Cover or no cover???

[EcoboostKev]

My camping season will be over the end of august do to surgery and was just wondering if you guys recommend covering your trailers or just leaving it alone when storing it? I was planning on buying one of the new "breathable" covers but have been told by a fellow camper not to bother because even though the cover breaths it will still trap in condensation and cause more harm then good? My trailer is a 2012 and if a $400 cover will help then thats what I want to do. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!! Kevin

[SteveC7010]

If you use the search function, you'll find several threads with extensive discussions about covering RV's.

[therink]

I am have always covered mine with a 20' x 40' heavy duty tarp. I tie it down very tightly so there is no loose tarp material to flap and cause damage to the exterior. I have Maxair covers, so I can leave my vents open for interior ventilation. This has always worked well for me and never had moisture or mold issues and I rest assured that my rig is protected during the harsh Western NY winters.
Keep in mind, I use an extra thick silver tarp that I purchased at a farm supply store, not the cheap Walmart type.
It takes about 100' of rope to properly secure the tarp.

[jsmith948]

We purchased an Adco Tyvex cover for our 5er. We live in an extremely dusty area (farming and dairying). Have not been able to use the trailer since late May do to surgery. Thoroughly washed the 5er (including the roof) and put on the cover. The Adco is made of a very breathable fabric that is rain resistant (not proof) but has done a good job so far keeping the dirt off the trailer. We check it every 2nd week or so when we cycle the slides. I have checked on 100 deg days and cannot detect any increase in temp under the cover. I think the breathable fabric will help keep our brutal sun from aging the finish on the filon and the decals. FWIW, if you order an Adco cover, disregard their advice on how to measure your rig. I followed their method and our cover is too long - don't include your spare and bumper in the measurement.

[SAABDOCTOR]

Hi there ecoboost first offGood luck with the surgurey. hope all goes well and you have a speedy recovery. i have never covered mine. i have not had any issues except a dirty roof. Can i give you a good reason why? nope! the rv store where i get my supplies said not to. he sells them and i figured if he said it's a waste of $$$'s then why not.

[nano]

We covered our camper with a tarp the first year, but since we get a lot of snow in this area, we've since put it in storage in the winter.

[SAD]

End of season over at end of August??? I'd be looking at moving, not at a cover!!

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by SAD

End of season over at end of August??? I'd be looking at moving, not at a cover!!

SAD,

RTWOP: Read The Whole Original Post

EcoBoostKev is having surgery and that's what is cutting his camping season short, not the weather where he lives...

Best to you Kev. Wishes for a good outcome and a speedy recovery.

[SAD]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

SAD,

RTWOP: Read The Whole Original Post

EcoBoostKev is having surgery and that's what is cutting his camping season short, not the weather where he lives...

Best to you Kev. Wishes for a good outcome and a speedy recovery.

one or two key words and I missed them!

Hope all goes well!

[EcoboostKev]

Thank you!!! Yes unfortunately i am heading in for double hip replacement surgery for the second time.. All at the young age of 42! I planned it for September so i could spend the summer enjoying as much time as possible with the family and our new Outback! We are in the middle of a 2 week trip as we speak!! Thanks again, Kevin

[richf28]

Good luck on the surgery. Do you think once you recover you could send us all a video of dancing the ballet? . No, really good luck!

[cmssorrell]

Good luck and hope you heal quickly.

Mark

[chuck&gail]

Had three TT's so far. None ever covered. All sold privately for over book value. I see no reason to cover.

[djkrs2]

Interesting topic. I just assumed, with the help of my salesmans suggestion, that covering an RV was the best thing to do. I know in my neighborhood my next door neighbor covers his motorhome, but the guy behind him doesn't, but the next guy down the block does. I never really thought there was a down side, other than the cost. Maybe I'll have to do more research. Or I could just wait until the DW tells me what we'll do!

[therink]

It is definitely a matter of preference depending on where you live, where you park your rig, elements, etc. I park mine in a fairly wind sheltered area in my yard, but under trees. The leaves and such wreak havoc on my roof. Once the gutters are clogged with decaying leaves, water drainage is hampered causing water to go where it shouldn't. That is not good. 6 months during northern winters is a long time to let tree droppings sit on a rv. If I had a place to park it in area with no trees, I likely would not cover it. Out in the open, wind can cause damage to covers and the rv exterior.
For me, covering it makes sense.

[Mij]

I bought the $400 Adco cover. It works awesome and dont regret the purchase at all.

[Roberson4]

I bought a 18x41 RV shed to put ours in. I love having it sheltered from the weather.

[Roberson4]

Originally Posted by Roberson4

I bought a 18x41 RV shed to put ours in. I love having it sheltered from the weather.

Now to add a sunscreen to the east n west end and I'll be set.

[Zeb]

Hey EcoboostKev: All the best with the surgery. I hope this will be the last one!

As for your orignal question, I asked myself the same question and after reading all the posts on the subject plus some personal experiences I had with a boat several years back, I have decided NOT to cover my TT. Seems when you cover a unit, the dirt that does make it in is more difficult to remove. Seems to bake in harder. I will be keeping my TT on the side of our house so somewhat protected from wind. There will be accumulation of snow which I will need to monitor and remove as required...but that would be the case if I covered it anyways.

This will be my first year so my story may change next year in the spring!

[SAD]

Originally Posted by Roberson4

..I love having it sheltered from the weather.

Me too!