RV Covers - Do you use them? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Soody · RV-Dreams Family Member

RV Covers - Do you use them?

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, I can't give much of an answer as we have NEVER had one. However, we live in Oklahoma and the wind is a factor in two ways. One, the wind can literally tear the things up if they ever get even the smallest of tears. We live in a mobile home park right next to an RV park here in Oklahoma City, and we regularly walk the RV park for exercise. There was a travel trailer there with a cover and we got to see the cover slowly disintegrate day by day. (The owners didn't stay in the trailer much.)

The other factor besides tearing up is that with even a little dust and dirt under the cover, the wind could cause the cover to rub the grit against the sides, thus destroying the paint and decals. In this part of the country, there aren't even very many folks that put the "bras" on the front of their cars. They have learned that if you don't remove them regularly and clean under them, the dirt is more harmful than the bugs hitting the front.

Terry

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

I wouldn’t use one you because it has been reported that the movement of the cover by the wind can actually do damage (wear) to a rubber roof. I have an RV tech I trust and he won’t sell them. He can sell them and has them in the “wish book catalog” and his office manager will order you one. But he will warn you that you just gave him a big paycheck in a couple of years to fix your roof.

This has to do with the rubber roof mostly. If the rig were totally aluminum, like an airplane, it would be a good idea. Yes, I used one on my airplane at one time and it did zero damage to the pain or graphics. But it was Aluminum, not rubber. I also had one on a truck for 6 years and it was fine as well. But it was not rubber.

Take this FWIW, but I had one for the RV a long time ago. Never took it out of the box and returned it.

Bill

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

soody......the cover is great but here in NH the snow and Ice load on the roof is a bigger issue......I find that 4 milk crates and a bundle of cheap wood strapping from lowes or home depot will build cheap framework to allow you to put ridge with a dual pitch before you tarp........2 ft of snow and ice on the roof with water content is about 40 pounds per square foot that is a hell of a roof load on a small structure....

Im here in NH 2 spent 4 years in the winter running a campground up in the White Mountains( Beaver Hollow ..Ossipee).....and saw the damage every year.............

If you have any Questions or if you need a little help Im in the Exeter....Danville Area until March more than glad to help if your close

Soody · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Mike! How about that, we're practically neighbors. I'm over in Atkinson. Ossippee is a lovely place to land. Nice.

I would like to contact you when I get back and am going to tuck the TT in for the winter. The snow load is something I didn't really think of so much but yikes, you know how some of our winters are! :) I have some plastic crates in my basement and a big heavy duty tarp but may need details on how you go about setting it up. Hope we have a winter like last, but not making any bets...

take care,

Soody

-- Edited by Soody on Sunday 30th of September 2012 10:16:35 PM

Soody · RV-Dreams Family Member

thanks Terry and Bill, that's two for two. I'm glad I asked. I'd be so ticked if I got one and it damaged my roof or scratched my siding. I think I'll go with Mike's solution. Hopefully next winter, I'll be in a warmer, friendlier winter environment :)

Sounds better with each shorter cooler day. Take care.

Jim and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi! We're in NH, too, and our motorhome has been through nine winters here. We've never covered it. The owner at the family-owned dealership where we bought our rig told us during delivery that he felt it was unnecessary. As mentioned by others, we also have heard of covers causing more damage than they prevent. (Side story – years ago we had a car covered that ended up being used by chipmunks/squirrels as a sanctuary after they'd chewed numerous holes in the cover and set up living quarters on the car but under the cover!)

With that said, we have what we believe is a sturdy, well-built unit with a one-piece fiberglass roof. We've only cleared the snow off about half a dozen times over the years if there was a significant amount of snow already built up and rain was predicted which would create extra weight. The rig is parked in an area tucked back amongst trees so it doesn't get much sun. When winter is over, we do have to clear leaves, pine needles, twigs and branches, etc. off of the roof and in all nooks and crannies of the rain gutters, slide outs, awning, around the antenna, etc., but we do this when we're washing the rig/roof anyway.

Hope this helps!