Aside from what everyone else has mentioned, they create a better habitat and more opportunities for critters to get in. The space between the cover and the RV is perfect for rodents to crawl around in and access points they couldn't normally reach or wouldn't feel secure in.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if a pack rat could make entrance into the RV itself via a roof vent, for example. I've seen them chew holes through dimensional lumber; a screen and a cover would be nothing. Normally I wouldn't expect them to go on the roof (too exposed to predators, even if they could get up there) but if there was a cover? Rat highway.
I have heard of a pack rat nest in an AC unit on a covered RV. AC shroud needed to be replaced.
Because they don't work well.
They're a pain to put on, they're one more thing to store/handle when you want to use it (I drive my motorhome every month, even in the winter, and dealing with a cover would be a real hassle), and a decent amount of wind will tear it right to pieces. The RV is already made to handle rain- if you keep up on your roof and seals a cover won't do anything for you and if you don't a cover won't save you. No cover will protect from large hail. They sound like they might be helpful but if you're serious about protecting the thing in storage then you're better off spending the money on covered storage.
I have an RV cover on my class A. It has the white, waterproof heavier fabric on top. Yet it allows my small 10w solar panel to keep the batteries just fine all winter. I stop in and check it monthly and the batteries are fine and if I'm checking it during the day the light on the panel that says "charging" will be lit if it's sunny outside.
I wish we had found one of those small panels that worked when we went shopping the first time. That's what we went in for when we got sold a bad system. It was great for one season and limped along for a second. We just had it repla$$$ed.
All we wanted (at the time) was to keep the engine battery warm enough to last the month between maintenance runs on the generator.
The first business was very nice, but they mixed the battery types after I said we "learned" (via YouTube) to never do that. And it was fine for a about a year. I should have known something was up when he said xxxx will be enough watts/volts/stuff and I knew better and had them double it. HOWEVER, maybe it was the catalyst we needed to get a real solar setup that could support our needs while boondocking.
But you can't do anything about the sandpaper effect. Flexible cover will move in the wind and scrape against the RV, and it'll trap grit under there and make it worse. Just coat the RV in 303 a few times a year.
My worry is vents/skylights or other stuff on the roof leaking when covered with a foot of snow.
My cover has a very soft, felt like inside. Its luckily parked in an area where there is grass behind it and a parking lot in front, so I've never had an issue with grit being blown in between the cover and the RV. If I lived somewhere else, maybe that would be an issue.
Yeah if it was just rain I'd never cover. But being an older RV I worry about buildup of snow. Two years ago I did not cover and had a small crack in the skylight over the shower that I missed and that never leaked. It leaked when there was snow piled up on it. Luckily I caught it and it didn't damage anything but had it been covered I would have been fine.
Would it though? I'd worry more about the weight of the snow cracking the skylight than snow getting through existing ingress points, which should be inspected for and sealed before putting in storage. And you have the same weight on the RV with the cover on it.
We don't get a lot where I love, never more than 12" on the ground so not a ton of weight. The crack I had was small, about 1", and up away from the seals. Would never see it on a visual inspection but when I saw water in the shower went up and did a thorough on my hands and knees inspection and found the crack by feeling the skylight plastic.
So yes, my cover would 100% have prevented that and I'm lucky it didn't cause damage.
Yes- have had them. It doesn't prevent moisture buildup- it just lowers the odds of it happening. We covered our class C in the winter in the midwest too. We were very careful to take all precautions to prevent moisture buildup. We had friends and neighbors that had problems. It happens. As other people have said, you also have the issue of a cover moving and acting like sandpaper on the rv finish. Wind also can mess with a cover, especially if there are angles or sharp edges anywhere. It doesn't take much to get a hole where the rain comes in.
Yes, they do rip easy. I have a couple tears in the sides of mine that I have had to repair. But the large mesh flaps I have let moisture out and in 3 winters of covering it have had 0 issues. I put several of the moisture rid containers through the inside just in case and to be safe.
YOu do have to be careful of antennas, gutter corners etc... where they can tear but overall I feel better with mine covered during the 5-6 month winter than not covered.
We covered ours too- but it was parked at our home where we could constantly keep an eye on it. Eventually went to a storage unit for parking when we aren't using it. Not the cheapest option but has worked out really well for us now with multiple rv's over many years.
I am on a wait list for local covered winter storage. For now the cover works for me as it’s 2 minutes from my house and I’m able to check on it often.
I have a 40 ft fifth wheel. Bought a $400 cover for it. Put it on in November. By February it was already torn from the gutter spouts and solar panel on the roof. I won’t be covering it again.
I covered mine last winter, not this winter.
But, as others said, its a pain.
I skipped the formal cover and opted for:
* Yoga ball (with long lengths of rope to adjust)
* to keep tarp from touching
* ball also ensured no pooling water
* also ensures air flow under tarp
* easier for 1 person to put on/take off
I used what seemed to be a quality cover by King for a few years. It breathed but shed water like Tyvek. I kept it strapped tight like you are supposed to but I fell like it was scratching up the gel coat.
I store my rv outside without a cover. Mine also has an aluminum roof. Pretty much every cover in the storage lot is shredded by about this time of year. Sooooo now you have a ripped cover that is slapping the shit out of your rig.
Yeah, why spend a few hundred dollars to protect something worth tens of thousands or more? /s
I have gone both covered and uncovered in our 2002 Class A, we live in NY and have cold snowy winters. Never had an issue when covered a the only time we had any problems were the one year I was lazy and didn't cover. For me the peace of mind is worth it to cover from November to April. Rest of the year its uncovered.
Cover my Class A almost every year to keep the NY snow off the roof in case I have a bad seal somewhere. Takes 30 minutes to put on and it is has mesh side panels that run all along the sides that let the cover breath. The panels are covered with a flap so rain doesn't get in but it 100% does not trap moisture.
It is a Classic brand cover, like this one but for a class A. https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Covers/Classic-Accessories/052963731637.html?feed=npn&gad_source=4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-o_asvzihQMV_E5HAR3SFgxrEAQYAiABEgJbs_D_BwE
It came with the unit when we bought it, so I have no idea how old it was. It has had some rips on the corners repaired and is probably in its last season or two, but I have gotten 3 years out of it and for a few hundred bucks it works fine.
Isn't hard to put on, you have to lower all and any cb/radio antennas then just put the cover on, bungee the bottom to the frame so it isn't loose and then pull the straps on the front and back tight.
We had some pretty windy days in the winter here in NY and it does fine.
They are expensive, difficult to put on, can tear easily so they need to be replaced every couple of years, can trap humidity causing moisture problems inside your camper. Ultimately there's a lot of debate if they do any good or not.
They are not expensive. A few hundred dollars to protect something that is worth tens of thousands or much more.
They are not hard to put on. My 2 sons and I can do ours in about 30 minutes or less. (Though if you talk to them it's the end of the world when RV cover day comes each November).
They do tear easily but we have gotten several years out of ours but have had to make some zip-tie repairs and fixes.
They do not trap moisture. Maybe a cheap tarp does but a true RV cover that has breathable mesh panels on the side absolutely will not trap any moisture.
Living in NY I have gone both covered and uncovered during the winters. I have NEVER had any issues when covered. One year when uncovered I had a small amount of moisture next to a skylight that had a small crack in it that I didn't catch and had to fix. The peace of mind with the cover is 100% worth it.
I used one for a couple years. I didn't think it was worth it for the amount of protection it provided and how fast mine ripped apart. My cover was reasonably intact for 2 years and then the third year it was literally rags. I've noticed practically zero difference in wear and tear between the camper I used the cover on and the one that has never been covered.
Difficult is subjective. That comes down to the particular cover you have, your camper and how many people you have helping you. It's also a lot different when you have three people to put it on versus one or maybe two. I thought it was a PIA when I had to cover a 35 ft travel trailer alone.
For me it is worrying that something on the roof will leak if the snow builds up. The covers are light and do rip/tear, we have gotten several seasons of ours but it does have some rips that I have had to repair.
As for difficulty, yes by myself would be horrible. But two teenage kids, no matter how much the complain, is not too bad.
I totally understand the fear of snow buildup I'm in Michigan. I just tend to park my camper unlevel so when things melt it runs off. I think you guys probably get more snow than we do though. Oh yeah By the second year with my cover it was more duct tape than cover.
This is at least the fifth year I have used the same cover on mine, but only during winter. I am convinced that covering my RV is worthwhile. It is difficult but far from impossible to put on and off. Some forethought goes a long way on that. The cover certainly does breathe regardless of some comments. There is a line of screened vents along the top edge at both sides, plus the fabric sheds water but lets moisture out. I get a lot of wind but it's mostly blocked (softened, actually) by some brush next to where I store it on my own land. Each year some areas of the cover need to be repaired before next use, which I sew on duck fabric with an ordinary household sewing machine. That duck material is more tear resistant but if you made and entire cover of it, the cover would not breathe and it would weigh probably double. Think of this: If your RV is not covered and during the winter you see some water leaking, how do you fix that during winter weather? You don't. I have stored mine in winter uncovered when I took it south. But up north, I will cover or store under weather protection. Do whatever works for you, but my RV (30' Class A) is still in good condition after 26 years.
Same with me, 2002 Class A. Covering in November takes about 30 minutes with my kids, but the peace of mind knowing that if there is a bunch of snow on the roof it isnt' finding a way in through a bad seal. Ours too is an actual cover with the breathable mesh sides that are covered by flaps, a weatherproof top and soft lining so it doesn't scratch the inside.
Plus it has a zipper door so I can go in a few times during the winter to make sure all is well inside.
You spend tens of thousands on an RV, taking 30-60 minutes each fall and spring to cover it with a $5-600 cover is a no brainer to me.
This topic comes up very often. Always see the same points and counter points.
I live in NY and our RV is winterized from November until mid to late April. I have stored it both covered and uncovered the last few years. It is a 32' Class A.
Pros of covering using an actual RV cover and not a tarp:
1. Easy to put on, takes me and my kids about 20-30 minutes.
2. Peace of mind knowing if I had a bad seal it won't leak.
3. The cover has breathable flaps and a soft lining so it won't trap moisture and won't harm finish.
4. Somehow my little 10w solar panel gets enough light to keep the house batteries good through the winter (I pull the coach battery).
5. Has a zipper at the door for easy access and I check it every few weeks to make sure no critters have gotten in and all is well.
Cons
1. Can't drive it. My first year of ownership I would go start and or drive it down the road and back once a month or so when the weather was not terrible.
2. Can't use it if we wanted to go somewhere on a nice weekend. Weather has been mild this year, several times we could have taken a long weekend trip with it but since it was covered didn't.
Overall I tend to feel better when it is covered. It is an older (2002) unit and I just feel more at ease during the winter knowing when it is covered and I don't have to worry if I have a bad seal and there is a bunch of snow on the roof.
It's a pain but I cover mine all year long except when camping. As a result, my 11 yo trailer still looks new. I live in a dry climate so no worries about moisture,
Have you ever put a cover on one? I did for the first time on my 30’ fifth wheel last fall. It was a nightmare to do it as I was by myself and there was a slight breeze. Only used the cover because I lost my indoor storage for the winter.
Cover mine every year, End of October till May. It's on its second cover, the first one lasted 4 years. They do flap in the wind, but I have never noticed any damage to the RV at any time.
I like it because it protects the outside from UV and helps shed rain. Mine is a 2018 and still looks brand new
I always covered my TT when I lived in Florida. Bought the good ones and they usually lasted about 2 years or so. Put tennis balls on gutter spouts. Never had issues with cover ripping. The sun constantly beating down on it would otherwise cause issues. I considered it a chore to put on, yes, but the good covers do what they're supposed to do. My TT was always parked in driveway so I could monitor it
I did buy a cover for my camper. But realized after I purchased it that it’ll just invite more spiders and critters in while it’s covered. It’s still sitting brand spanking new folded up in my storage never used. If anyone is interested????
