fussing that the covers shredded in the first winter storm. Are there ANY durable covers that will allow the camper to breathe (NOT grow mold and mildew) and yet protect the roof and seams and not set me back too much money??

[jasin1]

My neighbor just purchased a kit from versatube that looks pretty solid. Shipping was included in price and he installed himself. His was a smaller unit then what I would need but he is pretty happy with it

[travelin texans]

We had plans, price quotes, etc for a 'car port' for the camper. But then Mom died this September, and we no longer have a reason or obligation to stay in Virginia. We plan on escaping this coming spring/early summer. Therefore, the car port went right out the window. We will most likely have a barn (metal building or whathaveyou) constructed on the new property. But, this is my first winter with this camper, and I've been worried about the roof. Every single RV cover I have looked at (under $400) is made from non-woven fabric, like a reusable grocery bag. As a seamstress, I know exactly how durable that fabric is. It isn't. The reviews I've read on ALL of the covers have at least a significant percentage of people fussing that the covers shredded in the first winter storm. Are there ANY durable covers that will allow the camper to breathe (NOT grow mold and mildew) and yet protect the roof and seams and not set me back too much money??

Clean, inspect & recaulk the roof, give the sides a good wax job & save the $$ on the cover.

[LadyFaire]

Clean, inspect & recaulk the roof, give the sides a good wax job & save the $$ on the cover.


How does one find out if the roof will support weight? It would be a LOT easier if I could get UP there to clean, recaulk, etc.

[jxnbbl]

How does one find out if the roof will support weight? It would be a LOT easier if I could get UP there to clean, recaulk, etc.

Actually I know the answer to this for your trailer - since I read it last week (prior to putting the cover on). The thread on this is:

https://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29861

I happen to have a walkable roof and bought a cover (ado). To be honest when I bought the trailer being a newbie I was so tired they could have upsold me on anything. As the other person from NH stated with all out snow, leaves, etc this is the only way to go for boats (I do my own shrinkwrapping)...so throw the cover into the package...

[jack65]

There has been too many threads to count on this subject, and it seems the majority is still no cover, just a good quality coat of wax/paint sealer.

If you search “RV COVER” you will have enough reading to last until spring.
I searched and found these threads, but remember, many newbies don't know about searching, especially if they're an old fogy like me, this guy had less than 10 posts at the time ;) I owned/ran a Corvette forum for over 15 years... never bothered me if they asked a popular question for the upteempth time. Replying to an old thread? Yup, thats me. That's why they have a forum is to help people, old thread or new.

That’s a great deal! A 12’ x 40’ w/ 6’ sides with 12 gauge uprights every 5’ is $4800 here in CA, quoted 2 weeks ago.
Daggone! That’s a lot more out there! I wonder why?



That's because it's CA is why. :lol: