Pad Sharp Edges for Cover

[MarkS]

I live in a high UV, high snow area. I would prefer a pole barn, but can't. I would prefer indoor storage, but can't. I will use a cover. This is not a thread about that.

Has anyone found a good way to pad the down spouts to keep them from ripping holes in the Cover?

[Festus2]

To keep the cover away from those nasty, protruding downspouts, I use a "pool noodle" which I cut, shape, and fit over the plastic spouts. The noodle has a hollow center which comes in handy as it slips nicely over the plastic spout. I cut a slit in the final, shaped piece so that it fits a bit better.

I have the longer, extended spouts but you can cut yours to suit whatever length works best. I usually fit a "rough" piece of noodle over the spout, cut it off but leaving about 3/4" or so extra so the noodle extends beyond the tip of the spout. After I have the right length, I get a serrated knife and round off the edges of the noodle.

To ensure it doesn't slip off, I wrap a 1" piece of tape (electrician's or duct) around it.

So far, the noodles have worked well and the cover doesn't have any holes in those 4 spots. Works for me.

If you can't find a pool noodle, try getting some large diameter foam pipe wrap. That should work too.

[MarkS]

Thanks Festus,

I have used pipe insulation. They usually fall off.

Maybe the key is larger diameter and cutting it short. I'll try your suggestions.

[therink]

I have always cut a small piece of cloth rag and then wrap onto the gutter spout with a small piece of duct tape. Always there when I remove cover in the spring.

[Festus2]

I am wondering if the foam pipe wrap is not quite as stiff as the noodle and may "wiggle" around a bit more resulting in it falling off. Wrapping the noodle with tape should help to hold it on.

If the cover is flapping around a lot, that might also contribute to any kind of protective sleeve - pipe wrap or noodle - working loose and falling off. I make sure the cover doesn't flap in the wind by actually wrapping the cover 3 or 4 times with soft nylon rope which has in turn been covered with, guess what, pipe wrap. The pipe wrap protects the cover at the edges, peak and anywhere the line touches the cover. I usually have 3 or 4 "wraps" spaced around the RV (top to bottom) and another longer wrap around it from front to back. When finished, it resembles a wrapped Xmas present -except for the bow!

Happy covering.

[MISailor]

The foam noodles are a great idea. I have had good success with old tennis balls. I cut a hole in one "side" of each ball that is just big enough to allow the ball to slip over the downspout with a little "friction". I dilled a hole in the "bottom" of each ball to allow water to drain. I keep the TT covered year-round whenever not in use and have never had a problem with the balls falling off.

[JRTJH]

OH MY !!!!!! MISailor..... The comments your post could bring (if this weren't a family site) LOL

I'll just say, other than using to play tennis and putting them on the front legs of my walker, you've got a "bully great" idea LOL

[MISailor]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

OH MY !!!!!! MISailor..... The comments your post could bring (if this weren't a family site) LOL

I guess I should read my posts out loud before hitting submit from now on.

[JRTJH]

NAAAH You're good. There's humor in them there posts, even if you have to read between the lines <wink> Thanks for the chuckle

[homer3]

I like the ball idea, I have been thinking about trying softball size Wiffle Balls. they already have plenty of holes, may have to enlarge a little for down spouts but should definitely drain Ok

[MISailor]

Originally Posted by homer3

I have been thinking about trying softball size Wiffle Balls. they already have plenty of holes, may have to enlarge a little for down spouts but should definitely drain Ok

Man, another great idea. I love this forum!