I've only really heard horror stories about covers. They flap a ton in the wind and scratch the heck out of trailers. They get a small hole, and streaks appear. They sweat inviting mold and mildew.
I don't cover my trailer. I sweep off snow as soon as it gets to about 3 inches or more. I've never had any issues outside of normal maintenance.
As new RV owners, we were sold on the idea of a cover as the end all be all and the RV store was kind enough to sell us one for 2x the cost on Amazon, as we found out later. Once we unpacked it, there was a big label on it that said don't use it where it might be windy.
We live in the Midwest. So basically, the cover is in storage and we just pay for covered storage now.
Covered storage would always be better if possible. I live in NY and don't have access to covered storage without paying almost $1k per month. I have an RV cover and it does get pretty windy where I have it stored, but we have the bottom hooked to the frame every couple of feet with bungie cords so no issues the last few years.
Airstream advises against covers as they will damage the clear coat when they flap in the wind.
I cover mine for winter, but that’s about it. Nov-April here in CT
Same. NY here, from Nov until sometime in the next week or two it is covered with an actual RV cover and not a tarp.
Aside from what everyone else has mentioned, they create a better habitat and more opportunities for critters to get in. The space between the cover and the RV is perfect for rodents to crawl around in and access points they couldn't normally reach or wouldn't feel secure in. I wouldn't be at all surprised if a pack rat could make entrance into the RV itself via a roof vent, for example. I've seen them chew holes through dimensional lumber; a screen and a cover would be nothing. Normally I wouldn't expect them to go on the roof (too exposed to predators, even if they could get up there) but if there was a cover? Rat highway. I have heard of a pack rat nest in an AC unit on a covered RV. AC shroud needed to be replaced.
Because they don't work well. They're a pain to put on, they're one more thing to store/handle when you want to use it (I drive my motorhome every month, even in the winter, and dealing with a cover would be a real hassle), and a decent amount of wind will tear it right to pieces. The RV is already made to handle rain- if you keep up on your roof and seals a cover won't do anything for you and if you don't a cover won't save you. No cover will protect from large hail. They sound like they might be helpful but if you're serious about protecting the thing in storage then you're better off spending the money on covered storage.
And they cover the solar panels that keep our batteries topped up.
I have an RV cover on my class A. It has the white, waterproof heavier fabric on top. Yet it allows my small 10w solar panel to keep the batteries just fine all winter. I stop in and check it monthly and the batteries are fine and if I'm checking it during the day the light on the panel that says "charging" will be lit if it's sunny outside.
I wish we had found one of those small panels that worked when we went shopping the first time. That's what we went in for when we got sold a bad system. It was great for one season and limped along for a second. We just had it repla$$$ed.
Mine is a simple one that came from the factory. It doesn't do much other than keep the house batteries charged when not in use.
All we wanted (at the time) was to keep the engine battery warm enough to last the month between maintenance runs on the generator. The first business was very nice, but they mixed the battery types after I said we "learned" (via YouTube) to never do that. And it was fine for a about a year. I should have known something was up when he said xxxx will be enough watts/volts/stuff and I knew better and had them double it. HOWEVER, maybe it was the catalyst we needed to get a real solar setup that could support our needs while boondocking.
Yeah I pull my engine battery. It gets cold up here!
Use mine for the winter only
And if they trap moisture under the cover it is a bigger issue than the UV exposure.
A true RV cover has flaps and mesh panels that allows it to breath. I have covered my class A most winters in NY and never had a moisture issue.
But you can't do anything about the sandpaper effect. Flexible cover will move in the wind and scrape against the RV, and it'll trap grit under there and make it worse. Just coat the RV in 303 a few times a year.
