Wanted the truth about RV covers please...

dougw

Well-known member
Hi,
I'm thinking of getting a cover for my cyclone (5th wheel). I was wondering if the idea of having a cover wears off after having to put it on a few times.

in the end is it pretty hard or time consuming to install / remove?

is it worth it?

Thanks
Doug
 

jnbhobe

Well-known member
Spend the money and pay for inside storage and save the grief of a cover that blows off, rips, rubs the roof, and no installation problems. Just my 2 cents worth!!
 

davebennington

Senior Member
We have a cover for our Landmark, I have used it a few times. Since we have started to camp more in the winter months(headed to Florida) we do not use it any longer and while taking the cover off is not a big deal. I have found that it is a pain to first try to get it on top of the rig by yourself. There is a pulley system that Camping World sells I think would make this an easier task.
I do understand the protection that a cover gives the unit however would not buy another one. If you have the room and the local ordnance will let you buy a metal shelter you can pull through or back in. This is the best solution IMO.

dave
 

mlburst1

Well-known member
We used one for two months the first winter that we owned our Sundance.

Even though it was a good fit, the cover rubbed several thin spots on the roof edge.

I wouldn't recommend using one.

Mike
 

ksmith555

Active Member
We used one for two winters on our first trailer. We also had the same experience with the small holes being rubbed on the roof edges, even with a snug fit the wind still cause movement that isn't good for the roof. It caused a leak that by spring had caused delamination spots. The cover also began to tear and almost dry rot by the second winter anyway, but the roof damage was enough for us...never again!
 

marvmarcy

Well-known member
They are expensive and don't last long, usually one year. They are heavy, hard and time consuming to install, can't be installed tight enough to avoid wind damage to both cover and rv, and are not only unnecessary but create new problems. Over 35 years, I've had three covers for different vehicles and all were worse than worthless. I thought they would be better over time. They are only for use where there is no wind - typically indoors.
 

mzcummins

Active Member
Sorry for the noob question but I am

What are you guys doing for storage? I'm worried about the harsh Minnesota winters and hot/humid summers getting to the camper



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dougw

Well-known member
I'd love to put up a stationary overhang but the bid I got was $18k because of the weird way we pull the trailer in. It's basically a circular drive. Anyways the sun is taking a toll already on our 2010 cyclone. I just had to replace the 2 vent covers that wear brittle. So I need to find some solution.

thanks
 

ksmith555

Active Member
We store ours in our yard also, no cover or car port. When we picked up our new one we talked to the dealer about the best way to battle the elements. In his opinion he felt the sun was the worst for the trailer and recommended we focus on keeping up with good roof maintenance. We clean 4 times a year with dish liquid (called Dicor and they recommended this) and then treat 2 or 3 times a year with a mop on UV treatment. After washing the siding we follow up with a good wax for gel coat, also with UV protection.
 

Lynn1130

Well-known member
I pay for covered storage and on top of that have an RV detail company do a complete wash and Rejex application (detail) each Spring. Most RVs left in the elements here (Arizona) show sun damage within the first two years. Not to mention the dry rot of the roof and drying of cabinets and other wood items inside the RV. RV covers don't last long in this part of the world. They dry-rot fast.
 

FiremanBill

Well-known member
No covered RV storage around here. I have the room to put in a canopy in my backyard and I can legally keep it here but the county I live in charges personal property tax on RV's garaged in the county, 4% of the value of the vehicle annually. :eek:

The next town over, Hampton, does not charge that tax, only the $20 annual registration. In Virginia taxes are based on where the vehicle is garaged so to save $2500 or so annually I won't store it in my yard. Storage is limited with the best location being right on the Chesapeake bay at a boat/rv storage lot but then I have to contend with the salty air.

They are putting in a new lot on the Air Base that should be open in about 6 weeks so will be putting it there then, still no covered storage though. That would be awesome!
 

dfk009

Well-known member
Will NEVER buy another cover! Threw over $300.00 away on a supposedly good cover from CW, that winds ripped too pieces in a matter of a couple months.
 

tomhank

Member
Covers with elastic cords and non-scratch grommets help ensure that the product will stay in place in strong winds.Make sure that the material has reasonably large dimensions to encase the entire vehicle. Although it might be prudent to opt for expensive and high-quality covers, you should still consider the product’s price to avoid overspending.
 

macjj

Well-known member
This thread is old - but relevant. The replies are spot On. i live in California,so the snow is not an issue. The wind has not been an issue as I have 4straps around the bell. The sun is another issue. I would love to put in a canop, but insufficient room. I switched to the “National Covers - Goldline” brand because I got tired of replacing the Camping world covers every two years. The Goldline was “supposed” to last 5 years. I actually have had 3 (two in California and one in Iowa) - each lasted 2 years. One the replaced under warranty at a an additional cost to me of $250. The replacement lasted 2years. not recommended you go with National Covers. I am still looking. For large trailers (both of mine Are 35ft +), it’s a lot of worl putting on, taking off, and stowing. I do have recommendations for the stowing part if interested
 

NYSUPstater

Well-known member
Ours is stored inside at same place. Rates went up due to his insurance, but we pay 800 bucks 5-6 months for it.
 
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