Cover or no cover???

EcoboostKev · 08-01-2012, 02:14 AM

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 · 08-01-2012, 02:15 AM

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

therink · 08-01-2012, 03:06 AM

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 · 08-01-2012, 03:21 AM

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 · 08-01-2012, 05:33 AM

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 · 08-01-2012, 09:02 AM

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.

Roberson4 · 08-06-2012, 07:06 PM

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

SAD · 08-08-2012, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roberson4

..I love having it sheltered from the weather.

Me too!

**JRTJH** · 08-08-2012, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAD

Me too!

SAD I still wish you'd move that thing over just about 10' so I can park mine in there too <wink> LOL

schwalbach · 08-08-2012, 05:53 PM

I built a 50x70 with a 14x24 door, holds the camper or the 40' horse trailer hooked up to truck, both inside and out of elements!
Wired garage with plug in.
Normal procedure is we come home and pull up to door of house, all used clothes come out into washer in house, perishible food gets emptied, camper gets washed and backed into shed and vacuumned out, until next time, over the week we load it and get it ready, ac is on and fridge is on, truck gets hooked up a couple days before, then day we leave, unplug and pull out shut door and off we go.
Best money ever spent is getting out of sun and rain when not using. 30 days in the sun is about similer to 10 years inside in my opinion!
Wife gets mad because I WON'T leave it outside unless we are camping, shed is big enough to put awining and slide out out, why leave it outside!

SAD · 08-09-2012, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

SAD I still wish you'd move that thing over just about 10' so I can park mine in there too <wink> LOL

Ok... It'll fit, but may displace the other toys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by schwalbach

I built a 50x70 with a 14x24 door, holds the camper or the 40' horse trailer hooked up to truck, both inside and out of elements!...

That was one of the things I wish I had. The ability to have the camper hooked to the trailer and shut the door sure would be nice. Budget cut my building length to 50'.

Quote:

Originally Posted by schwalbach

....shed is big enough to put awining and slide out out, why leave it outside!

Yup. Ours too. Can have all slides out. Awning out. And still have full use of the full shop.

Roberson4 · 08-06-2012, 07:09 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-08-2012, 09:25 AM

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!

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