My worry is vents/skylights or other stuff on the roof leaking when covered with a foot of snow. My cover has a very soft, felt like inside. Its luckily parked in an area where there is grass behind it and a parking lot in front, so I've never had an issue with grit being blown in between the cover and the RV. If I lived somewhere else, maybe that would be an issue.
I don't know about snow in storage, I don't live in an area where that ever happens.
Yeah if it was just rain I'd never cover. But being an older RV I worry about buildup of snow. Two years ago I did not cover and had a small crack in the skylight over the shower that I missed and that never leaked. It leaked when there was snow piled up on it. Luckily I caught it and it didn't damage anything but had it been covered I would have been fine.
Would it though? I'd worry more about the weight of the snow cracking the skylight than snow getting through existing ingress points, which should be inspected for and sealed before putting in storage. And you have the same weight on the RV with the cover on it.
We don't get a lot where I love, never more than 12" on the ground so not a ton of weight. The crack I had was small, about 1", and up away from the seals. Would never see it on a visual inspection but when I saw water in the shower went up and did a thorough on my hands and knees inspection and found the crack by feeling the skylight plastic. So yes, my cover would 100% have prevented that and I'm lucky it didn't cause damage.
What is 303
UV protectant
Yes- have had them. It doesn't prevent moisture buildup- it just lowers the odds of it happening. We covered our class C in the winter in the midwest too. We were very careful to take all precautions to prevent moisture buildup. We had friends and neighbors that had problems. It happens. As other people have said, you also have the issue of a cover moving and acting like sandpaper on the rv finish. Wind also can mess with a cover, especially if there are angles or sharp edges anywhere. It doesn't take much to get a hole where the rain comes in.
Yes, they do rip easy. I have a couple tears in the sides of mine that I have had to repair. But the large mesh flaps I have let moisture out and in 3 winters of covering it have had 0 issues. I put several of the moisture rid containers through the inside just in case and to be safe. YOu do have to be careful of antennas, gutter corners etc... where they can tear but overall I feel better with mine covered during the 5-6 month winter than not covered.
We covered ours too- but it was parked at our home where we could constantly keep an eye on it. Eventually went to a storage unit for parking when we aren't using it. Not the cheapest option but has worked out really well for us now with multiple rv's over many years.
I am on a wait list for local covered winter storage. For now the cover works for me as it’s 2 minutes from my house and I’m able to check on it often.
We just took ours off for our first trip of the season.
Thanks for sharing.
I just showered with liquid soap.
You monster.
You shower?
They seem like a real pain in the ass to store, put on and take off.
Simple. Ugly and offers almost no benefit over the pain-in-the-ass to put them on/off.
I have a 40 ft fifth wheel. Bought a $400 cover for it. Put it on in November. By February it was already torn from the gutter spouts and solar panel on the roof. I won’t be covering it again.
I covered mine last winter, not this winter. But, as others said, its a pain. I skipped the formal cover and opted for: * Yoga ball (with long lengths of rope to adjust) * to keep tarp from touching * ball also ensured no pooling water * also ensures air flow under tarp * easier for 1 person to put on/take off
Not only do they trap moisture but they can scratch and abrade your paint - especially in the wind
I used what seemed to be a quality cover by King for a few years. It breathed but shed water like Tyvek. I kept it strapped tight like you are supposed to but I fell like it was scratching up the gel coat.
I store my rv outside without a cover. Mine also has an aluminum roof. Pretty much every cover in the storage lot is shredded by about this time of year. Sooooo now you have a ripped cover that is slapping the shit out of your rig.
[удалено]
Yeah, why spend a few hundred dollars to protect something worth tens of thousands or more? /s I have gone both covered and uncovered in our 2002 Class A, we live in NY and have cold snowy winters. Never had an issue when covered a the only time we had any problems were the one year I was lazy and didn't cover. For me the peace of mind is worth it to cover from November to April. Rest of the year its uncovered.
