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One of the conversations that I see on a regular basis concerning RVs is should you use a cover for off-season storage. Let’s get into the reasons for and against using a cover on your RV off-season. Here are a few reasons for using a cover for your RV…
For
The first benefit would be UV protection. It is fairly obvious that the sun continuing to beat down on the finish of your RV off-season can mean long-term trouble. This is especially true in high-sun climates. A cover can curtail this issue and add to the longevity of your finish, seals and caulk.
Next, a cover will keep dirt and debris from laying on the roof of your RV. Leaves, soot, bird droppings and sap left untouched can all wreak havoc on your RV finish, seals and caulk. A cover can potentially lessen the impact of these natural elements. Some of these are avoidable based on where you have your RV parked, but a cover does add benefit by keeping debris off of your finish.
Also, a cover can potentially keep the interior of your RV cooler, especially if the cover reflects the heat of the sun. This means that the interior is avoiding the high heat that comes with direct sunlight that will likely reduce longevity.
Finally, a cover can protect against the effects of moisture. This includes both rain and snow. Ideally, every RV would be stored inside and away from the elements, but this isn’t likely for most RVs as inside storage is either prohibitively expensive or simply not available. The effects of direct expose to rain and snow will mean the need for more regular maintenance of caulk and seals. A cover can potentially delay the effects of the elements on your RV from sitting in outdoor storage.
If you decide to purchase and use a cover for your RV, consider a breathable cover, so that moisture won’t get trapped between the cover and the surface of the RV. You want moisture to evaporate and a breathable cover will help with this. Avoid covers like tarps and opt for something that is form-fitted for your specific make and model. If you use a loose-fitting cover, you may find that the RV gets beat up by the cover off-season with the wind.
Also, a loose-fitting cover may allow critters to take up residence between the cover and your RV. You want to use a cover that is tight enough fitting that there is little chance of the cover moving in the wind or of it allowing critters to find their way under the cover.
Against
There are some good reasons to forgo using a cover off-season, the first of which is that a cover gets in the way of inspecting your RV. You should visit your RV in storage fairly regularly to see that it is doing well. A cover only gets in the way of doing a snap inspection. Even covers with doors won’t easily let you see the condition of some of the outside areas, like the water heater. It takes real effort to remove and reinstall the cover each time you visit your RV in storage, so count the cost. The beauty of not having a cover is that you can swing by storage on your way to somewhere else and do a five-minute inspection and be on your way.
I would also argue that having good maintenance habits can equal much of what a cover promises. If you can avoid parking under tree limbs or in direct sun, and if you regularly use a high-quality wax, it can equate to the potential benefits of a cover. Good maintenance would also mean brushing off heavy snow falls from the roof of the RV if possible. It is a lot of work to maintain an RV well, and if the work seems overwhelming, then maybe a cover is a good idea.
To me, a cover is ideal if you can find one that form-fits your RV or you don’t plan to wash and wax your RV regularly or if your RV will incur heavy sun light in storage. Contrarily, I would likely avoid a cover altogether if the only cover I can find for my RV is a something loose-fitting. If I can store my RV clear of trees and out of too much sun and can commit to the hard work of waxing my trailer, then I also would likely forgo a cover.
If after reading this, you are interested in a cover, I would recommend looking at our Amazon Storefront as we have the Classic Accessories form-fitting covers available. The link will bring you to the R-Pod cover, but others are available.
All the best in your camping endeavors!
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