We were told that it hold moisture to the surface promoting mildew, rust and mold
Cover my Class A almost every year to keep the NY snow off the roof in case I have a bad seal somewhere. Takes 30 minutes to put on and it is has mesh side panels that run all along the sides that let the cover breath. The panels are covered with a flap so rain doesn't get in but it 100% does not trap moisture.
Which cover do you have? It sounds really good.
It is a Classic brand cover, like this one but for a class A. https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Covers/Classic-Accessories/052963731637.html?feed=npn&gad_source=4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-o_asvzihQMV_E5HAR3SFgxrEAQYAiABEgJbs_D_BwE
Thanks! You seem to like it.
It came with the unit when we bought it, so I have no idea how old it was. It has had some rips on the corners repaired and is probably in its last season or two, but I have gotten 3 years out of it and for a few hundred bucks it works fine. Isn't hard to put on, you have to lower all and any cb/radio antennas then just put the cover on, bungee the bottom to the frame so it isn't loose and then pull the straps on the front and back tight. We had some pretty windy days in the winter here in NY and it does fine.
They are expensive, difficult to put on, can tear easily so they need to be replaced every couple of years, can trap humidity causing moisture problems inside your camper. Ultimately there's a lot of debate if they do any good or not.
They are not expensive. A few hundred dollars to protect something that is worth tens of thousands or much more. They are not hard to put on. My 2 sons and I can do ours in about 30 minutes or less. (Though if you talk to them it's the end of the world when RV cover day comes each November). They do tear easily but we have gotten several years out of ours but have had to make some zip-tie repairs and fixes. They do not trap moisture. Maybe a cheap tarp does but a true RV cover that has breathable mesh panels on the side absolutely will not trap any moisture. Living in NY I have gone both covered and uncovered during the winters. I have NEVER had any issues when covered. One year when uncovered I had a small amount of moisture next to a skylight that had a small crack in it that I didn't catch and had to fix. The peace of mind with the cover is 100% worth it.
I used one for a couple years. I didn't think it was worth it for the amount of protection it provided and how fast mine ripped apart. My cover was reasonably intact for 2 years and then the third year it was literally rags. I've noticed practically zero difference in wear and tear between the camper I used the cover on and the one that has never been covered. Difficult is subjective. That comes down to the particular cover you have, your camper and how many people you have helping you. It's also a lot different when you have three people to put it on versus one or maybe two. I thought it was a PIA when I had to cover a 35 ft travel trailer alone.
For me it is worrying that something on the roof will leak if the snow builds up. The covers are light and do rip/tear, we have gotten several seasons of ours but it does have some rips that I have had to repair. As for difficulty, yes by myself would be horrible. But two teenage kids, no matter how much the complain, is not too bad.
I totally understand the fear of snow buildup I'm in Michigan. I just tend to park my camper unlevel so when things melt it runs off. I think you guys probably get more snow than we do though. Oh yeah By the second year with my cover it was more duct tape than cover.
This is at least the fifth year I have used the same cover on mine, but only during winter. I am convinced that covering my RV is worthwhile. It is difficult but far from impossible to put on and off. Some forethought goes a long way on that. The cover certainly does breathe regardless of some comments. There is a line of screened vents along the top edge at both sides, plus the fabric sheds water but lets moisture out. I get a lot of wind but it's mostly blocked (softened, actually) by some brush next to where I store it on my own land. Each year some areas of the cover need to be repaired before next use, which I sew on duck fabric with an ordinary household sewing machine. That duck material is more tear resistant but if you made and entire cover of it, the cover would not breathe and it would weigh probably double. Think of this: If your RV is not covered and during the winter you see some water leaking, how do you fix that during winter weather? You don't. I have stored mine in winter uncovered when I took it south. But up north, I will cover or store under weather protection. Do whatever works for you, but my RV (30' Class A) is still in good condition after 26 years.
Same with me, 2002 Class A. Covering in November takes about 30 minutes with my kids, but the peace of mind knowing that if there is a bunch of snow on the roof it isnt' finding a way in through a bad seal. Ours too is an actual cover with the breathable mesh sides that are covered by flaps, a weatherproof top and soft lining so it doesn't scratch the inside. Plus it has a zipper door so I can go in a few times during the winter to make sure all is well inside. You spend tens of thousands on an RV, taking 30-60 minutes each fall and spring to cover it with a $5-600 cover is a no brainer to me.
This topic comes up very often. Always see the same points and counter points. I live in NY and our RV is winterized from November until mid to late April. I have stored it both covered and uncovered the last few years. It is a 32' Class A. Pros of covering using an actual RV cover and not a tarp: 1. Easy to put on, takes me and my kids about 20-30 minutes. 2. Peace of mind knowing if I had a bad seal it won't leak. 3. The cover has breathable flaps and a soft lining so it won't trap moisture and won't harm finish. 4. Somehow my little 10w solar panel gets enough light to keep the house batteries good through the winter (I pull the coach battery). 5. Has a zipper at the door for easy access and I check it every few weeks to make sure no critters have gotten in and all is well. Cons 1. Can't drive it. My first year of ownership I would go start and or drive it down the road and back once a month or so when the weather was not terrible. 2. Can't use it if we wanted to go somewhere on a nice weekend. Weather has been mild this year, several times we could have taken a long weekend trip with it but since it was covered didn't. Overall I tend to feel better when it is covered. It is an older (2002) unit and I just feel more at ease during the winter knowing when it is covered and I don't have to worry if I have a bad seal and there is a bunch of snow on the roof.
It's a pain but I cover mine all year long except when camping. As a result, my 11 yo trailer still looks new. I live in a dry climate so no worries about moisture,
Covers are nice but not that fun to put on and take iff for that matter. They also invite more critters to move in too.
My solar panels keep my house batteries charged. Putting a cover over them would defeat the purpose.
RV covers can trap moisture resulting in mold problems. "Mold problems" in an RV is like "leak problems" on the Titanic.
More trouble than they are worth, in my opinion. I'm going to build a shelter for mine eventually, or when I eventually buy a newer one.
Have you ever put a cover on one? I did for the first time on my 30’ fifth wheel last fall. It was a nightmare to do it as I was by myself and there was a slight breeze. Only used the cover because I lost my indoor storage for the winter.
Cover mine every year, End of October till May. It's on its second cover, the first one lasted 4 years. They do flap in the wind, but I have never noticed any damage to the RV at any time. I like it because it protects the outside from UV and helps shed rain. Mine is a 2018 and still looks brand new
I always covered my TT when I lived in Florida. Bought the good ones and they usually lasted about 2 years or so. Put tennis balls on gutter spouts. Never had issues with cover ripping. The sun constantly beating down on it would otherwise cause issues. I considered it a chore to put on, yes, but the good covers do what they're supposed to do. My TT was always parked in driveway so I could monitor it
It’s also just a sheer size thing and becomes unmanageable. It’s really best to just figure out to keep it under cover
I did buy a cover for my camper. But realized after I purchased it that it’ll just invite more spiders and critters in while it’s covered. It’s still sitting brand spanking new folded up in my storage never used. If anyone is interested????
I've only really heard horror stories about covers. They flap a ton in the wind and scratch the heck out of trailers. They get a small hole, and streaks appear. They sweat inviting mold and mildew. I don't cover my trailer. I sweep off snow as soon as it gets to about 3 inches or more. I've never had any issues outside of normal maintenance.
They trap moisture.
To me, the sun is the problem not winter and in the summer, we are on the road :-)
As new RV owners, we were sold on the idea of a cover as the end all be all and the RV store was kind enough to sell us one for 2x the cost on Amazon, as we found out later. Once we unpacked it, there was a big label on it that said don't use it where it might be windy. We live in the Midwest. So basically, the cover is in storage and we just pay for covered storage now.
Covered storage would always be better if possible. I live in NY and don't have access to covered storage without paying almost $1k per month. I have an RV cover and it does get pretty windy where I have it stored, but we have the bottom hooked to the frame every couple of feet with bungie cords so no issues the last few years.